WEBVTT

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

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Let us bow our heads. Dear God our Father, we glorify you and we welcome your

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presence here. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and your love for this city and

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and all those who dwell here. Your desire is for peace, unity and prosperity.

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As decisions are made here tonight, we pray that they would be in agreement with

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your desires.

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We ask that those things that are in the past will be forgotten

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and all would reach forward to those things which are ahead.

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May all walk in the same rule and be of the same mind.

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May understanding, patience, respect and unity abound as decisions are made this

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evening.

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We pray for health through return to Dovie and all others who may be ill at this time.

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May their strength and their health be restored.

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And Father, we thank you for those that are being honored tonight and recognized.

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It's always a joy to recognize those who serve among us.

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We thank you, Lord, for all that you are.

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In Jesus' name, Amen.

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In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Amen.

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Thank you.

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Now we'll officially call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller?

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Here.

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Klemm?

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Monroe?

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Monroe? Here. Simmons? Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. Sellers? Here.

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And if I could please ask for a motion to allow Alderman Klemm to remote in for this evening's

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meeting. So second. A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle for remote access.

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Discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Alderpersons, Klemm? You have to start with

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Monroe. Okay, Monroe? No. Simmons? Parker? Yes. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No.

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Sellers aye so there's a three to three tie so you would call the mayor's vote

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to break the tie Mayor Miller aye so that would create a four four to three

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Bache, John, William & Mary, Hmmm, is there anyone else?

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If not, bring my microphone.

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Okay.

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Okay.

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Thank you.

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Okay.

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Klemm, are you here?

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Yes she is.

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Okay.

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Thank you.

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So, the next is the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Okay, thank you. So next is the Pledge of Allegiance. If you could please stand for that led by Alderman Monroe.

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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.

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Bush's Executive Session, there was no need for executive tonight, so with that is there

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a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle, Madam Clerk, would

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you please take the roll?

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Alderperson is 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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Parker.

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Aye.

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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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Motion passes. Item number two is approval from the minutes from the regular meeting of December 16th, 2024. Is there a motion to approve?

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It's all moved. Second.

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The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll.

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Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers. Motion passes.

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and we just have one person signed in for public comment, Steve Carroll.

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K. I. M. Steve Carroll. Got to say it because the OMA requires it. So anyway, this is about

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street lights. Years ago on Oak, where I live, we had great street lights. They were bright

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yellow lights that gave great coverage and very high definition. About seven or eight

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years ago, the lights were changed over to LED lights that don't have the coverage and

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Very Poor definition. This was done as a cost savings measure for the city. However, this

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was done at the expense of public safety, as recent events have now proven. In the last

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two weeks on Oak, there's been gunfire in the 1400 block, 1200 block, and finally last

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Wednesday evening, it appeared at the 800 block where I live. Once again, I watched

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as the street in front of my house was blocked off as officers were looking for empty shell

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casings with their flashlight. I don't think the LED street light in front of my house

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was of much help. I firmly believe that the older yellow lights would have made their

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job somewhat easier. Crime hides in the shadows and with the current lighting on Oak, they've

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got plenty of shadows to hide in. The situation on Oak is now very dangerous and I'm no

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No stranger to Oak Street gunfire, as this has been a problem for years, but right now

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it is the worst I have ever seen. Sadly, my neighborhood isn't the only neighborhood that

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needs better lighting. This is an easy fix. Fix it. I would like to thank Chief Shenberger,

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because he has been incredibly responsive and helpful. That doesn't happen to me much,

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D. Maybe on a brighter side. Friday night, about 9.30, I heard some people talking outside.

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I heard a dog barking, and I'm thinking, oh, God, what now? I looked outside. There were

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two or three police cars there. Wow. I walked out onto the sidewalk, and this figure walks

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across the street and says, hi, Steve, how are you? And I said, okay, who are you? Well,

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Shenberger. And the thing is, the lighting was so poor, I couldn't figure it out. What

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are you, 6'5"? Yeah. Not a good day. Yeah. But come on, guys. Let's make this place safer.

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Maybe you won't have me in here as much. But anyway. So thanks.

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Thank you. Thank you.

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We'll move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda.

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The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's

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a member of the council would like to have something removed for further discussion.

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Seeing nothing, the consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file Board

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of Fire and Police Commission dated December 17th, 2024, the Greater Freeport Partnership

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Report, January 25, the Liquor Commission from November 7, 2024, the Finance Fills Payable

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in the total of $2,589,777.37, Payroll for pay period ending January 25, 2025, in the

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total of $565,979.57.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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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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Parker?

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Aye.

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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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Madam Clerk, could you please let the record reflect that at 6.05 Alderman Simmons entered

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the meeting?

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Yes.

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and then when you're ready,

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if you could please read the appointments.

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Reappointment of Craig Deininger

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to the Ethics Commission effective

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through February 22nd, 2027.

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Reappointment of Quincy Carter

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to the Ethics Commission effective

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through February 22nd, 2027.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Parker,

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seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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Discussion?

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Alderman Monroe

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Thank you Madam Mayor

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In the past

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I've been against some of the reappointments

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I know both of these gentlemen

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and they tend to be a very high

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moral fiber

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I do have some concern

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because in recent

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weeks we've uncovered

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the last one that we got a tongue lashing over

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Mr. Attorney

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Steve Cox who happens to be

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and the City Attorney, Steve Cox, who happens to be one of the City Attorneys, happens to

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own a business with the Mayor.

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None of that was disclosed to the Council.

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None of that was brought up.

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None of that was shared.

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And it makes me now question a lot more the reappointments and the appointments that the

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Mayor is performing in this City.

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If it weren't...

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I'd just like to ask, what is that business?

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Don't please don't interrupt me.

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and others.

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If it weren't for their high quality

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moral fortitude, if you will, I would probably try to block

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this as well.

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But I think it's disingenuous of you, Mayor, to hide that you've

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got relationships and it gives the appearance, once again,

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we've been talking about ethics, which is hilariously funny

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here, the ethics commission, that this comes up in a time

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and

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Mr.

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Miller, and I think it's important that you're much more

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forward and sharing information than you have been in the past.

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If I wouldn't have seen it posted online, I didn't think to

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go look, but I probably wouldn't have found it either, because

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it's buried within the documents within the state.

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So I came here tonight to ask you, on the record, are either

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For these gentlemen associated with a business that you own.

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Well, once again, what is this business that I have with Attorney Cox, because I'm unaware

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of it.

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Would you like me to read the document that you signed?

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Please enlighten me.

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Business Entity, Freeport Festivals, Incorporated Corporate Name, Registered Agent Steve Cox,

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208 West Stevenson St. 101, Vice President Steve Cox, Director Jodi Miller.

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I know what you're talking about and that is not a business that is owned. That is a non-for-profit that was organized to be able to form the Tutti Baker Festival and we named it Freeport Festivals so that way in case it branched out further from Tutti it could actually incorporate anything having to do with Freeport and that's been common knowledge since we started Tutti Baker stuff. This is the third year. Nothing's ever been here. Nobody's ever brought it to the floor. Nobody's ever told us who was involved.

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City thing. That's a private nonprofit with four volunteers. There's nothing to hide.

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Okay. Okay. So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role.

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Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.

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Sanders, Sellers, aye. Motion passes. Item number six is presentation of

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employees of the year awards. Manager Boyer. Thank your honor. Each year the

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city provides recognition for outstanding service to the city from

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varying departments. Tonight I'd like to start with community development then go

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to library and then we will talk about police and fire. So thank you Wayne.

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Thank you, Manager Boyer.

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So today I am happy to name Doug Quinn as the City Hall Employee of the Year.

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Mr. Quinn has stepped up this year in his role as our Code Enforcement Supervisor and he

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has implemented significant changes to both our contractor license database and our rental

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registration.

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He has led the charge in making our contractor license renewal process entirely digital.

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So I can't express how much easier it's made the lives of our contractors as well as our

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staff.

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So very appreciative of that and it was a job well done there.

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I also want to state that Mr. Quinn has led the charge to completely revamp our rental

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registry by onboarding the new software platform of Ptolemae.

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And he worked tirelessly with their team to ensure that our rental registration process

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is also entirely virtual.

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On top of that, he also helped to identify more than 3,000 suspected rental properties

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within the City of Freeport, all through using the Ptolemae platform.

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and as of Friday, last Friday, we've already began the process of mailing more than 1,500

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letters to the owners of all these 3,000 properties.

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Finally, I want to state that Doug has kept a professional and positive attitude during

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a year of turnover.

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He's worked with three different nuisance inspectors and he found a way to still produce

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over 5,000 code enforcement activities for our department.

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and he's just done a tremendous job training John Gunther who's our newest Nuisance Inspector

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and he's already set out to have a record-setting December with over 500 Nuisance Inspection

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activities.

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So Doug, I just want to say congratulations on a job well done.

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Thank you.

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Hicks. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you. Thank you. Our employee of the year is not here, but I'm still going to go ahead and talk about him. So I'm happy to announce Mark

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has worked at the library since December of 2021

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and is the first part-time employee to be voted

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to win the employee of the year.

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He is consistent, dependable,

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and will always have customer, excellent customer service.

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He has a wonderful sense of humor

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and the library team loves working with him.

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Over the years, I've received several comments,

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compliments from library patrons

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about Mark's customer service skills.

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They really enjoy Mark being at the library.

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As a leader, I can say Mark embodies the attitude

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and work ethic that every boss seeks.

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In the past three years have been a blast

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and I look forward to the years to come.

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Congratulations, Mark.

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Congratulations, Mark. Thank you. Chief Shenberger?

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Thank you. So we traditionally give out a Civilian of the Year award at the Police Department and an Officer of the Year award.

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and I, and I'm going to hand out these awards. We already

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handed out these awards on our Christmas party last month, so

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we'll do it again. Craig, you want to step up here?

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So, our 2024 Civilian Employee of the Year is Craig

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Deininger. And I'm just going to read some of the excerpts of

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letters that people and emails people sent in. So the purpose

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Dininger as the 2024 Civilian of the Year. Craig received nominations from six different employees

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at the Police Department. Craig currently serves as the Police Department's Parking Enforcement

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Officer. However, Craig takes on many other roles and performs tasks most probably don't even notice

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on a daily basis. Here are some of the letters I received from PD employees regarding Craig's

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commitment to the department. I would like to nominate Craig Dininger as Civilian of the Year.

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Craig does so much around the PD and he always has the biggest smile.

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His work inside and outside the PD shows his level of dedication to the department and the community.

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Craig is always moving, always doing something, mowing, watering, planting flowers, taking care

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of parking issues, removing seven-day vehicles. Craig does outstanding work and he deserves

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the recognition. Craig is a multi-tool of the PD and deserves recognition for his efforts. Craig

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Craig always seems to have a good attitude as well.

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He's a stand-up guy, not much else needs to be said.

00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:08.519
My nomination for Civilian of the Year is Craig Dininger.

00:19:08.519 --> 00:19:12.840
Craig has helped me numerous times with tasks at the PD, including hanging up a key box

00:19:12.840 --> 00:19:17.800
for me in the CO's office, moving cabinets, cleaning out and reorganizing storage, closet

00:19:17.800 --> 00:19:20.119
from across the evidence room.

00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:23.559
Craig is always willing to help out and keeps a positive attitude.

00:19:23.559 --> 00:19:28.559
I've noticed Craig even comes in on his unscheduled hours and waters flowers and cleans up around

00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:32.880
from the P.D. Craig is an inspiration to us all and puts me in a better mood every time

00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:38.240
I see him. I think it's clear that everyone deserves that the Civilian of the Year Award

00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:42.160
should go to Craig Deininger. The reason he should win the award can be summed up by his

00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:47.360
typical work day, which is everything but typical. Almost everyone who recommended Craig commented

00:19:47.360 --> 00:19:51.800
on his great attitude and work ethic. Craig keeps people's spirits high as he walks down

00:19:51.800 --> 00:19:59.160
on the hallway, greeting everyone in the morning, and very loudly too sometimes, but it makes

00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:00.200
it hard to be in a bad mood.

00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:04.120
It makes it hard to be in a bad mood after talking to him.

00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:06.360
Craig also works hard during his off hours

00:20:06.360 --> 00:20:08.400
to keep the downtown looking nice.

00:20:08.400 --> 00:20:11.680
Craig volunteers in different aspects of the community,

00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:14.440
including helping with police department events.

00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:16.720
He is the first to sign up to ring the bell

00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:18.080
for the Salvation Army.

00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:20.039
He will not hesitate to go up against someone

00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:21.920
half his age and twice his size

00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.600
in a community basketball game,

00:20:23.600 --> 00:20:25.640
all with a smile on his face.

00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:28.319
Craig goes out of his way to know members of the community

00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:33.080
and tries to do what he can to help resolve issues.

00:20:33.080 --> 00:20:34.799
The perfect example is all the work he did

00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:36.880
with the parking issues downtown.

00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:38.640
Craig went beyond marking tires.

00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:40.400
He reached out and talked to people

00:20:40.400 --> 00:20:42.299
to try to resolve the problem.

00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:44.519
Craig displays a willingness to volunteer

00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:46.360
and complete any task.

00:20:46.360 --> 00:20:49.000
One incident in particular sticks out to me.

00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:51.320
During the Hosmer incident this year,

00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:52.980
Craig, before going home for the day,

00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:55.440
made it a point to check to see if there was anything

00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:58.259
He could do for all the officers that were on scene.

00:20:58.259 --> 00:21:00.039
Craig made runs for pizza and water

00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:02.220
to make sure all the officers were taken care of.

00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:04.519
This was a task that no one would have expected Craig to do,

00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:07.120
but he did so without hesitation.

00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:10.680
So based on all that, we felt that Craig, by far,

00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:14.320
deserved the 2024 Civilian of the Year Award.

00:21:14.320 --> 00:21:15.160
Congratulations.

00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:18.160
and others.

00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:23.160
Thank you.

00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.160
and John.

00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:50.799
Our 2024 Officer of the Year Award went to Corporal Andrew Good.

00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:55.000
The purpose of this letter is to formally award Corporal Andrew Good as a 2024 Officer of

00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:56.259
the Year.

00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:59.900
Corporal Good was nominated by several of his peers who submitted letters outlining

00:21:59.900 --> 00:22:04.120
their reasons why they felt Corporal Good was worthy of this award.

00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:08.120
One of the letters submitted consisted of the following, I'd like to nominate Corporal

00:22:08.120 --> 00:22:10.059
Good for Officer of the Year.

00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:12.960
Corporal Good deserves Officer of the Year for numerous reasons.

00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:16.400
I believe he goes above and beyond his duties on a daily basis.

00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:19.880
Corporal Good is always a pleasure to work for and with.

00:22:19.880 --> 00:22:21.640
He helps keep the shift in good spirits,

00:22:21.640 --> 00:22:23.599
no matter what may happen each day.

00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:26.079
Corporal Good is supportive of everyone on shift

00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:28.000
and is willing to help anyone he can,

00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.820
even when it's not work-related.

00:22:29.820 --> 00:22:31.799
Corporal Good is always assisting with calls

00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:34.440
and investigations any chance he can

00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:36.700
and has never made it seem like a burden.

00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:38.799
Corporal Good truly wants everyone to perform well

00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:41.599
at their jobs and is always willing to answer questions

00:22:41.600 --> 00:22:43.340
No matter how busy he is.

00:22:43.340 --> 00:22:45.120
Corporal Good, additionally, is always willing

00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:48.759
to listen to complaints and concerns to help resolve issues.

00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:51.680
As a bonus, his wife, Alyssa, always makes

00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:53.180
the best food for the chef.

00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:57.100
So I have also been fortunate to know Corporal Good

00:22:57.100 --> 00:23:00.200
since he started his career with the department in 2013,

00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:03.200
and I've witnessed him mature from a rookie patrolman

00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:05.960
to a leader who is a cornerstone of the department.

00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:07.519
Corporal Good serves the department

00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:09.340
in many different capacities,

00:23:09.340 --> 00:23:11.559
as a member of the Emergency Response Team,

00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:14.480
is an officer on the FOP Labor Council,

00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:16.640
a member of the ILEAS Mobile Field Force,

00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:18.720
and is a field training officer.

00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:20.920
Corporal Goode has also taken the lead to renovate

00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:22.759
and organize the lounge room area

00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:25.080
in the basement of the police department.

00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:26.039
So based on all this,

00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:29.100
and you can't find a better person today,

00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:33.080
definitely deserving of the Officer of the Year Award.

00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:35.079
Thank you very much.

00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:05.079
Duns pop-up line 13.

00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:12.559
Chef O'Rourke.

00:24:18.820 --> 00:24:21.000
It is my distinct pleasure to recognize the director of the

00:24:23.840 --> 00:24:25.840
year.

00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:28.300
This year, Director Wayne Duckman has been instrumental

00:24:28.300 --> 00:24:31.480
in a tremendous amount of work being accomplished, in the

00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:36.680
of Dangerous Properties and a remarkable 5,144 code enforcement activities.

00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:39.519
These numbers, though, do not tell the whole story.

00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:42.519
Director Duckman worked tirelessly with city staff

00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:45.480
to combat the issue of noncompliant landlords with the city.

00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:48.880
In twenty twenty four, his department implemented the new

00:24:49.120 --> 00:24:52.420
rental registration software that allowed both the city and the landlords

00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:55.720
alike to utilize a more comprehensive software

00:24:56.960 --> 00:25:00.480
that ultimately improves communication and relationships

00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:19.140
and

00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:21.140
and

00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:24.140
John.

00:25:25.140 --> 00:25:41.140
He has worked to build relationships with outside agencies to bring new life to Freeport. His ability to show the potential of this city to organizations such as the Northwest Illinois Land Bank has brought new hope for dilapidated homes.

00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:45.300
and others. The expertise he has cultivated within his department has secured millions

00:25:45.300 --> 00:25:51.140
of dollars in grants that even as federal agencies saying what he's doing for Freeport

00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:57.579
is nothing short of a miracle. I could go on about the accomplishments he and his department

00:25:57.579 --> 00:26:02.579
reached in 24, but I'd like to end by highlighting the importance of his professionalism and

00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:08.200
compassion toward the residents of Freeport. Spend an afternoon here at the front desk

00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:12.599
Hickett City Hall, and you'll see a variety of cases he and his departments encounter on

00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:17.559
a daily basis. They constantly have to be on their toes to help each unique situation

00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:24.160
with a tremendous amount of patience and compassion. Director Duckman and his excellently trained

00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:29.800
department, each has to be ready to assist and for what we are all incredibly grateful

00:26:29.800 --> 00:26:36.920
as they truly are our first point of contact for many residents here. With that, I thankfully

00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:42.400
Present Director Duckman with City of Freeport's Director of the Year.

00:27:06.920 --> 00:27:13.920
Now with that, I'd like to recognize the City Employee of the Year. Chief, would you join me up here?

00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:20.920
This year's Employee of the Year, firefighter, fighter, and paramedic Mark McCullough.

00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:26.920
He began his decorated career exactly 18 years ago today.

00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:32.920
Not only in 2024, but throughout Mark's career, he has shown several qualities and characteristics

00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:43.000
and Mark. Mark has extensive firefighting experience not only with Freeport Fire Department but

00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:49.320
with years of service on a Wisconsin Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. Mark is a consummate

00:27:49.320 --> 00:27:58.120
leader, patient, knowledgeable, self-motivated, ever-training, thorough, and extremely intelligent.

00:27:58.120 --> 00:28:04.860
Mark is compassionate and always kind and tough when he has to be. Mark leads by example.

00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:10.120
Mark has never walked away from a problem that he could not fix without doing just that.

00:28:10.120 --> 00:28:15.740
His knowledge in everything from construction, electrical, and general repair is definitely

00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:21.920
a bonus for all of us here at the City for the Freeport Fire Department. It's a knowledge

00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:27.820
that he is always willing to share. Mark's priority is and always has been to leave the

00:28:27.820 --> 00:28:57.820
and Mark. Mark is a veteran firefighter, and he has learned the fire station better than he found it. Mark takes time with new recruits to demonstrate skills or walk them through how to build, repair, or operate something until both parties are satisfied with the lessons that were learned. This is true whether Mark is working on completing monthly fire inspections, treating a patient as assigned to the ambulance, working as lieutenant for the day, or acting as an engineer of one of the engines.

00:28:57.820 --> 00:28:59.820
and

00:29:01.820 --> 00:29:03.820
the rest of the board.

00:29:04.820 --> 00:29:06.820
Mark is an example of what all members of the Freeport fire

00:29:06.820 --> 00:29:12.820
should model themselves. Lastly, Mark can be counted on.

00:29:12.820 --> 00:29:16.820
Mark participates in many activities. He accepts overtime

00:29:16.820 --> 00:29:21.820
when others refuse. He's a member of the tactical EMS team.

00:29:21.820 --> 00:29:25.820
He's part of the tactical rescue team and serves as a member of

00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:32.820
for all you do. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you.

00:29:32.820 --> 00:29:49.940
and I want to highlight that at the cow next week we'll be giving recognition to our public

00:29:49.940 --> 00:30:06.980
Works Department. Thank you. Item number seven is recognition of service awards.

00:30:06.980 --> 00:30:24.780
Manager Boyer, did you want to start with that one? Yes, I believe we have a fire

00:30:24.780 --> 00:30:27.780
Fire Department, 20 years with Bradley Cox.

00:30:27.780 --> 00:30:47.380
I'd like to invite Lieutenant Cox up to the podium here.

00:30:47.380 --> 00:30:51.060
So this is my pleasure to introduce Lieutenant Brad Cox.

00:30:51.060 --> 00:31:01.060
He began his career with the Freeport Fire Department February 28th, 2005 and was promoted to Lieutenant October 31st of 2018.

00:31:01.060 --> 00:31:06.060
His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota.

00:31:06.060 --> 00:31:15.060
He's also a paramedic. Some of the other certifications he holds as Fire Service Vehicle Operator, Fire Apparatus Engineer.

00:31:15.060 --> 00:31:22.060
He's also a member of the technical rescue team. What that means is there's a lot of specialized rescue certificates.

00:31:22.060 --> 00:31:34.060
It consists of rope technician, trench technician, structural collapse, confined space technician, and also he's involved with hazardous materials and incident command.

00:31:34.060 --> 00:31:40.060
He also possesses Firefighter 1, 2, and 3 certifications.

00:31:40.060 --> 00:31:48.620
is a Fire Officer 1 & 2, Fire Service Instructor 1 & 2, Fire Investigator, and even a higher

00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:51.300
level of Arson Investigator.

00:31:51.300 --> 00:31:59.320
And probably most impressive of all, he's received two life-saving awards for operations

00:31:59.320 --> 00:32:02.500
conducted during structure fires and rescues.

00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:09.500
So it's my pleasure to congratulate Lieutenant Brad Cox.

00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:49.860
Next, I'd like to invite Fire Marshal Hillary Broschus up here.

00:32:49.860 --> 00:32:54.780
So Hillary, just like Lieutenant Cox, they've been here a number of years, they've accomplished

00:32:54.780 --> 00:32:57.700
great things for our department, for the city.

00:32:57.700 --> 00:33:02.080
So Hillary began her career February 1st of 2010.

00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:08.680
She was appointed to Lieutenant October 5th of 2020 and then appointed as Fire Marshal

00:33:08.680 --> 00:33:12.200
January 19th, 2021.

00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:18.120
So the education certificate she holds, Associate Degree in Applied Science as a Paramedic,

00:33:18.120 --> 00:33:25.080
Certified Paramedic, Firefighter 2 and 3, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous

00:33:25.080 --> 00:33:27.680
Materials Incident Command.

00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:35.400
She also has plenty of specialized rescue certificates consisting of technical rescue, trench technician,

00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:39.960
structural collapse technician, and rope tech.

00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:46.920
In addition, she's also a fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, fire officer

00:33:46.920 --> 00:33:50.520
one and two, instructor two.

00:33:50.520 --> 00:33:54.140
She's a fire department incident safety officer.

00:33:54.140 --> 00:34:01.500
She also participates in the Juvenile Fire Center Intervention Specialist.

00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:09.340
Fire Inspector 1 and 2, and she's a fire investigator, and again, more importantly, an arson investigator.

00:34:09.340 --> 00:34:13.740
It's a much higher level of fire investigations.

00:34:13.740 --> 00:34:19.180
And she's here with her husband, Daryl, and kids, Kim, Zach, Hannah, Maddie, Avery, Delaney,

00:34:19.180 --> 00:34:20.180
and Darren.

00:34:20.180 --> 00:34:21.180
They're not all here, are they?

00:34:21.180 --> 00:34:22.180
Just one, Darren.

00:34:22.180 --> 00:34:23.620
Well, he made it here tonight.

00:34:23.620 --> 00:34:46.220
So it's my pleasure to present this certificate of 15 years to Hillary Broschus.

00:34:46.220 --> 00:34:53.220
She did relate to me. She's eager to give a speech this evening, too.

00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:05.860
Okay, last but certainly not least, I'd like to start by saying congratulations, Michelle,

00:35:05.860 --> 00:35:12.940
on your 10-year anniversary. Michelle Rector started with the city on February 5th of 2015

00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:14.940
and

00:35:16.039 --> 00:35:18.480
the City Accountant. In 2018 she was promoted to the Deputy City

00:35:18.480 --> 00:35:22.980
Accountant position under Randy Bukas and in 2020 she took over

00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:27.579
as Finance Director and has excelled in her role. Some of

00:35:27.579 --> 00:35:30.579
the most critical city work happens in the Finance Department

00:35:30.579 --> 00:35:33.579
as Director Richter has led the department, she has worked

00:35:33.579 --> 00:35:37.579
tirelessly to ensure each fiscal budget is balanced, she has

00:35:37.579 --> 00:35:40.579
integrated all departments and their budgeting into ENCODE

00:36:10.579 --> 00:36:17.740
Nunn. She has been described as a compassionate leader who never hesitates to help everyone

00:36:17.740 --> 00:36:22.940
around her, feels comfortable, and we all appreciate Director Richter for her service,

00:36:22.940 --> 00:36:27.820
her camaraderie, and all that she does for the City of Freeport. So with that, please

00:36:27.820 --> 00:36:36.820
join me in recognizing Michelle Richter. Ten years. Ten year anniversary.

00:36:36.820 --> 00:36:39.940
Johnson, and

00:36:58.100 --> 00:37:01.260
Okay, let's move on to item number eight, which is the second reading of ordinance

00:37:01.260 --> 00:37:03.260
and

00:37:04.260 --> 00:37:05.260
the

00:37:05.260 --> 00:37:06.260
City of

00:37:06.260 --> 00:37:07.260
Washington.

00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.260
We will move on to

00:37:08.260 --> 00:37:09.260
item

00:37:09.260 --> 00:37:10.260
2025.

00:37:10.260 --> 00:37:11.260
Madam Clerk, could you please read this for the record?

00:37:11.260 --> 00:37:14.260
Ordinance regarding part 14, building and housing code, chapter 1442.14, increasing plumbing

00:37:14.260 --> 00:37:18.260
permit fees and adding chapter 1477.14, solar interconnection types.

00:37:18.260 --> 00:37:20.260
Thank you, Director Duckman.

00:37:20.260 --> 00:37:22.260
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:37:22.260 --> 00:37:28.260
So to go over a little bit of the history here, in the last item, we have a couple of

00:37:28.260 --> 00:37:32.260
and

00:37:58.260 --> 00:38:05.380
from $50 to $150 for any work that is done that connects into a city water service or

00:38:05.380 --> 00:38:13.460
a city sewer service and then anything else with inside of the actual private property

00:38:13.460 --> 00:38:19.140
is going to go from $30 to $100.

00:38:19.140 --> 00:38:22.060
Any questions concerning this ordinance?

00:38:22.060 --> 00:38:25.380
Alderman Stacey.

00:38:25.380 --> 00:38:30.860
Stacy. Okay so what you just presented to us, how is that different than what was

00:38:30.860 --> 00:38:36.060
presented to us last time? It's exactly the same. Remember last in the first

00:38:36.060 --> 00:38:41.220
reading I think it was you made a motion to actually make it instead of 150 you

00:38:41.220 --> 00:38:47.360
said $100 and then that was voted upon and that didn't pass. So I was just

00:38:47.360 --> 00:38:53.880
clarifying that what was presented last week is exactly the same. That's exactly

00:38:53.880 --> 00:38:55.640
what you're voting on from last week.

00:38:55.640 --> 00:38:56.760
The 150.

00:38:56.760 --> 00:38:57.260
Yes.

00:39:02.480 --> 00:39:05.039
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk,

00:39:05.039 --> 00:39:06.240
please take the roll.

00:39:06.240 --> 00:39:07.039
Oh, yeah.

00:39:07.039 --> 00:39:08.200
You're moving too fast.

00:39:08.200 --> 00:39:09.280
Alderman Shadle.

00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:12.840
I mean, I'm sorry, Alderman Sanders.

00:39:12.840 --> 00:39:13.340
Yeah.

00:39:17.720 --> 00:39:22.200
I realize we talked about that last week.

00:39:22.200 --> 00:39:32.640
and there was no, I don't think there was enough feedback on that particular subject.

00:39:32.640 --> 00:39:44.640
on that particular subject and where we had tried to make a modification of just that fee or fees.

00:39:44.640 --> 00:40:01.640
Did we come to a conclusion on what we determined as Aldermen around the table to work with that fee

00:40:01.640 --> 00:40:08.880
to talk about it more in depth, to determine whether or not it was feasible to leave it at,

00:40:08.880 --> 00:40:13.640
because initially it was presented to us at 150.

00:40:13.640 --> 00:40:22.840
If that's the case, then what have we done to try as a unit, as a group of officials trying

00:40:22.840 --> 00:40:29.660
to change that or do we stand fast on what was presented to us?

00:40:29.660 --> 00:40:46.420
and

00:40:46.420 --> 00:41:09.820
So the original ordinance that was presented to you had the 150 in it, right? So then there was a motion made to change it to a lower dollar amount. That motion to change it to a lower dollar amount did not get approved. So that leaves you then with the original underlying 150.

00:41:09.820 --> 00:41:25.740
Okay, so the $100 was denied. They were asking to take it from $50 to $150. So why didn't

00:41:25.740 --> 00:41:34.780
it go back to the $50? It didn't. It's not the ordinance that's before you that's in

00:41:34.780 --> 00:41:37.180
and the Pack, it's still at that same 150.

00:41:37.180 --> 00:41:42.180
So it's just represented itself as it originally did.

00:41:42.500 --> 00:41:44.100
It's not that it's represented,

00:41:44.100 --> 00:41:45.260
that's where it was left at,

00:41:45.260 --> 00:41:47.060
because you remember you start at 150,

00:41:47.060 --> 00:41:49.180
there was a motion made to change it,

00:41:49.180 --> 00:41:51.660
to 100, that motion didn't pass,

00:41:51.660 --> 00:41:52.500
so now you're just left

00:41:52.500 --> 00:41:55.260
with the same original underlying, that's all.

00:41:55.260 --> 00:41:56.380
So it's not being represented,

00:41:56.380 --> 00:41:58.580
it's what was being presented the first time.

00:41:58.580 --> 00:41:59.420
Thank you. So the first reading

00:41:59.420 --> 00:42:02.020
is exactly the same as the second reading?

00:42:02.020 --> 00:42:03.540
In case.

00:42:03.540 --> 00:42:04.620
Alderman Sanders.

00:42:04.620 --> 00:42:10.940
So that means we're casting a vote on the same presentation of the 150 on the fee

00:42:10.940 --> 00:42:14.880
to determine whether or not we're going to vote one way or the other?

00:42:14.880 --> 00:42:15.380
Yes.

00:42:15.380 --> 00:42:16.340
To accept it.

00:42:16.340 --> 00:42:18.180
OK, got you.

00:42:18.180 --> 00:42:20.540
Manager Boyer?

00:42:20.540 --> 00:42:23.060
Yes, Alderman Sanders, I just wanted to also mention there

00:42:23.060 --> 00:42:26.740
was a cost analysis performed on the amount of time it takes

00:42:26.740 --> 00:42:29.100
and the number of inspections that are done.

00:42:29.100 --> 00:42:31.780
And I think our numbers came out to right near 150.

00:42:31.780 --> 00:42:36.220
was a little bit shy but based on our experience here with inflation what that

00:42:36.220 --> 00:42:40.740
won't be the case for very long so I think he came into like a little over 130

00:42:40.740 --> 00:42:48.340
direct costs for most cases yeah there's no further discussion madam clerk please

00:42:48.340 --> 00:42:50.760
Let's take the roll.

00:42:50.760 --> 00:42:51.760
Klemm?

00:42:51.760 --> 00:42:52.760
Aye.

00:42:52.760 --> 00:42:53.760
Monroe?

00:42:53.760 --> 00:42:54.760
No.

00:42:54.760 --> 00:42:55.760
Simmons?

00:42:55.760 --> 00:42:56.760
No.

00:42:56.760 --> 00:42:57.760
Parker?

00:42:57.760 --> 00:42:58.760
Aye.

00:42:58.760 --> 00:42:59.760
Stacy?

00:42:59.760 --> 00:43:00.760
No.

00:43:00.760 --> 00:43:01.760
Shadle?

00:43:01.760 --> 00:43:02.760
Aye.

00:43:02.760 --> 00:43:03.760
Sanders?

00:43:03.760 --> 00:43:04.760
No.

00:43:04.760 --> 00:43:05.760
Sellers?

00:43:05.760 --> 00:43:06.760
Aye.

00:43:06.760 --> 00:43:12.380
It's a tie.

00:43:12.380 --> 00:43:13.380
So you would call the Mayor?

00:43:13.380 --> 00:43:14.380
Yeah, Mayor.

00:43:14.380 --> 00:43:15.380
Miller?

00:43:15.380 --> 00:43:16.380
Aye.

00:43:16.380 --> 00:43:18.380
Do you need to pass a two-thirds vote?

00:43:18.380 --> 00:43:20.380
No.

00:43:20.380 --> 00:43:25.380
This ordinance to just increase fees is a standard ordinance.

00:43:25.380 --> 00:43:32.380
So why did the $100 have to pass at a two-thirds vote?

00:43:32.380 --> 00:43:37.380
The $100 didn't need to pass at a two-thirds vote.

00:43:43.380 --> 00:43:45.380
Motion passes five to four.

00:43:45.380 --> 00:43:51.380
Thank you. Item number nine is the second reading of Ordinance 2020-507. Could you please read this?

00:43:51.380 --> 00:44:06.380
Ordinance approving variance application at 207 West Empire Street submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe to seek relief from statute 1252.05f1 to allow a front yard of less than 25 feet.

00:44:06.380 --> 00:44:12.380
Thank you, Director Duckman.

00:44:12.380 --> 00:44:34.380
With this being the second reading, just doing a little recap here, what exactly this was referring to, and at 207 West Empire, there was a variation for a handicap accessibility, or mobility accessibility ramp, and I think if you scroll down, you can actually see the ramp a little better.

00:44:34.380 --> 00:44:44.020
Miller, and kind of recapping the story here, family member, longtime resident here, his

00:44:44.020 --> 00:44:51.360
son built the ramp for when he came home from the hospital and somebody had called and we

00:44:51.360 --> 00:44:55.240
went out and informed them that they would need a building permit, they would also need

00:44:55.240 --> 00:44:59.340
a variation due to how close they are to the sidewalk.

00:44:59.340 --> 00:45:06.760
and so that being said, staff is recommending approval of the variation.

00:45:06.760 --> 00:45:07.760
Thank you.

00:45:07.760 --> 00:45:09.180
Is there any further discussion on this ordinance?

00:45:09.180 --> 00:45:14.260
I'll turn the light back on.

00:45:14.260 --> 00:45:17.260
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:45:17.260 --> 00:45:18.260
Klemm?

00:45:18.260 --> 00:45:19.260
Aye.

00:45:19.260 --> 00:45:20.260
Monroe?

00:45:20.260 --> 00:45:21.260
Aye.

00:45:21.260 --> 00:45:22.260
Simmons?

00:45:22.260 --> 00:45:23.260
Aye.

00:45:23.260 --> 00:45:24.260
Parker?

00:45:24.260 --> 00:45:25.260
Aye.

00:45:25.260 --> 00:45:26.260
Stacy?

00:45:26.260 --> 00:45:27.260
Aye.

00:45:27.260 --> 00:45:28.260
Shadle?

00:45:28.260 --> 00:45:29.260
Aye.

00:45:29.260 --> 00:45:37.300
Motion passes 8 to 0. Item number 10 is the second reading of ordinance 2020-508.

00:45:37.300 --> 00:45:42.640
Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapters 608 and 806 of the

00:45:42.640 --> 00:45:48.460
Liquor Code. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. As previously discussed,

00:45:48.460 --> 00:45:53.500
this is kind of a cleanup of existing ordinance modifications to chapter 608

00:45:53.500 --> 00:45:56.980
and 806 of the Liquor Code have been identified as portions of the code are

00:45:56.980 --> 00:45:57.700
and Dr.

00:45:57.700 --> 00:46:04.540
Outta Date, such as requiring landline phones, for requiring a certificate of insurance that

00:46:04.540 --> 00:46:08.580
has been listed in the codes for some time.

00:46:08.580 --> 00:46:12.380
All such certificates shall list the City of Freeport as certificate holder.

00:46:12.380 --> 00:46:15.500
These are all changes, and there are several in there.

00:46:15.500 --> 00:46:20.380
But just staff recommends moving forward with the changes to the liquor code.

00:46:20.380 --> 00:46:21.380
Alderman Parker?

00:46:21.380 --> 00:46:25.220
Just for me not understanding, what's the difference between the landline or cell phone?

00:46:25.220 --> 00:46:26.220
Why do they require...

00:46:26.220 --> 00:46:30.840
this is just getting this is getting rid of the requirement for a landline so with

00:46:30.840 --> 00:46:33.980
most of these places not having landlines anymore we're just taking that

00:46:33.980 --> 00:46:39.460
cleaning that up also they don't need one right okay thank you there's no

00:46:39.460 --> 00:46:46.660
further discussion thank you madam mayor this question goes out to the two chiefs

00:46:46.660 --> 00:46:52.180
chief of police chief of fire do you see any issue with response times or

00:46:52.180 --> 00:46:54.180
Johnson, David, Joe, and Tom.

00:46:55.880 --> 00:46:58.080
And I just wanted to add, you know,

00:46:58.080 --> 00:46:59.880
at the end of the day, I know that there are a lot of

00:46:59.880 --> 00:47:02.780
different kinds of responses. If somebody doesn't know the

00:47:02.780 --> 00:47:05.900
address, you know, who's making a call for an emergency

00:47:05.900 --> 00:47:09.380
situation, you know, in a panic moment, that this would be a

00:47:09.380 --> 00:47:15.780
concern not having a hard line with geopositioning of a cellular

00:47:15.780 --> 00:47:19.980
phone not being as good as it could be in today's age.

00:47:22.180 --> 00:47:52.180
and the information that's received at the dispatch center is far more advanced than it was early on when cell phones were just coming into play and landlines were more crucial for that purpose, but my experience has been hearing dispatch and having some conversation with them that they are able to pinpoint and locate people with much greater accuracy now than they could in the past.

00:47:52.180 --> 00:47:53.860
No further discussion?

00:47:53.860 --> 00:47:55.380
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:47:55.380 --> 00:47:56.620
Klemm?

00:47:56.620 --> 00:47:57.460
Aye.

00:47:57.460 --> 00:47:58.300
Monroe?

00:47:58.300 --> 00:47:59.140
Aye.

00:47:59.140 --> 00:47:59.960
Simmons?

00:47:59.960 --> 00:48:00.800
Aye.

00:48:00.800 --> 00:48:01.640
Parker?

00:48:01.640 --> 00:48:02.460
Aye.

00:48:02.460 --> 00:48:03.300
Stacy?

00:48:03.300 --> 00:48:04.140
Aye.

00:48:04.140 --> 00:48:04.960
Shadle?

00:48:04.960 --> 00:48:05.800
Aye.

00:48:05.800 --> 00:48:06.640
Sanders?

00:48:06.640 --> 00:48:07.480
Aye.

00:48:07.480 --> 00:48:08.300
Sellers?

00:48:08.300 --> 00:48:09.140
Aye.

00:48:09.140 --> 00:48:09.980
Ordinance passes 8-0.

00:48:12.140 --> 00:48:16.100
Item number 11 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-12.

00:48:16.100 --> 00:48:17.540
Could you, yes ma'am?

00:48:17.540 --> 00:48:19.120
I have a question.

00:48:19.120 --> 00:48:27.120
Because number 10 involved so much, I thought he was going to hit each section.

00:48:30.120 --> 00:48:41.120
The ordinance is, as the whole, we discussed it in the COW and then this is the second reading. Was there something in particular?

00:48:41.120 --> 00:48:51.840
Miller? Yes, I just had the question that who wanted this change as far as extending

00:48:51.840 --> 00:49:01.080
the Bound to Jackson in Chicago? Who asked for the Liquor Commission to expand and include

00:49:01.080 --> 00:49:10.160
the change? For which part? I didn't understand what you asked.

00:49:10.160 --> 00:49:27.240
I thought I was on number 10. On one of the agenda items tonight is speaking about extending

00:49:27.240 --> 00:49:29.880
down to Jackson and Chicago.

00:49:29.880 --> 00:49:31.680
Oh, you're talking about for the Festival District?

00:49:31.680 --> 00:49:32.440
Yes.

00:49:32.440 --> 00:49:34.000
OK.

00:49:34.000 --> 00:49:35.000
for the Festival District.

00:49:35.000 --> 00:49:36.000
Yes.

00:49:36.000 --> 00:49:37.000
Okay.

00:49:37.000 --> 00:49:41.120
So the thought behind that with the Liquor Commission is that it's got an imaginary

00:49:41.120 --> 00:49:47.040
line that's drawn that is during the Festival District so that way a person can purchase

00:49:47.040 --> 00:49:53.400
a drink and walk outside during specific times to be able to go to other establishments during

00:49:53.400 --> 00:49:54.960
an event.

00:49:54.960 --> 00:50:01.760
And so there's recently been a new liquor license in the downtown area that wanted to

00:50:01.760 --> 00:50:03.260
be a part of that Festival District.

00:50:03.260 --> 00:50:07.220
So it was a matter of redrawing those lines just slightly so that way it included another

00:50:07.220 --> 00:50:08.220
business.

00:50:08.220 --> 00:50:09.220
Okay.

00:50:09.220 --> 00:50:11.100
So my question still remains.

00:50:11.100 --> 00:50:12.460
Who asked for this change?

00:50:12.460 --> 00:50:13.460
Debbie's Liquor Commission.

00:50:13.460 --> 00:50:14.460
Huh?

00:50:14.460 --> 00:50:16.180
The Liquor Commission.

00:50:16.180 --> 00:50:17.620
They don't make changes on their own.

00:50:17.620 --> 00:50:25.700
They can make recommendations and then the Council decides whether it's approved or not.

00:50:25.700 --> 00:50:29.140
Okay.

00:50:29.140 --> 00:50:32.460
Item number 11 is the Adaption of Resolution 2025-12.

00:50:32.460 --> 00:50:34.620
Would you please read this?

00:50:34.620 --> 00:50:40.260
Resolution approving renewal of agreement with Locality Media Inc. first due for Fire Department

00:50:40.260 --> 00:50:43.420
record management software and modules.

00:50:43.420 --> 00:50:44.420
Chief Miller.

00:50:44.420 --> 00:50:45.420
Yes, thank you, Your Honor.

00:50:45.420 --> 00:50:51.660
I was asked to bring this up for discussion with Council due to the price increase that

00:50:51.660 --> 00:50:55.540
has occurred since 2020.

00:50:55.540 --> 00:51:04.380
Software was approved by Council back in 2020, and at that time it was presented as a records

00:51:04.380 --> 00:51:10.540
management tool primarily used for our pre-fire incident planning and fire inspections.

00:51:10.540 --> 00:51:16.340
Well, in those five years, many things have changed within our organization and requiring

00:51:16.340 --> 00:51:26.240
and expansion of our records management system, specifically in the past the hospital EMS system

00:51:26.240 --> 00:51:32.020
used to provide the records management for our ambulance reports and we also were subscribed

00:51:32.020 --> 00:51:38.060
to what was called firehouse records management for our daily reporting for our incident reports

00:51:38.060 --> 00:51:39.060
as well.

00:51:39.060 --> 00:51:45.820
So every call we go on we have to do a fire or a basic incident report and also an ambulance

00:51:45.820 --> 00:51:51.960
Previously, when we were just established, we had two modules. The first module was the

00:51:51.960 --> 00:51:58.260
ambulance report, so the hospital stopped offering, free of charge, the ambulance reporting

00:51:58.260 --> 00:52:05.820
software, and then the firehouse software was bought up by another company, and was

00:52:05.820 --> 00:52:13.020
not as responsive to our needs as we would like to have experienced with them. So this

00:52:13.020 --> 00:52:17.420
All of our ambulance reports are done through Firehouse.

00:52:17.420 --> 00:52:19.780
All of our fire response reports,

00:52:19.780 --> 00:52:22.420
whether it's for a car crash, structure fire,

00:52:22.420 --> 00:52:26.820
dumpster fire, it's all part of this first-do software

00:52:26.820 --> 00:52:28.180
reporting.

00:52:28.180 --> 00:52:32.140
And also additional features that this software now

00:52:32.140 --> 00:52:35.140
offers, all of our dispatch information.

00:52:35.140 --> 00:52:38.460
So let's see me looking at my phone on occasion

00:52:38.460 --> 00:52:40.420
after a couple audible tones.

00:52:40.420 --> 00:52:47.620
that's every single call that we've dispatched is now part of an application that is available

00:52:47.620 --> 00:52:52.140
to our cell phones as well as all of our mobile data terminals.

00:52:52.140 --> 00:52:58.340
In addition to the software, we use it for our shift scheduling, asset management and

00:52:58.340 --> 00:53:06.280
inventory, vehicle maintenance tracking, and also we use it for our shift scheduling.

00:53:06.280 --> 00:53:11.600
So this module alone by other companies that offer this feature is tens of thousands of

00:53:11.600 --> 00:53:21.360
dollars. So for $9,000 more in the last five years, this whole suite of software is accommodating

00:53:21.360 --> 00:53:29.800
every one of our records management needs. So a $9,623 increase over five years based

00:53:29.800 --> 00:53:35.080
on the use that we're getting out of this I think is an extremely good value and it's

00:53:35.080 --> 00:53:40.520
is just before you tonight because it represents a higher cost increase from five years ago.

00:53:40.520 --> 00:53:41.520
Right.

00:53:41.520 --> 00:53:42.720
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:53:42.720 --> 00:53:43.720
So moved.

00:53:43.720 --> 00:53:44.720
Second.

00:53:44.720 --> 00:53:48.920
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

00:53:48.920 --> 00:53:52.480
Alderman Sanders, did you have something?

00:53:52.480 --> 00:53:53.480
Yes.

00:53:53.480 --> 00:54:01.680
Chief, what was the price of it five years ago?

00:54:01.680 --> 00:54:07.860
Five years ago it was $11,205 and we were only using it for two different disciplines

00:54:07.860 --> 00:54:14.600
within the fire department. Now we're using it for, I don't know, maybe nine or more and

00:54:14.600 --> 00:54:21.960
for those additional software packets or modules, it only represents a $9,600 increase over

00:54:21.960 --> 00:54:28.260
five years. It's a pretty good value in my opinion.

00:54:28.260 --> 00:54:36.260
Does that also include the training of that software, because you're increasing something

00:54:36.260 --> 00:54:44.400
that I'm sure that our department has nowhere, they are not familiar with these type of modules

00:54:44.400 --> 00:54:47.540
that are being implemented into this software.

00:54:47.540 --> 00:54:55.360
So we have been using this, and each year it's been increasing incrementally, but this

00:54:55.360 --> 00:55:02.080
This year it represented a $9,600 increase, so we have been using this, but we really

00:55:02.080 --> 00:55:07.480
didn't roll out all these features until about two years ago, and that was out of necessity.

00:55:07.480 --> 00:55:24.000
Okay, did we do any kinds of studies of this upgrade that we're doing to make sure that

00:55:24.000 --> 00:55:29.600
and the Upgraders meeting the specification of what you are requesting or asking for.

00:55:29.600 --> 00:55:36.080
Sure, we did. Because there are so many different needs for our records management, we looked

00:55:36.080 --> 00:55:43.180
into other softwares that were available. Others, even just for the ambulance records

00:55:43.180 --> 00:55:50.280
management portion, the ambulance reports, was way more expensive. Rockford was using

00:55:50.280 --> 00:55:55.800
and the other software. They didn't care for it. They were looking to swap out to this

00:55:55.800 --> 00:56:02.720
software. Belvedere is currently using this as well. So we looked at their operations,

00:56:02.720 --> 00:56:09.160
what they were doing. They recommended us this is the way to go. And so we have had

00:56:09.160 --> 00:56:14.920
extensive training. All of our members have. Even the oldest ones who don't grasp computer

00:56:14.920 --> 00:56:17.160
, none of those'. We support the students that are

00:56:20.120 --> 00:56:21.960
aren't doing their skills very well. delivering the skills

00:56:21.960 --> 00:56:27.560
very well. going either at home or they're

00:56:27.560 --> 00:56:30.960
tablets, at the fire station. so it's very accommodating to

00:56:30.960 --> 00:56:35.180
what our needs are and we're asking for your approval as

00:56:35.180 --> 00:56:37.720
well. 對

00:56:37.720 --> 00:56:38.720
Moore.

00:56:38.720 --> 00:56:46.200
Yes, it is budgeted and you'll find that line item in the IT budget, so it's not even part

00:56:46.200 --> 00:56:51.640
of the fire department budget, anything that's computer software related comes through IT.

00:56:51.640 --> 00:56:56.520
So there's sufficient funds in the IT budget to cover this existing software.

00:56:56.520 --> 00:57:01.560
I just wanted an opportunity to explain its use and why it's costing more over a five-year

00:57:01.560 --> 00:57:02.560
period.

00:57:02.560 --> 00:57:03.720
Thank you.

00:57:03.720 --> 00:57:06.120
There's no further discussion.

00:57:06.120 --> 00:57:07.800
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:57:07.800 --> 00:57:09.120
Klemm.

00:57:09.120 --> 00:57:09.960
Aye.

00:57:09.960 --> 00:57:10.800
Monroe.

00:57:13.520 --> 00:57:14.440
Aye.

00:57:14.440 --> 00:57:15.520
Simmons.

00:57:15.520 --> 00:57:16.560
Aye.

00:57:16.560 --> 00:57:17.380
Parker.

00:57:17.380 --> 00:57:18.220
Aye.

00:57:18.220 --> 00:57:19.060
Stacy.

00:57:19.060 --> 00:57:19.900
Aye.

00:57:19.900 --> 00:57:20.740
Shadle.

00:57:20.740 --> 00:57:21.580
Aye.

00:57:21.580 --> 00:57:22.400
Sanders.

00:57:22.400 --> 00:57:23.240
Aye.

00:57:23.240 --> 00:57:24.080
Sellers.

00:57:24.080 --> 00:57:24.900
Aye.

00:57:24.900 --> 00:57:26.400
Resolution is adopted eight to zero.

00:57:27.600 --> 00:57:30.920
Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2025-13.

00:57:30.920 --> 00:57:32.040
Could you please read this?

00:57:32.040 --> 00:57:35.000
Resolution approving purchase of portable handheld

00:57:35.000 --> 00:57:36.000
Fletcher, and Chris.

00:57:36.000 --> 00:57:37.000
Thank you.

00:57:37.000 --> 00:57:38.000
Chief Shenberger.

00:57:38.000 --> 00:57:39.000
Thank you.

00:57:39.000 --> 00:57:44.560
The Freeport Police Department is currently in the fourth year of a five-year plan to replace

00:57:44.560 --> 00:57:51.240
the portable handheld Motorola radios currently being utilized by all sworn police officers.

00:57:51.240 --> 00:57:57.040
The Police Department has up to this point replaced all but 15 portable handheld Motorola

00:57:57.040 --> 00:57:58.040
radios.

00:57:58.040 --> 00:58:03.480
The radios in circulation still function, but they have reached their end of life.

00:58:03.480 --> 00:58:08.480
At this time, Motorola is the only supplier of portable handheld police radios.

00:58:08.480 --> 00:58:14.560
I should add in there, there are other options like Kenwood and other companies, but we utilize

00:58:14.560 --> 00:58:15.560
it.

00:58:15.560 --> 00:58:19.440
We all want to have the same uniform radios.

00:58:19.440 --> 00:58:24.660
The police department has received a quote to replace 10 Motorola portable handheld police

00:58:24.660 --> 00:58:32.400
radios and accessories at a total cost of $64,994.82.

00:58:32.400 --> 00:58:37.620
for the 10 Portable Handheld Motorola Radios and Accessories is provided in the Fiscal

00:58:37.620 --> 00:58:42.620
Year 2025 PD Capital Budget 331-302-70.

00:58:42.620 --> 00:58:48.360
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:58:48.360 --> 00:58:49.360
So moved.

00:58:49.360 --> 00:58:50.360
Second.

00:58:50.360 --> 00:58:55.220
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

00:58:55.220 --> 00:58:58.080
Discussion on the resolution?

00:58:58.080 --> 00:58:59.080
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:58:59.080 --> 00:59:05.700
Chief, some of the Motorola's have had issues inside of buildings, you know, Sullivan's,

00:59:05.700 --> 00:59:07.920
you know, inside of some of the downtown buildings.

00:59:07.920 --> 00:59:12.520
Are these newer generation radios any better or are we still going to be struggling with

00:59:12.520 --> 00:59:13.520
that?

00:59:13.520 --> 00:59:18.400
I, what we're, what we're looking to buy is what I carry right here and I have pretty

00:59:18.400 --> 00:59:19.400
good coverage.

00:59:19.400 --> 00:59:22.080
I don't, I haven't found too many dead zones within the city.

00:59:22.080 --> 00:59:25.160
If I go outside the city, I do at times.

00:59:25.160 --> 00:59:27.040
And you're right there.

00:59:27.040 --> 00:59:31.840
but as far as like I've gone into Walmart, I've gone into other places and when it is

00:59:31.840 --> 00:59:33.920
is dead, it tones out, and I don't...

00:59:33.920 --> 00:59:41.920
and I don't I don't haven't had that too many happen in too many places within the city outside the city. It's a different story though. Okay.

00:59:44.920 --> 00:59:45.920
Alderman Stacy.

00:59:46.920 --> 00:59:47.920
Chief Shenberger.

00:59:48.920 --> 00:59:52.920
We were budgeted for 10 in 2024.

00:59:52.920 --> 00:59:53.920
Did we buy those?

00:59:53.920 --> 00:59:54.920
Yep.

00:59:55.920 --> 00:59:57.920
Okay, so this 10.

00:59:57.920 --> 00:59:59.920
Yeah, we've been slowly trying to

00:59:59.920 --> 01:00:04.280
trying to go through the supply and get the ones

01:00:04.280 --> 01:00:05.920
that are end of life out of circulation.

01:00:05.920 --> 01:00:08.840
So a little bit at a time, 10 at a time,

01:00:08.840 --> 01:00:11.920
next year will be five and then we'll be done.

01:00:11.920 --> 01:00:16.920
How much more was it this year to do the 10

01:00:18.400 --> 01:00:19.780
than it was last year?

01:00:21.560 --> 01:00:24.660
I don't know how much it was, I can't recall offhand,

01:00:24.660 --> 01:00:26.360
but I think it was about the same.

01:00:29.920 --> 01:00:37.700
Alderman, Sanders, yeah Chief those molar rollers they have not went through a

01:00:37.700 --> 01:00:43.420
comparisons am I correct no okay and not only that there is other manufacturers

01:00:43.420 --> 01:00:48.860
with the with technology such as the molar rollers but we have not made any

01:00:48.860 --> 01:00:56.340
comparisons to those to the ones that we have right now so my question is when

01:00:56.340 --> 01:00:59.880
and

01:00:59.880 --> 01:01:03.700
there's many major companies around here in the state of Illinois

01:01:03.700 --> 01:01:05.900
that sells those items.

01:01:05.900 --> 01:01:11.040
Is there any particular reason why you decided to want to go with that

01:01:11.040 --> 01:01:12.560
addition?

01:01:12.560 --> 01:01:17.720
We started transitioning to Motorola APX 6000, we started transitioning to

01:01:17.720 --> 01:01:19.420
them four years ago, so

01:01:19.420 --> 01:01:23.200
our intent is to keep everything uniform and the same with those instead of

01:01:23.200 --> 01:01:24.160
having

01:01:24.160 --> 01:01:24.840
and

01:01:24.840 --> 01:01:31.840
I was just going to ask, does that matter? What brand you're using, if the brand has

01:01:39.640 --> 01:01:46.640
the same quality or more, have we done any comparisons to determine whether it's a uniform

01:01:47.040 --> 01:01:54.040
type of radio? Sometimes we could be in the market for cheaper radios, but we don't have

01:01:54.160 --> 01:01:56.160
and Stacey.

01:01:56.160 --> 01:01:58.160
And then we would have to have them program differently.

01:01:58.160 --> 01:02:00.160
We would have another company coming in this way.

01:02:00.160 --> 01:02:02.160
We have the same company that works on our radios that

01:02:02.160 --> 01:02:04.160
programs them and it's just better business for us that way.

01:02:04.160 --> 01:02:06.160
Okay.

01:02:06.160 --> 01:02:08.160
Okay.

01:02:08.160 --> 01:02:10.160
Thank you.

01:02:10.160 --> 01:02:12.160
Alderman Stacy?

01:02:12.160 --> 01:02:14.160
Yes.

01:02:14.160 --> 01:02:16.160
I just want to make sure that the

01:02:16.160 --> 01:02:18.160
331-302-70

01:02:18.160 --> 01:02:20.160
was

01:02:20.160 --> 01:02:22.160
the same

01:02:22.160 --> 01:02:29.400
70 was purchased last year in the budget.

01:02:29.400 --> 01:02:35.320
We purchased radios last year, I believe it was the same line item, correct?

01:02:35.320 --> 01:02:38.280
Line item.

01:02:38.280 --> 01:02:44.280
So this is budgeted for or do you get a grant?

01:02:44.280 --> 01:02:47.800
No, this is budgeted for in the capital budget.

01:02:47.800 --> 01:02:49.800
In the capital budget.

01:02:49.800 --> 01:02:56.680
Wow Mr. Boyer you told me today that there was a grant for this. Manager Boyer? I

01:02:56.680 --> 01:03:00.680
apologize for that miscommunication actually that had to do with their body

01:03:00.680 --> 01:03:05.800
cameras so I was mistaken it was the body cams we got the grant for and we

01:03:05.800 --> 01:03:11.080
purchased the radios in the past. Yeah we purchased body cams last year and I was

01:03:11.080 --> 01:03:19.240
able to get a 50% match grant that we recently got awarded for that. Thank you.

01:03:19.240 --> 01:03:22.240
Yep, there's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:03:22.240 --> 01:03:36.240
Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye.

01:03:36.240 --> 01:03:45.240
Resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-14. Could you please read this?

01:03:45.240 --> 01:03:54.240
Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force.

01:03:54.240 --> 01:03:56.240
Thank you. Chief Shenberger?

01:03:56.240 --> 01:04:05.240
The City Freeport Dispatch Center would like to join the Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force, known as ILTRT.

01:04:05.240 --> 01:04:17.240
The ILTRT is currently comprised of 62 active member agencies, 9 associate member agencies, and 220 trained and deployable telecommunicators in the state of Illinois.

01:04:17.240 --> 01:04:27.240
Local agencies who belong to the Region 2 Illinois TRT include the Ogle County Sheriff's Department, the Rochelle Police Department, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.

01:04:27.240 --> 01:04:31.740
Illinois TRT is utilized during natural disasters and critical incidents.

01:04:31.740 --> 01:04:35.640
Currently there are telecommunicators who are interested in being part of the

01:04:35.640 --> 01:04:40.040
Illinois TRT. If approved by Council, the City of Freeport would become an active

01:04:40.040 --> 01:04:44.800
agency member. Once a telecommunicator is selected, the telecommunicator would be

01:04:44.800 --> 01:04:49.320
required to fulfill additional training provided by the state of Illinois. The

01:04:49.320 --> 01:04:53.120
City of Freeport Dispatch Center would only send an Illinois TRT

01:04:53.120 --> 01:04:57.220
telecommunicator to a call-out if the staffing level in the Dispatch Center is

01:04:57.220 --> 01:05:01.660
is Allowable. It is a position of the City of Freeport Dispatch Center that an assignment

01:05:01.660 --> 01:05:06.380
to the Illinois TRT could be a motivator for our current telecommunicators to attain this

01:05:06.380 --> 01:05:11.960
appointment. By being a member of the Illinois TRT, the Dispatch Center would also be the

01:05:11.960 --> 01:05:19.420
recipient of additional telecommunicators if there was an unfortunate public safety crisis.

01:05:19.420 --> 01:05:21.180
Thank you. Is there a motion to approve?

01:05:21.180 --> 01:05:22.180
So moved.

01:05:22.180 --> 01:05:23.180
Second.

01:05:23.180 --> 01:05:31.180
A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion on the ordinance, or on the resolution.

01:05:31.180 --> 01:05:35.180
Seeing none, Alderman Stacy.

01:05:35.180 --> 01:05:38.180
Is there a cost to be a part of this organization?

01:05:38.180 --> 01:05:49.180
No, it's just our training, once a person is selected, they'd have to go through additional training, but that's provided by the state.

01:05:49.180 --> 01:05:51.180
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:05:51.180 --> 01:06:05.620
Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers. Resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:06:05.620 --> 01:06:10.380
Item number 14, could you please read this bid approval?

01:06:10.380 --> 01:06:17.820
Bid opening on January 21st, 2025, janitorial services for a police station in City Hall.

01:06:17.820 --> 01:06:47.820
Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Each year, the city, well, not each year, about every three years, the city rebids the commercial cleaning contract for City Hall and the Police Department. This year, we had three bids. The winning bid was a cleanup cleaning service. They came in roughly half of what we're currently paying for cleaning services. So we've done our homework, checked into the background. And it's a small business that's doing a really good job

01:06:47.820 --> 01:06:52.460
for a lot of other customers that we've contacted.

01:06:52.460 --> 01:06:56.700
So city staff requests moving forward

01:06:56.700 --> 01:06:58.700
with the recommendation to accept the bid

01:06:58.700 --> 01:07:01.820
from Canop Cleaning Service.

01:07:01.820 --> 01:07:03.660
Is there a motion to approve?

01:07:03.660 --> 01:07:04.500
So moved.

01:07:04.500 --> 01:07:05.320
Second.

01:07:05.320 --> 01:07:07.740
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle,

01:07:07.740 --> 01:07:09.880
seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:07:09.880 --> 01:07:11.100
Discussion on the bids.

01:07:12.940 --> 01:07:14.100
Alderman Monroe.

01:07:14.100 --> 01:07:15.300
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:07:15.300 --> 01:07:34.300
One big concern here, when it comes to cleaning up biohazard situations, often times it contains blood, other bodily fluids, things like that, that can contain very hazardous blood borne pathogens.

01:07:34.300 --> 01:07:43.300
What type of training does this Kirk Knop have for that type of cleanup? And what certifications does he have?

01:07:43.300 --> 01:07:46.780
and also who's going to transport the waste once it is cleaned up,

01:07:46.780 --> 01:07:48.980
which is required by the state of Illinois.

01:07:48.980 --> 01:07:49.740
Manager Boyer.

01:07:49.740 --> 01:07:51.580
I'd say that's something completely different.

01:07:51.580 --> 01:07:53.540
This is just about keeping the city hall clean,

01:07:53.540 --> 01:07:59.900
vacuuming, mopping the floors, and doing those types of things.

01:07:59.900 --> 01:08:10.420
Can you clarify then what's in the memo when it says,

01:08:10.420 --> 01:08:12.620
let me find the line.

01:08:12.620 --> 01:08:21.620
I believe you're a point, he also clarified he agreed to include biohazard cleanup on an as needed basis, you know, yeah, go ahead Darren.

01:08:21.620 --> 01:08:33.220
So, thank you, the biohazard that we have called in there is like vomit, those types of items, people get sick here, there's a lot of visitors to City Hall,

01:08:33.220 --> 01:08:38.220
We're not talking about somebody bleeding out inside of City Hall.

01:08:38.220 --> 01:08:40.420
That would be a total specialty type of product.

01:08:40.420 --> 01:08:44.820
This is just as people get sick, they would come in and clean up the mess.

01:08:45.140 --> 01:08:47.460
So city employees don't have to deal with it.

01:08:47.940 --> 01:08:51.620
We do have that happen, especially we have a lot of visitors that come into it.

01:08:52.020 --> 01:08:55.540
It is defined as biohazard, but in the specifications,

01:08:55.540 --> 01:09:00.140
it's really detailed as vomit,

01:09:00.140 --> 01:09:00.800
and

01:09:00.800 --> 01:09:05.980
potentially, possibly, diarrhea type things like that that happen with visitors that that come to City Hall.

01:09:06.860 --> 01:09:08.220
Follow up.

01:09:08.220 --> 01:09:15.420
Thank you. Well, since you brought up diarrhea, I know that you know, there's serious serious things that can come along with that.

01:09:16.380 --> 01:09:19.680
That even hospitals don't really deal with well.

01:09:20.220 --> 01:09:23.720
My question is because I know the chief has probably had a

01:09:23.720 --> 01:09:33.880
A prisoner or two in their time where somebody's gotten bloody from a fight or something else those those do require a different level of cleaning. I could see the vomit, but I think

01:09:33.880 --> 01:09:37.440
of Cleaning, I could see the vomit, but I think the diarrhea and the blood, it really

01:09:37.440 --> 01:09:43.160
needs to be put out there because there is a serious liability to the city if somebody

01:09:43.160 --> 01:09:48.960
were to get hep C or, you know, C diff or something along those lines, and it takes

01:09:48.960 --> 01:09:52.360
a special skill set to do those types of cleanings.

01:09:52.360 --> 01:09:54.800
Alderman Sanders?

01:09:54.800 --> 01:10:04.520
and also since there's a recommendation for any cleanup or janitorial whatever the case

01:10:04.520 --> 01:10:13.520
is in our business or areas they need to be certified, am I correct?

01:10:13.520 --> 01:10:14.520
Manager Boyer

01:10:14.520 --> 01:10:16.680
This is not for any kind of cleanup anywhere.

01:10:16.680 --> 01:10:22.000
This is just routine vacuuming, dusting, that type of work at City Hall or the police department.

01:10:22.000 --> 01:10:26.300
If we had some kind of biohazard thing we'd have to call a contractor in that specializes

01:10:26.300 --> 01:10:27.360
in that.

01:10:27.360 --> 01:10:35.960
So in other words, what you just said was we have to take the time out to call a biohazard

01:10:35.960 --> 01:10:44.040
contractor to come in just for this particular task and that the janitor is not authorized

01:10:44.040 --> 01:10:52.040
or Certify to do any of this task work at the current time that it happens.

01:10:52.040 --> 01:10:59.440
Now my question would be is the delay of time that this hazard is sitting in our presence

01:10:59.440 --> 01:11:06.360
at the City Hall or anywhere on the city property, are we, am I assuming that you're going, we're

01:11:06.360 --> 01:11:13.880
We're going to have to wait for a biohazard individual to come out to clean this or do

01:11:13.880 --> 01:11:21.360
we have someone in the City of Freeport that is certified to do such things because we

01:11:21.360 --> 01:11:28.360
just can't rely on delay if this is what is considered.

01:11:28.360 --> 01:11:39.700
We just can't, it has to be done with an expeditiously movement, just like a fire or anything else.

01:11:39.700 --> 01:11:46.880
Is that what we're also considering along with this particular presentation, or is this

01:11:46.880 --> 01:11:47.880
something different?

01:11:47.880 --> 01:11:51.400
No, this is just for routine cleaning and maintenance of the police department.

01:11:51.400 --> 01:11:53.080
But it's not routine.

01:11:53.080 --> 01:11:54.640
This is not routine.

01:11:54.640 --> 01:11:58.280
What we're considering here is just the routine maintenance.

01:11:58.280 --> 01:12:03.000
and City Hall in the Police Department in terms of cleaning. That's it. If we have some blood

01:12:03.000 --> 01:12:06.800
or vomit or diarrhea or whatever, we'll deal with that at the point that we have to deal

01:12:06.800 --> 01:12:14.200
with it. There's plenty of companies out there that can come in and handle hazardous situations.

01:12:14.200 --> 01:12:19.800
I'd like to make a motion that we strike the language having to do with biohazard and any

01:12:19.800 --> 01:12:22.920
language associated with that from this agreement.

01:12:22.920 --> 01:12:31.680
So we have a motion on the floor to strike that language. Is there a second? Second.

01:12:31.680 --> 01:12:38.360
Motion made by Monroe, seconded by Stacy. Any further discussion on striking the

01:12:38.360 --> 01:12:52.840
language? Let's take the roll. You have a question on the language? Well, yeah, I do

01:12:52.840 --> 01:13:03.760
I do have a concern about that. What I'm looking at and what I'm hearing, and this sounds like

01:13:03.760 --> 01:13:13.280
it's being passive to my ears at this moment, and we do not, if it's what it is, it's what

01:13:13.280 --> 01:13:20.680
it is. If it's biohazard, it's biohazard. There's no other definition right now that

01:13:20.680 --> 01:13:28.760
I know of that we can change the language of this particular situation.

01:13:28.760 --> 01:13:39.720
My thing is I'm concerned about the certification of an individual collecting that biohazard.

01:13:39.720 --> 01:13:42.640
This is nothing that you can be passive about.

01:13:42.640 --> 01:13:48.360
It is something that you have to define what it is and then move forward with it and put

01:13:48.360 --> 01:13:58.960
Hurt, and I'm going to say that it's a very important issue, and I think that it's a very important issue for the city to be able to do things in operation for it to be considered to take care of this particular problem.

01:13:58.960 --> 01:14:09.040
And so I don't want us to be under the presumption that we're going to be passive about the term and the language.

01:14:09.040 --> 01:14:17.800
It is what it is, and if it is what it is, then I think we should be very well in tune with what it is, because biohazard is unfortunate.

01:14:17.800 --> 01:14:18.800
and others.

01:14:18.800 --> 01:14:26.720
So being something that is dispensed in our community, I think we have to take precautionary

01:14:26.720 --> 01:14:27.720
measures.

01:14:27.720 --> 01:14:34.920
We just can't let janitors just come in and clean up biohazards and things of this nature

01:14:34.920 --> 01:14:38.760
if this is what we're leaning to, because if you're changing the language, it's making

01:14:38.760 --> 01:14:47.400
it permittable for anyone, even myself, to go in there and clean up biohazards.

01:14:47.400 --> 01:14:55.880
That's how it sounds to me, and so I don't want to have to go clean up biohazard material,

01:14:55.880 --> 01:15:01.160
and I don't want anyone that's not certified to go do the same thing.

01:15:01.160 --> 01:15:08.080
I don't want a janitor to do it if it's not called for, but if it's something that could

01:15:08.080 --> 01:15:14.840
be a public problem, then I think we should address it, and I don't think we should be

01:15:14.840 --> 01:15:15.840
and so on.

01:15:15.840 --> 01:15:18.900
So, I'm not going to be passive about any of that and that's the only reason why I have

01:15:18.900 --> 01:15:20.600
a concern for it.

01:15:20.600 --> 01:15:22.600
Attorney Aceto has a comment.

01:15:22.600 --> 01:15:29.040
Alderman Sanders, I think Alderman Monroe's motion to change the language, to strike the

01:15:29.040 --> 01:15:32.080
language regarding biohazards is in line with what you're saying.

01:15:32.080 --> 01:15:38.920
So then, if the language is removed, any reference to biohazards, then this particular janitor

01:15:38.920 --> 01:15:43.180
cleaning crew would not be able to do any of the biohazard stuff.

01:15:43.180 --> 01:15:47.420
it would have to be done, and Manager Boyer saying that any biohats or stuff would then

01:15:47.420 --> 01:15:53.860
have to be a separate company that does have the proper training certifications there.

01:15:53.860 --> 01:15:59.460
So I think what the motion to change the language is consistent with what you're talking about.

01:15:59.460 --> 01:16:08.260
Yeah, but I don't think, I'm not sure whether or not the language nullifies a janitor.

01:16:08.260 --> 01:16:14.460
I didn't hear the part where it says two separate companies would have to come in to take care

01:16:14.460 --> 01:16:16.060
of this issue.

01:16:16.060 --> 01:16:22.780
So my understanding of Alderman Monroe's motion is to remove from the scope any reference,

01:16:22.780 --> 01:16:27.900
the scope of work that this company would be doing, anything that would be biohazard

01:16:27.900 --> 01:16:28.900
related.

01:16:28.900 --> 01:16:33.820
So if that means then they're not going to be allowed to touch that topic.

01:16:33.820 --> 01:16:36.420
Okay.

01:16:36.420 --> 01:16:38.220
Is that accurate, Alderman?

01:16:38.220 --> 01:16:44.100
that's very accurate you know and I just looked it up OSHA is very clear on what

01:16:44.100 --> 01:16:49.180
a biohazard and a blood-borne pathogen is so I think you know the city would

01:16:49.180 --> 01:16:54.740
abide by those standards in the workplace right you know and then this

01:16:54.740 --> 01:16:58.700
contract with your changed proposal change language if it goes through then

01:16:58.700 --> 01:17:01.900
it would be out biohazards would be outside the scope of what this

01:17:01.900 --> 01:17:05.640
contractor would be allowed to do so they wouldn't even touch that stuff so

01:17:05.640 --> 01:17:11.560
So when we're looking at janitors, when we're looking at janitors, they have a certain classification.

01:17:11.560 --> 01:17:15.700
When we're looking at biohazards, they have a certain classification.

01:17:15.700 --> 01:17:17.320
There's a distinction there.

01:17:17.320 --> 01:17:22.280
And so we have to know what we're dealing with, even I don't care what language we use

01:17:22.280 --> 01:17:25.280
and how we use it, there's a clear distinction.

01:17:25.280 --> 01:17:32.160
If we're hiring a janitor, he cannot utilize, he cannot provide that service as a certification

01:17:32.160 --> 01:17:33.980
and

01:17:33.980 --> 01:17:34.980
Mayor.

01:17:34.980 --> 01:17:37.580
So that's all I'm saying.

01:17:37.580 --> 01:17:42.500
We're making a distinction out of the two and I don't want it to get confused that a janitor

01:17:42.500 --> 01:17:47.420
can just walk in and just clean up bio hazards.

01:17:47.420 --> 01:17:50.060
I just don't want that to happen.

01:17:50.060 --> 01:17:52.680
So again, this has been stretched.

01:17:52.680 --> 01:17:58.380
If we go back to the specifications, the bio hazard we're talking about is really if somebody

01:17:58.380 --> 01:18:02.940
We're to get sick here at work so employees don't have to clean it up.

01:18:03.140 --> 01:18:08.700
If you look at the bid items, Canop Cleaning Service bid it at zero dollars and zero cents.

01:18:08.740 --> 01:18:11.700
The other two people, I believe, bid it at a hundred dollars.

01:18:11.900 --> 01:18:18.420
So just the scope in general would show you that if it was a true biohazard cleanup, for

01:18:18.420 --> 01:18:23.060
instance, if someone got shot here, there was blood all over something like that, would

01:18:23.060 --> 01:18:28.180
not be that kind of cleanup and the city would not be able to hire a cleaning service

01:18:28.180 --> 01:18:33.700
like this to do it. James, you were in that business. You would know it. So again, if you

01:18:33.700 --> 01:18:40.260
look at the bid price, nobody's asking anybody to clean up body organs for $100. This is just a

01:18:40.260 --> 01:18:45.140
cleaning service. The cleaning service actually performs at nighttime hours when the City Hall

01:18:45.140 --> 01:18:51.700
is not open. Right? That's what they do. We've had this going on for years. This is an annual contract

01:18:51.700 --> 01:18:58.340
for not only City Hall but the PD. Our current service provider is was time to

01:18:58.340 --> 01:19:02.540
renew their contract they did not bid on this contract and there had been issues

01:19:02.540 --> 01:19:09.180
so just stating the obvious here the the current low bidder I got a question

01:19:09.180 --> 01:19:14.760
today was asked if they're registered as an Illinois business they are not they

01:19:14.760 --> 01:19:19.980
have Wisconsin and Illinois tax number and there is no requirement for cleaning

01:19:19.980 --> 01:19:24.100
Services to be registered as a business in Illinois.

01:19:24.100 --> 01:19:25.580
They're a local company.

01:19:25.580 --> 01:19:28.860
They've been in business for five years.

01:19:28.860 --> 01:19:30.980
I called all 10 of their references.

01:19:30.980 --> 01:19:34.820
They had 10 business references, three personal references.

01:19:34.820 --> 01:19:39.780
look we had three personal references, I had at least seven businesses call me back said

01:19:39.780 --> 01:19:41.720
they're the best cleaning company they've ever had.

01:19:41.720 --> 01:19:44.580
Two of them are local businesses here in Freeport.

01:19:44.580 --> 01:19:48.440
And really this is about oh if you have a problem a kid walks in throws up on the floor

01:19:48.440 --> 01:19:53.220
the admin doesn't need to clean it up they'll just come and take care of it.

01:19:53.220 --> 01:19:55.620
Yes and we had a response time of a couple hours.

01:19:55.620 --> 01:20:00.520
I think you're missing the point though and you know you're right, I did work in the business

01:20:00.520 --> 01:20:30.520
even throw up can have issues whether they're going to throw up can be cleaned up with bleach and gloves. And, you know, not every scene I'm trained in it actually, because I used to be a coach at the high school. Anybody that's trained can clean up that type of product with rubber gloves, chlorine splay. We did it at basketball games all the game all the time. And the games continue. We're not asking them to remove body parts from City Hall. Okay, so the motion on the floor

01:20:30.520 --> 01:20:35.440
or is just one thing, striking the language of biohazard.

01:20:35.440 --> 01:20:38.160
So if there's no further discussion

01:20:38.160 --> 01:20:39.880
on striking that language, Madam Clerk,

01:20:39.880 --> 01:20:42.920
would you please take the role on just that portion?

01:20:42.920 --> 01:20:44.280
Klemm?

01:20:44.280 --> 01:20:45.600
No.

01:20:45.600 --> 01:20:46.440
Monroe?

01:20:46.440 --> 01:20:47.360
Aye.

01:20:47.360 --> 01:20:48.280
Simmons?

01:20:48.280 --> 01:20:49.100
No.

01:20:49.100 --> 01:20:49.940
Parker?

01:20:49.940 --> 01:20:50.780
No.

01:20:50.780 --> 01:20:51.620
Stacy?

01:20:51.620 --> 01:20:52.560
Aye.

01:20:52.560 --> 01:20:53.400
Shadle?

01:20:53.400 --> 01:20:54.560
No.

01:20:54.560 --> 01:20:55.400
Sanders?

01:20:55.400 --> 01:20:56.600
No.

01:20:56.600 --> 01:20:57.440
Sellers?

01:20:57.440 --> 01:20:58.280
No.

01:21:00.520 --> 01:21:08.800
Fails. Okay, so now before you is the original bid, the way it was presented. Any further

01:21:08.800 --> 01:21:16.200
discussions on the original? Alderman Stacey. My biggest concern was the difference in the

01:21:16.200 --> 01:21:28.320
price. One for both buildings was $14,500. The other one for both buildings was $89,000.

01:21:28.320 --> 01:21:39.920
and a middle person was $55,100. How? Yes, Darren. The difference in bids reflect brick

01:21:39.920 --> 01:21:45.520
and mortar businesses versus mom and pop shops. The other two bidders are bigger businesses

01:21:45.520 --> 01:21:51.180
with bigger overheads and the company that was low bid is a mom and pop shop with three

01:21:51.180 --> 01:22:21.180
and others. So, I think that's the difference between the low bidder and the employees and, you know, growing, right? So, that's your difference in price. I will also say the low bidder also FOIAed what we currently pay for a contract because that's legal and so they knew the price they needed to be to get the contract. The other two did not.

01:22:21.180 --> 01:22:27.780
B.E.B.B.I.D. bonds of 10%, performance bonds and payment bonds, so they are fully bonded.

01:22:27.780 --> 01:22:33.020
They also supplied their insurance certificate as well, which pending approval tonight will

01:22:33.020 --> 01:22:35.040
go to Aaron for review.

01:22:35.040 --> 01:22:39.480
We have specific language that goes into the chain of insurances to cover all the city

01:22:39.480 --> 01:22:42.260
employees including the board members.

01:22:42.260 --> 01:22:45.760
That is something that they will need to alter on their chain of insurance before a final

01:22:45.760 --> 01:22:47.760
agreement is signed.

01:22:47.760 --> 01:22:52.280
Okay, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:22:52.280 --> 01:22:53.280
Klemm?

01:22:53.280 --> 01:22:54.280
Aye.

01:22:54.280 --> 01:22:55.280
Monroe?

01:22:55.280 --> 01:22:56.280
No.

01:22:56.280 --> 01:22:57.280
Simmons?

01:22:57.280 --> 01:22:58.280
Aye.

01:22:58.280 --> 01:22:59.280
Parker?

01:22:59.280 --> 01:23:00.280
Aye.

01:23:00.280 --> 01:23:01.280
Stacy?

01:23:01.280 --> 01:23:02.280
Aye.

01:23:02.280 --> 01:23:03.280
Shadle?

01:23:03.280 --> 01:23:04.280
Aye.

01:23:04.280 --> 01:23:05.280
Sanders?

01:23:05.280 --> 01:23:06.280
Aye.

01:23:06.280 --> 01:23:07.280
Sellers?

01:23:07.280 --> 01:23:08.280
Aye.

01:23:08.280 --> 01:23:09.280
Resolution?

01:23:09.280 --> 01:23:10.280
Oh, no.

01:23:10.280 --> 01:23:11.280
Bid approval.

01:23:11.280 --> 01:23:14.960
Okay, item number 15, there's another bid approval.

01:23:14.960 --> 01:23:25.200
could you please read this? Bid opening on January 28, 2025, 2025 sewer cleaning for sewer lining bid.

01:23:25.200 --> 01:23:30.320
Thank you, Manager Boyer. Yeah, thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport does quite a bit of lining

01:23:30.320 --> 01:23:36.640
every road work project. We're lining the sewers as we go. City staff had a bid opening for the

01:23:36.640 --> 01:23:58.420
Cleaning & Inventory of Sanitary Sewer for the 2025 Year Paving Program. The low bid was from National Power Rotting at $60,820. That was below projection. Darren, could you remind me, what was, how far below projection was that?

01:23:58.420 --> 01:24:04.020
23,000 yep so out of 23,000 below projection and city staff requests city

01:24:04.020 --> 01:24:08.380
council move forward with the agreement with National Power Riding. Is there a

01:24:08.380 --> 01:24:14.220
motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by

01:24:14.220 --> 01:24:22.380
Alderman Sellers, Alderman Sanders. Yeah how much coverage area, how many miles of

01:24:22.380 --> 01:24:27.380
Seward Lining that we're expecting to have taking place.

01:24:27.380 --> 01:24:30.380
Who am I talking to, Rod?

01:24:30.380 --> 01:24:34.380
Seward Lining or cleaning? This bid is for cleaning.

01:24:34.380 --> 01:24:36.380
Oh, okay.

01:24:36.380 --> 01:24:40.380
Or sewer lining. Okay, the bidding is for just cleaning?

01:24:40.380 --> 01:24:45.380
This is for cleaning and TVing and identifying point repairs and lines that can be lined.

01:24:45.380 --> 01:24:50.380
We annually budget about $400,000 to $500,000 a year for lining,

01:24:50.380 --> 01:24:57.060
which usually gets us about $20,000, I believe.

01:24:57.060 --> 01:25:04.580
Okay, when we come, sorry, when we're coming into cleaning, we're talking about, as far

01:25:04.580 --> 01:25:10.660
as cleaning is concerned, we're talking about covering the whole Freeport, the city of Freeport

01:25:10.660 --> 01:25:13.300
when it comes to sewer cleaning, am I correct?

01:25:13.300 --> 01:25:18.340
No, this contract is specifically only for the streets that we intend on working on in

01:25:18.340 --> 01:25:23.300
the next year to two years so we can identify point repairs. This this contract

01:25:23.300 --> 01:25:29.340
would be probably over a half a million dollars or more to clean the entire town.

01:25:29.340 --> 01:25:45.260
Okay so there any other discussion? Madam Clerk please take the roll. Klemm, Monroe,

01:25:45.260 --> 01:26:03.340
Rowe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, approval of the passes.

01:26:03.340 --> 01:26:09.740
Item number 16 is discussion regarding reappropriation of funds to address street lighting and high

01:26:09.740 --> 01:26:17.180
and my crime areas in the 5th Ward, identified by a list by Chief Shenberger, presented by

01:26:17.180 --> 01:26:20.220
Alderman Stacy and Monroe.

01:26:20.220 --> 01:26:31.980
Yes, Chief Shenberger and I kind of started this last year and it kind of fell on the

01:26:31.980 --> 01:26:32.980
wayside.

01:26:32.980 --> 01:26:43.920
However, I picked it back up and it's my desire to run with it as far as the

01:26:43.920 --> 01:26:53.420
lighting here in Freeport. As Mr. Carroll spoke earlier, we did have 150 watt

01:26:53.420 --> 01:27:09.700
Bubs, ComEd came in with the LEDs and we went down to 35 watts and it's just not enough.

01:27:09.700 --> 01:27:17.260
When I made the request a couple weeks ago for state and Iroquois, an additional 55 watt

01:27:17.260 --> 01:27:36.580
Bob was added to that area and it's still dark and I am asking that funds be made available

01:27:36.580 --> 01:27:46.020
To go through this list that I received from Chief Shenberger, the concerned crime areas

01:27:46.020 --> 01:27:50.900
that's dark.

01:27:50.900 --> 01:28:01.900
And with all the talk the last two weeks on Oak Street that has added an additional 10

01:28:01.900 --> 01:28:02.900
Schoenberg.

01:28:02.900 --> 01:28:10.020
We have a number of different crime areas on Oak that Chief has added to this list that

01:28:10.020 --> 01:28:12.900
needs additional lighting.

01:28:12.900 --> 01:28:16.900
Chief Shenberger, can you?

01:28:16.900 --> 01:28:23.380
Yeah, I talked to Alderman Stacy Friday night, I believe it was.

01:28:23.380 --> 01:28:24.380
We talked about this.

01:28:24.380 --> 01:28:27.380
I was out there on Oak for a while.

01:28:27.380 --> 01:28:33.580
there's ten lights I've suggested in between Broadway and Empire so there's

01:28:33.580 --> 01:28:41.620
ten lights there and obviously as mr. Carroll talked about earlier that area

01:28:41.620 --> 01:28:50.400
does get dark especially on the sidewalks at nighttime so so I have spoken with

01:28:50.400 --> 01:29:06.380
Chief, Shenberger, I've spoken with Mr. Gaurab, ComEd, and I've spoken with Darren, who kind

01:29:06.380 --> 01:29:22.300
And it gave me an ideal of what we were looking at for the now 13 areas, concerned areas.

01:29:22.300 --> 01:29:29.540
And so it is, I don't know, Darren, if you have anything you would like to say on this

01:29:29.540 --> 01:29:30.540
matter.

01:29:30.540 --> 01:29:34.780
This is Ms. Stacy.

01:29:34.780 --> 01:29:37.580
This is, Mrs. Stacy is correct.

01:29:37.580 --> 01:29:40.200
We did talk about this almost a year ago.

01:29:41.100 --> 01:29:45.220
Originally there was some concern about dark streets

01:29:45.220 --> 01:29:49.460
and I asked Chief Shenberger to put a list together

01:29:49.460 --> 01:29:54.100
of higher crime areas of Freeport that were consistent

01:29:54.100 --> 01:29:55.660
with the calls that we have.

01:29:55.660 --> 01:29:58.860
And at that time we went to ComEd and we,

01:29:58.860 --> 01:30:03.860
City Manager Boyer and I asked ComEd to please consider

01:30:03.860 --> 01:30:09.100
Sutter, coming out, looking at these areas, evaluating the lights, and then look to add

01:30:09.100 --> 01:30:11.900
different lights with more strength back in.

01:30:11.900 --> 01:30:16.260
And at that time, and that was Mr. Galrap that came out, he came out and did light surveys

01:30:16.260 --> 01:30:18.340
at night on the streets.

01:30:18.340 --> 01:30:24.380
He came back and said, based on the lights that we currently have, they're emitting what

01:30:24.380 --> 01:30:29.020
they're supposed to, and if we want, as a community, to have greater light, then we

01:30:29.020 --> 01:30:33.780
have to pay for the fixture replacement, and then we have to coordinate with ComEd.

01:30:33.780 --> 01:30:43.780
We can't just shut those ComEd lights on and off. They have continuous power, so they have to be shut down by ComEd to change the heads out, but we would have to pay for that. It's a pay item.

01:30:43.780 --> 01:31:00.780
We also asked about new poles and new lights mid-blocks. Those were costed out, too, and I believe it was a year ago, but I believe that was around $13,000 a pole with the light and electrical to add them mid-blocks or in between existing poles.

01:31:00.780 --> 01:31:19.860
So the thought by Chief and I was it would be cheaper to replace lights than to add new poles and I believe originally, and again, that was a year ago before the areas had shifted, we were looking at about $25,000 worth of light replacements in the streets list that he had at that time.

01:31:23.220 --> 01:31:30.060
If it's the desire of the council to look at this further, then we should do that. But that's a direction we need to be given.

01:31:30.060 --> 01:31:38.380
Okay, so I actually spoke with Mr. Galrapp today as well, and just so you're aware, we've

01:31:38.380 --> 01:31:45.020
actually been talking with him for months about being on a, that right now we are not

01:31:45.020 --> 01:31:52.420
on a list as a distressed community. However, we are up, we should be back on that list

01:31:52.420 --> 01:31:57.300
to be considered again, so that kind of puts us in a different spot. But we are working

01:31:57.300 --> 01:32:27.300
with ComEd, have for months. And so it is just kind of a waiting game to see if we get on that list and what that impact could be for us. So I guess my question is kind of twofold to you, Alderman, Stacy, is where are you suggesting that the funding comes from because it has to be removed somewhere in order to make that difference up? And then secondly would be obviously the Chief has places probably all

01:32:27.300 --> 01:32:42.360
and

01:32:42.360 --> 01:32:49.280
I have taken this bull by the horn and it is my desire, my intentions to get something

01:32:49.280 --> 01:32:53.480
done and not allow it to fall to the wayside again.

01:32:53.480 --> 01:32:54.480
Right.

01:32:54.480 --> 01:33:01.840
So, so there's going to be other areas that's going to need and there too will be fixed.

01:33:01.840 --> 01:33:08.240
Well and my challenge to you then is that needs to be an entire council decision not

01:33:08.240 --> 01:33:12.320
just put forward by one Alderman.

01:33:12.320 --> 01:33:13.320
Go ahead.

01:33:13.320 --> 01:33:14.320
Thank you.

01:33:14.320 --> 01:33:15.320
Thank you.

01:33:15.320 --> 01:33:16.320
Alderman Monroe.

01:33:16.320 --> 01:33:20.480
So basically, we just saved $23,000 on the sewer lining bid.

01:33:20.480 --> 01:33:23.440
So that almost makes up the $25,000.

01:33:23.440 --> 01:33:29.160
My suggestion, and while I agree with Alderman Stacy that the Fifth Ward has got some of

01:33:29.160 --> 01:33:35.600
the darker spots, is that the Chief and Public Works and the City Manager kind of come up

01:33:35.600 --> 01:34:05.600
and I have a couple of things I would like to say to all of you who are on the top of the list, try to reuse the 23,000 we just saved and go for the hottest spots where we would get the biggest bang for the buck and I think we have to start somewhere. I agree 100%. I live on a street that's, we've got three lights on our street. It's barely lit.

01:34:05.600 --> 01:34:35.600
and many more. This is a safety issue for citizens. You look at pizza delivery drivers. They have been robbed in the past just because things are not lit. This is a much, much bigger issue than just trying to figure things out. We spent significantly more money on things that are less of a need and more of a want than this is. This is a need that needs to be addressed.

01:34:35.600 --> 01:34:37.600
and

01:34:38.600 --> 01:34:40.600
others.

01:34:41.600 --> 01:34:43.600
We will be back on the list of being a distressed community and see where that raises it to be.

01:34:44.600 --> 01:34:46.600
Alderman Sellers.

01:34:47.600 --> 01:34:51.600
First of all, I want to say that this lighting problem has been going on probably when George

01:34:52.600 --> 01:34:54.600
Goldrath was Mayor.

01:34:55.600 --> 01:34:59.600
So I know that Alderman Ronnie Bush had led trying to get lights in the city.

01:34:59.600 --> 01:35:10.520
had led trying to get lights in the third ward back when he was Alderman at that time because there was a lot of crime.

01:35:10.520 --> 01:35:18.520
Then when Patrick Sellers presented his crime bill, that was one of his big issues, was the lighting in the certain areas.

01:35:18.520 --> 01:35:22.520
And we did have a meeting with George Gorap down at Township.

01:35:22.520 --> 01:35:26.280
and like the mayor said, there's this,

01:35:26.280 --> 01:35:29.680
we were not on the list for a distressed community

01:35:29.680 --> 01:35:32.720
and the city of Aurora was on this list

01:35:32.720 --> 01:35:36.340
and they got, because of their high crime in Aurora,

01:35:36.340 --> 01:35:40.240
they got a lot of help from ComEd

01:35:40.240 --> 01:35:42.480
because they were on this list.

01:35:42.480 --> 01:35:45.120
So if we wait to get on this list,

01:35:45.120 --> 01:35:47.600
it will cost us less money

01:35:47.600 --> 01:35:49.920
and we can probably get more done.

01:35:49.920 --> 01:35:51.560
So that's what the thing is.

01:35:51.560 --> 01:35:57.200
So this isn't something that, oh man, on Oak Street, I've lived on Oak Street for 34 years.

01:35:57.200 --> 01:35:59.420
And so I know how Oak Street is.

01:35:59.420 --> 01:36:05.840
And yeah, we've had crime in the last few weeks or whatever, but we have big oak trees

01:36:05.840 --> 01:36:07.200
on Oak Street.

01:36:07.200 --> 01:36:12.600
So I do know that there is some crime going on on Oak Street, but I also know that I've

01:36:12.600 --> 01:36:15.180
been there for 34 years and felt safe.

01:36:15.180 --> 01:36:20.160
So I know that we need lighting, but even around my house, I do have a nice bright light.

01:36:20.160 --> 01:36:25.280
of course if we get some of those big oak trees down we can we can probably have a

01:36:25.280 --> 01:36:29.600
brighter light but this this problem has not just been going on in the last two

01:36:29.600 --> 01:36:34.960
years it's been going on probably 20 years so if we give ourselves some time

01:36:34.960 --> 01:36:41.240
and let George get us on this list we probably could get more money because it

01:36:41.240 --> 01:36:45.840
would be less for us to pay out so that's what I'm saying so you say we've

01:36:45.840 --> 01:36:48.680
We've been waiting 20 years to get on this list.

01:36:48.680 --> 01:36:52.560
No, we never knew about the list until we had that meeting with George Gorel.

01:36:52.560 --> 01:36:56.960
So just wait another year and then another year and just let it continue to fall.

01:36:56.960 --> 01:36:58.760
It's up for 2025.

01:36:58.760 --> 01:37:01.440
We will be on this list.

01:37:01.440 --> 01:37:02.440
Manager Boyer.

01:37:02.440 --> 01:37:04.560
I would like to clarify a few things.

01:37:04.560 --> 01:37:10.780
Number one, the old street lights were metal halide and they cast a 180 degree pattern

01:37:10.780 --> 01:37:14.040
that went both ways down the street and beneath them.

01:37:14.040 --> 01:37:20.560
the new LEDs don't we have been we've actually the what the mayor mentioned distress communities

01:37:20.560 --> 01:37:26.760
we were in 2020 we were a distressed community we exercise the entire use of that program

01:37:26.760 --> 01:37:32.200
to brighten up downtown that's why we have the new LEDs that we have there saving money

01:37:32.200 --> 01:37:37.880
because all those down there were metal halide and use a lot more wattage when we say 150

01:37:37.880 --> 01:37:43.040
watt or 250 watt that doesn't equate directly to lumens you know we could have a hundred

01:38:13.040 --> 01:38:18.560
Williams, and so I just correct some of that or mention some of that information.

01:38:18.560 --> 01:38:22.960
Yes, so we really need to think about that before we just start re-appropriating funds.

01:38:22.960 --> 01:38:23.960
Alderman Sanders.

01:38:23.960 --> 01:38:35.140
Yeah, I just wanted to know, since this has been brought up, have we decided on a working

01:38:35.140 --> 01:38:42.600
solution as a whole, because it sounds like something that should take place.

01:38:42.600 --> 01:38:48.800
Have we been able to get together, to bump heads, to talk, to comment about getting on

01:38:48.800 --> 01:38:49.800
this list?

01:38:49.800 --> 01:38:56.480
Have we come to that resolution on that part, if we're going to move forward on it?

01:38:56.480 --> 01:39:03.240
I think that just talking about it here, is there any actions being taken place?

01:39:03.240 --> 01:39:05.120
Manager Boyer?

01:39:05.120 --> 01:39:08.320
I spoke with George Galrapp this morning about it.

01:39:08.320 --> 01:39:10.960
He said that we are on the list to move forward.

01:39:10.960 --> 01:39:15.360
There hasn't been a confirmation of the select community status, but he expects that to move

01:39:15.360 --> 01:39:16.360
forward.

01:39:16.360 --> 01:39:19.720
But there's no confirmation at this time, but that's going to have a huge cost impact

01:39:19.720 --> 01:39:23.800
to any upgrades we do anywhere in the city.

01:39:23.800 --> 01:39:28.720
And you know, we all want better lighting, that's, we just, all of us would agree with

01:39:28.720 --> 01:39:29.720
that.

01:39:29.720 --> 01:39:30.720
Darren?

01:39:30.720 --> 01:39:34.720
The city staff has been working on this for

01:39:34.720 --> 01:39:39.280
staff has been working on this for since it was brought up the last time a matter

01:39:39.280 --> 01:39:43.980
of fact people probably have forgot about this but we wrote letters to

01:39:43.980 --> 01:39:52.480
representative Cabello, Sorensen, downstate we filed many letters asking

01:39:52.480 --> 01:39:57.640
to get these deeper discounts because there was many communities that were on

01:39:57.640 --> 01:40:04.080
the list that are far better off than ours and it's just a process anything at

01:40:04.080 --> 01:40:05.080
and John.

01:40:05.080 --> 01:40:10.680
This level takes a lot to get done, and it is a significant savings on the grants if

01:40:10.680 --> 01:40:15.080
we do get designated in that bucket, which we currently weren't.

01:40:15.080 --> 01:40:17.560
It's a much deeper discount on lights.

01:40:17.560 --> 01:40:20.600
But again, we have been working on that for a year.

01:40:20.600 --> 01:40:28.380
We were told that in order to get back into the community level that we wanted to be at,

01:40:28.380 --> 01:40:34.060
that we had to work with, through our representatives, that ComEd just would not turn us back to

01:40:34.060 --> 01:40:39.600
to that program automatically, and we're happy to provide copies of those letters because

01:40:39.600 --> 01:40:42.700
we sent them out, it's got to be nine months ago.

01:40:42.700 --> 01:40:43.700
Alderman Monroe.

01:40:43.700 --> 01:40:48.620
Thank you, Madam Mayor, I've got several questions along those lines.

01:40:48.620 --> 01:40:53.540
Since we've been working that so hard and diligently since nine months ago, how much

01:40:53.540 --> 01:40:59.700
money have we put forth to set ourselves up for if we get on this list?

01:40:59.700 --> 01:41:00.700
and others.

01:41:00.700 --> 01:41:05.700
What have we done to forward think through and have money available for us on that list

01:41:05.700 --> 01:41:08.340
and I've got a follow-up beyond that once.

01:41:08.340 --> 01:41:09.340
Go ahead.

01:41:09.340 --> 01:41:13.340
Michelle, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we have, do we have $20,000 in the Street

01:41:13.340 --> 01:41:14.340
Lighting Program?

01:41:14.340 --> 01:41:16.100
Yeah, that's what I just thought.

01:41:16.100 --> 01:41:20.980
So yeah, so that $20,000 will go significantly farther if we're on the select community's

01:41:20.980 --> 01:41:23.180
status.

01:41:23.180 --> 01:41:25.660
So we sent a letter nine months ago.

01:41:25.660 --> 01:41:27.980
Have we followed up on that?

01:41:27.980 --> 01:41:29.380
I've done that multiple times.

01:41:29.380 --> 01:41:33.940
Times, and that's through? I spoke with them this morning. Okay. That's how recent

01:41:33.940 --> 01:41:48.740
I've followed up on that. Okay. I just want to say that I took the list that was

01:41:48.740 --> 01:42:03.140
has given to me from Chief Shenberger, and I am appalled of the way you, Jodi Miller,

01:42:03.140 --> 01:42:12.180
has come at me and not respected.

01:42:12.180 --> 01:42:15.500
I didn't make this list.

01:42:15.500 --> 01:42:29.520
I did not make up this list, just like you want us to respect your opinion and your desires

01:42:29.520 --> 01:42:36.760
and what you want, respect what the chief gives me to bring to the council.

01:42:36.760 --> 01:42:38.680
Be supportive of that.

01:42:38.680 --> 01:42:42.640
I'm not disrespecting you, I was just asking you where the money was coming from and I

01:42:42.640 --> 01:42:45.960
I asked you why you would not consider that to be a citywide versus just your

01:42:45.960 --> 01:42:52.040
ward that's all I was asking there's no further discussion move on to

01:42:52.040 --> 01:42:58.720
department heads finance thank you community development yes I just want to

01:42:58.720 --> 01:43:03.560
report back on the letters that went out to suspected rentals we had 80 letters

01:43:03.560 --> 01:43:09.120
go out Friday and today I spoke with the actually I spoke last week with our

01:43:09.120 --> 01:43:18.120
Consultant, InfoSend, and they said that 1,498 are going to go out today, so.

01:43:18.120 --> 01:43:22.120
Thank you. Community, or I'm sorry, Public Works.

01:43:22.120 --> 01:43:35.120
Yeah, a couple things. I'd like to apologize to the Utility and Streets Department that I did not get the invitations out early enough for tonight's meeting, so we will have those presentations next week.

01:43:35.120 --> 01:43:46.180
and I. I apologize to those people. Also I would like to recognize next Monday night at

01:43:46.180 --> 01:43:52.560
the COW we will have ALTA planning coming to Freeport. They will be doing a short presentation

01:43:52.560 --> 01:43:57.880
on the SS4A program for Freeport that they have been working on. That is a safe streets

01:43:57.880 --> 01:44:04.480
for all. There is a lot of different parts and pieces of it, but what that means is it

01:44:04.480 --> 01:44:08.320
is transportation related, so it's cars, bicycles,

01:44:08.320 --> 01:44:11.360
and pedestrians, also could include lighting.

01:44:11.360 --> 01:44:16.360
So at the council level, they'll be giving a short recap.

01:44:16.680 --> 01:44:20.720
On Tuesday night from 530 to 730,

01:44:20.720 --> 01:44:24.800
we'll be having a public open house for residents

01:44:24.800 --> 01:44:28.320
and council members here at City Hall.

01:44:28.320 --> 01:44:29.800
It'll be an open house.

01:44:29.800 --> 01:44:31.360
There won't be a huge presentation,

01:44:31.360 --> 01:44:33.960
but there'll be areas that you can be involved,

01:44:33.960 --> 01:44:38.240
surveys that you can give and more inclusiveness.

01:44:38.240 --> 01:44:40.600
There is also a plan if you can't make that,

01:44:40.600 --> 01:44:44.640
that down the road here we'll also be having online surveys

01:44:44.640 --> 01:44:47.160
that community members can fill out.

01:44:47.160 --> 01:44:50.040
I wanna be clear though at next week's meeting,

01:44:50.040 --> 01:44:54.480
it is not for city staff, it's really for council members

01:44:54.480 --> 01:44:57.520
and people from the public to be here to put their input in

01:44:57.520 --> 01:45:00.120
without influence from city members.

01:45:00.120 --> 01:45:02.880
So please join us if you can.

01:45:03.960 --> 01:45:10.840
and that's all I have thank you fire yes thank you your honor as I'm sure

01:45:10.840 --> 01:45:16.400
everyone is aware Friday the 24th January we had a major structure fire in

01:45:16.400 --> 01:45:24.080
town Milton Motors initially we had some traffic control challenges we were able to

01:45:24.080 --> 01:45:30.720
work through those we're very fortunate we had no injuries whatsoever and the

01:45:30.720 --> 01:45:35.420
Building is a total loss and it's currently under investigation.

01:45:35.420 --> 01:45:42.600
Our Fire Marshal will be meeting with two insurance agency fire investigators on Wednesday.

01:45:42.600 --> 01:45:48.320
So they're going to compare their notes and their findings and then hopefully make a correct

01:45:48.320 --> 01:45:49.320
determination.

01:45:49.320 --> 01:45:50.320
Thank you.

01:45:50.320 --> 01:45:51.320
Police?

01:45:51.320 --> 01:45:52.320
Yeah.

01:45:52.320 --> 01:45:58.760
I had a meeting this morning with Alderman Sellers and she just asked that I touch on

01:45:58.760 --> 01:46:01.360
and some of the stuff that we're doing

01:46:01.360 --> 01:46:04.520
in regards to this uptick on Oak

01:46:06.040 --> 01:46:09.640
and give a little history about what we've done last year.

01:46:09.640 --> 01:46:11.680
So for the past three months,

01:46:11.680 --> 01:46:15.800
going from October 19th to January 15th,

01:46:15.800 --> 01:46:20.480
during that timeframe, we had one incident of shots fired

01:46:20.480 --> 01:46:22.440
and that was in December on Conkel.

01:46:22.440 --> 01:46:25.360
And just to clarify, that's still unacceptable.

01:46:25.360 --> 01:46:28.140
We aspire to have zero shots fired incidents.

01:46:28.760 --> 01:46:34.320
Right now, there's efforts being made by the police department to counter gun violence.

01:46:34.320 --> 01:46:39.200
At the last council meeting, the end-of-year report was presented.

01:46:39.200 --> 01:46:45.960
In 2024, the police department took 82 firearms, seized 82 firearms during investigations and

01:46:45.960 --> 01:46:50.440
also made 51 arrests for unlawful use of weapons.

01:46:50.440 --> 01:46:57.600
So far this year, just in the first month, adds seven firearms to that total, which I

01:46:57.600 --> 01:47:01.000
I guess it would be on pace for more than last year,

01:47:01.000 --> 01:47:03.460
seven firearms that we've taken off the street.

01:47:04.760 --> 01:47:07.680
PD staff is utilizing crime reduction measures

01:47:07.680 --> 01:47:11.280
we've talked about on this floor to deter these incidents.

01:47:11.280 --> 01:47:14.380
Some of them include saturation patrols.

01:47:14.380 --> 01:47:18.120
We've been trying to have a heavy presence on Oak right now.

01:47:18.120 --> 01:47:21.160
Utilizing our technological resources,

01:47:21.160 --> 01:47:24.120
which was sound thinking, which has,

01:47:24.120 --> 01:47:25.120
and others.

01:47:25.120 --> 01:47:31.720
It's covered, that area is covered, utilizing LPR cameras and intelligence from TIPS and

01:47:31.720 --> 01:47:37.920
other sources of information, making efforts to work with the families of those who we

01:47:37.920 --> 01:47:40.080
believe are involved in this.

01:47:40.080 --> 01:47:42.880
And most importantly, if you see something, report it.

01:47:42.880 --> 01:47:44.680
We can't solve this issue alone.

01:47:44.680 --> 01:47:46.520
It's going to take all of us.

01:47:46.520 --> 01:47:49.120
And as always, attend neighborhood watch meetings.

01:47:49.120 --> 01:47:51.960
It's a good source of information.

01:47:51.960 --> 01:47:57.680
and Sergeant Leverton who spearheads that, puts information out there that not just shots

01:47:57.680 --> 01:48:02.920
fired but other issues that we're dealing with at this time.

01:48:02.920 --> 01:48:03.920
Thank you.

01:48:03.920 --> 01:48:04.920
Library?

01:48:04.920 --> 01:48:09.960
I just wanted to let you know that our One Book, One Free Port is going well.

01:48:09.960 --> 01:48:12.960
I put books on your tables.

01:48:12.960 --> 01:48:19.880
And then we also are doing our series in Lectures in American History, which we do every winter.

01:48:19.880 --> 01:48:27.600
and our next one is on Thursday, February 6th at 6.30 and it's about Jane Addams.

01:48:27.600 --> 01:48:33.080
So it's relevant to our community, so if anybody wants to go.

01:48:33.080 --> 01:48:34.080
Thank you.

01:48:34.080 --> 01:48:35.080
IT?

01:48:35.080 --> 01:48:36.080
Welcome tonight.

01:48:36.080 --> 01:48:37.080
Thank you.

01:48:37.080 --> 01:48:38.080
City Manager?

01:48:38.080 --> 01:48:39.080
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:48:39.080 --> 01:48:44.440
I just wanted to reflect on the refreshed report this weekend in January.

01:48:44.440 --> 01:48:51.400
I think we had 17 tons of garbage dropped off. And in February, so Saturday, last Saturday,

01:48:52.600 --> 01:48:59.320
we had 24 tons dropped off. So pretty significant increase. And especially compared to what we

01:48:59.320 --> 01:49:05.240
anticipated, we were thinking between three and 10 tons. So we're definitely and by the way,

01:49:05.240 --> 01:49:11.000
we had 54 mattresses dropped off too, which is huge. Apparently, those are kind of a specialized

01:49:11.000 --> 01:49:15.600
item that reduce the density of the hauling. So anyway, that's good. That's

01:49:15.600 --> 01:49:21.040
less work that we have to deal with. And hopefully that lessens illegal dumping.

01:49:21.040 --> 01:49:36.040
We'll move on to Council Announcements. Alderman Klemm, Alderman Monroe. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:49:36.040 --> 01:49:54.040
Thank you, Madam Mayor. You know, good job to the Fire Department on that response. I saw several agencies there. Traffic control, that's something we probably should work out if we're going to have situations like this, especially in our main thoroughfares, Galena and 26, especially.

01:49:54.040 --> 01:49:55.040
and others.

01:49:55.040 --> 01:50:00.520
But I am very disappointed tonight, and it was hard to bite my tongue.

01:50:00.520 --> 01:50:04.880
The fact that, you know, we've waited nine months, the shootings are continuing, the

01:50:04.880 --> 01:50:09.200
police department's doing all they can do, they're getting guns off the street, but it

01:50:09.200 --> 01:50:14.100
really doesn't feel like this is our number one priority to get out there, fix these street

01:50:14.100 --> 01:50:19.480
lights, improve the community in the places that need to be improved.

01:50:19.480 --> 01:50:21.040
And we've got to work better.

01:50:21.040 --> 01:50:27.440
You know, Public Works saved $23,000 on the lining.

01:50:27.440 --> 01:50:29.800
We've got $20,000 set aside.

01:50:29.800 --> 01:50:31.800
I just don't see the harm in trying

01:50:31.800 --> 01:50:33.600
to figure out how to address at least some

01:50:33.600 --> 01:50:38.640
of these most likely areas before we wait for ComEd

01:50:38.640 --> 01:50:40.160
or the state of Illinois or whoever

01:50:40.160 --> 01:50:42.520
makes the final decision.

01:50:42.520 --> 01:50:44.960
And waiting another nine months or a year,

01:50:44.960 --> 01:50:47.040
I mean, how many people have got to get shot?

01:50:47.040 --> 01:50:50.640
We've got to continue to work forward and try to improve.

01:50:50.640 --> 01:50:56.120
and putting our feet down and saying well you know we've sent letters we've been

01:50:56.120 --> 01:51:01.000
talking to them we hope to be on there everything I've ever learned in life hope

01:51:01.000 --> 01:51:07.440
is not a plan you've got to have a plan and execute on that plan and I think

01:51:07.440 --> 01:51:11.360
we've got to at least start taking some of the control over as the city and

01:51:11.360 --> 01:51:14.920
that's why we've got home rule to make these types of decisions and move

01:51:14.920 --> 01:51:16.920
Forward. That's all I have, your Mayor.

01:51:16.920 --> 01:51:22.600
Alderman Simmons? Nothing, thank you. Alderman Parker? Just one thing, I was only a

01:51:22.600 --> 01:51:26.000
couple blocks from the fire down there at Norton Motors and I really want to

01:51:26.000 --> 01:51:29.800
tell how much I appreciate the fire department. They, it was amazing, it's the

01:51:29.800 --> 01:51:33.240
worst fire I've ever seen in my life and they did a great job. Thank you.

01:51:33.240 --> 01:51:44.800
Alderman Stacy? I want to say today that I was told and I won't say who said it to

01:51:44.800 --> 01:51:53.760
and a safe face. So Darren, I'm just going to look at you. I was told that lighting these

01:51:53.760 --> 01:52:10.640
areas was not going to fix the crime. Again, I say we have to start somewhere. And Chief

01:52:10.640 --> 01:52:19.660
Chief Shenberger, I want to thank you for Friday. I won't even go into details about it because

01:52:19.660 --> 01:52:31.480
it wasn't their neighborhood, so what do they care? But thank you for the fast reply when

01:52:31.480 --> 01:52:37.080
and I called you Friday for that situation.

01:52:37.080 --> 01:52:39.080
Alderman Shadle?

01:52:39.080 --> 01:52:41.080
Alderman Sanders?

01:52:41.080 --> 01:52:56.960
Yeah, I have two parts here, but let me address a notification that could be implemented when

01:52:56.960 --> 01:53:01.200
we're talking about crime prevention.

01:53:01.200 --> 01:53:09.960
on how do we come up with solutions to deliver to the citizens of Freeport so they can be

01:53:09.960 --> 01:53:12.000
on alert.

01:53:12.000 --> 01:53:20.840
What is our mechanism for addressing these kinds of issues that can address them when

01:53:20.840 --> 01:53:28.040
things are added into the mailbox from the publishers of advertisements and things of

01:53:28.040 --> 01:53:38.040
of that nature that sends out McDonald flyers, Burger King flyers, any flyers that hits your mailbox.

01:53:38.040 --> 01:53:43.040
These are notifications that they send out.

01:53:43.040 --> 01:53:51.040
And this to bring the awareness that McDonald's, Burger King, all of them got a sale going on

01:53:51.040 --> 01:53:54.040
and things like that, they're being notified.

01:53:54.040 --> 01:54:00.700
and they have a solution to reach the people and reaching the people is what

01:54:00.700 --> 01:54:07.080
we're trying to do to alert them about the high crimes or crimes that are being

01:54:07.080 --> 01:54:14.600
in their area so my thing is are we trying to develop a solution for this I

01:54:14.600 --> 01:54:18.640
know we're talking about it but what would be something that we can

01:54:18.640 --> 01:54:19.640
and so on.

01:54:19.640 --> 01:54:25.640
We can immediately get the people involved in as far as awareness is concerned, where

01:54:25.640 --> 01:54:36.100
they can talk about it even in our, what do you call it, neighborhood watches and things

01:54:36.100 --> 01:54:37.100
like that.

01:54:37.100 --> 01:54:43.360
Now these items come directly to your mailbox, whether you like it or not, you know.

01:54:43.360 --> 01:54:50.680
I mean, if that can come to our mailbox at a moment's notice or weekly notice or whatever

01:54:50.680 --> 01:54:57.160
the case may be, that is another solution that we can utilize in order for people to

01:54:57.160 --> 01:55:03.540
be aware that these things are going on in your neighborhood and what to do about it.

01:55:03.540 --> 01:55:11.740
How do we have them to make these reports when you say, see something, say something

01:55:11.740 --> 01:55:16.640
and that kind of thing. Well sometimes we have to reiterate those kinds of public

01:55:16.640 --> 01:55:23.140
notice or notices to our citizens of Freeport to let them know we still got

01:55:23.140 --> 01:55:28.540
to be vigilant and keeping up the task, keeping up the work for the city of

01:55:28.540 --> 01:55:33.460
Freeport. So that is one of the things that I think we need to try to talk

01:55:33.460 --> 01:55:38.660
about here in our own council or wherever our media department is or

01:55:38.660 --> 01:55:46.140
or whatever the case is, how do we get an ad into the Burger King Flyers and McDonald's

01:55:46.140 --> 01:55:51.820
and everybody else's to be added to the mailbox, because people are reading these things. They're

01:55:51.820 --> 01:56:01.460
looking at it. For those that don't have internet and media coverage, social coverage or whatever,

01:56:01.460 --> 01:56:06.340
you know, we're not trying to shove anything down their throat, but the fact of the matter

01:56:06.340 --> 01:56:13.140
is it helps us because that's what Chief Shenberger was saying they can't do everything but at

01:56:13.140 --> 01:56:18.580
least we can put a notification together and send it out or whatever the case is on these

01:56:18.580 --> 01:56:26.700
types of things and not only that in addition to my second part I was addressed I wanted

01:56:26.700 --> 01:56:36.260
to address this to Manager Boyer and putting emphasis on how people are to make the disposals

01:56:36.260 --> 01:56:40.140
To their upload, a visit to Don, Don's house.

01:56:40.140 --> 01:56:43.260
So, I want to say, I've been reading your comments really

01:56:43.260 --> 01:56:48.260
deeply about private disposals, forestry, or whatever

01:56:48.260 --> 01:56:51.720
that is needed throughout the city.

01:56:51.720 --> 01:56:55.840
You know, we need to keep people abreast to all of these things,

01:56:55.840 --> 01:57:01.420
so they would know that, oh, I remember we can drop whatever

01:57:01.420 --> 01:57:14.340
and I, and that right there educated me on where I should go with my disposals and things

01:57:14.340 --> 01:57:15.340
like that.

01:57:15.340 --> 01:57:20.220
So, that's the kind of thing I wanted to address and what can we do about it.

01:57:20.220 --> 01:57:27.040
If we can get flyers out, stick them in, I don't say stick them in the mailbox, but if

01:57:27.040 --> 01:57:32.240
If McDonalds can get a flyer collectively together, then I think the city should be able to do

01:57:32.240 --> 01:57:33.240
the same.

01:57:33.240 --> 01:57:34.240
Darren?

01:57:34.240 --> 01:57:36.520
Yeah, I'll just respond to that.

01:57:36.520 --> 01:57:41.960
The best way to get information is through the city's website.

01:57:41.960 --> 01:57:47.720
Brian is really good about putting information out, and as his report, I believe last week,

01:57:47.720 --> 01:57:56.720
we put out a lot of social media posts on leafs, branches, garbage pickup, garbage drop-off.

01:57:56.720 --> 01:58:01.640
That is our one-stop shop for information for the residents of Freeport and has been

01:58:01.640 --> 01:58:04.760
very effective, so if you're not on it, sign up for it.

01:58:04.760 --> 01:58:05.760
Alderman Sellers?

01:58:05.760 --> 01:58:11.320
Yes, I'm going to say something.

01:58:11.320 --> 01:58:17.280
First of all, I just want everybody to know that Freeport is my home.

01:58:17.280 --> 01:58:18.280
This is where I live.

01:58:18.280 --> 01:58:20.120
I love it.

01:58:20.120 --> 01:58:25.480
Staying here, me and my husband have invested in our home on Oak Street.

01:58:25.480 --> 01:58:33.000
So we're here. So this lighting problem and the crime areas, they are a concern to me

01:58:33.000 --> 01:58:40.040
and I have been on this battlefield for having a safe community, like I said, for a long

01:58:40.040 --> 01:58:51.080
time. And no, just getting lights is not going to stop the crime because it was crime back,

01:58:51.080 --> 01:58:56.560
Like I said, when Alderman Ronnie Bush was, at the time, trying to get lights, there were

01:58:56.560 --> 01:59:01.040
people getting shot and dying back then.

01:59:01.040 --> 01:59:10.720
So right now, we all have to, it's a process, and it's not going to happen right away.

01:59:10.720 --> 01:59:13.200
And we have been working on this process.

01:59:13.200 --> 01:59:19.120
And in that crime bill that Pat Sellers put together, and it was there, part of the crime

01:59:19.120 --> 01:59:22.160
is getting rid of these dilapidated houses.

01:59:22.160 --> 01:59:23.920
Thank you, Community Development.

01:59:23.920 --> 01:59:25.120
You have been doing that.

01:59:25.120 --> 01:59:26.320
And that's part of it.

01:59:26.320 --> 01:59:29.920
Part of it is having our police force back

01:59:29.920 --> 01:59:32.880
to a strong police force.

01:59:32.880 --> 01:59:34.040
Thank you, Chief.

01:59:34.040 --> 01:59:35.360
You have been doing that.

01:59:35.360 --> 01:59:36.200
So we have...

01:59:36.200 --> 01:59:38.200
and

01:59:39.300 --> 01:59:41.520
the other agencies to come together and talk and find out

01:59:41.520 --> 01:59:45.360
how we can all work together. That was part of it. So we are

01:59:45.360 --> 01:59:48.460
working, trying to get it together. It's going to take

01:59:48.460 --> 01:59:51.460
time. And we have to come together and talk with

01:59:51.460 --> 01:59:55.460
compassion, but also with respect, like you said. We have

01:59:55.460 --> 02:00:00.460
to respect everybody. But we can't sit here and blame us now

02:00:00.460 --> 02:00:04.460
for the lights that have been there for our communities.

02:00:04.460 --> 02:00:06.400
and

02:00:06.440 --> 02:00:07.360
the

02:00:07.400 --> 02:00:10.300
lights that have been there for, like I said, many of

02:00:10.340 --> 02:00:13.700
years we've been trying to fight for it. But thank you,

02:00:13.740 --> 02:00:17.540
Lord, that we are getting on this list and we're going to be

02:00:17.580 --> 02:00:21.420
able to take care of some of the lighting. Just like we've

02:00:21.440 --> 02:00:25.420
gotten money to take care of the housing. We got money to get

02:00:25.460 --> 02:00:29.020
the police force. So we are doing a lot of those things that

02:00:29.060 --> 02:00:32.620
it said to help us get a safe community, that's part of it

02:00:32.620 --> 02:00:39.620
I want to keep saying whatever I have to say because this is my home, this is where I live, this is the place I love.

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Item number 21 is public comment. Is there any public comment this evening? Linda?

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Yeah, I just had one regarding the biohazards, the contaminated body fluids. CDC has guidelines and procedures of how to take care of those things.

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and it would be very easy to write a policy and a procedure for whatever buildings they're cleaning, they could be available for everyone, there are also blood spill kits and things like that available that you can buy and have here for anyone that comes across those, they just read how to do it and it's right there, shows them how to do it, not that everyone's going to want to do that, you know, not everyone wants to clean up body fluids, but that would be a solution and train those people, whoever

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Fowler.

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Thank you.

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is, and they should be able to take care of those issues.

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The other thing I was wondering, I'm not an electrician or anything by any means, but

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I was wondering on the street lights, could you have something like a bar light like they

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do in the stadiums for ball games that would light up, I mean use the same pole and use

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like a bar light that would in certain places to light up really dark places?

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Just a thought.

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Okay.

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Thank you.

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Any other public comments? Tommy?

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Jodi Miller got a medal for Special Olympics.

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What's your medal, Tommy?

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Third place for the basketball tournament.

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Nice job.

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Jodi Miller, Tommy!

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Dwayne Dickens.

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We got a question. What about this Halloween speech?

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We're working on it, Tommy.

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And Moe, you did a good job speaking.

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Is there any other public comments?

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Yes, three minutes.

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Good evening.

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Thank you, Madam Mayor, City Council, City Manager, City Staff.

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Josh Atkinson here.

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I just want to take a moment and address the last part of the meeting

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here about the lighting.

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I want to start with when you set your goal to become a distressed city, to be listed as a distressed city, guess what you're going to become.

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You're going to become a distressed city. We're not there yet.

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So what I heard tonight was, hold on guys, just wait a little bit more. We're going to run it into the ground to that point where we become a distressed city.

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We found the money. We found the money tonight. Alderman Rowe, you pointed it out, $20,000. We've got another $20,000 in the budget for it.

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We've got a budget for it. We've got another 23 that we saved. We can get to work on some of this stuff. We just have to want to do it.

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And the response to, I don't want to do it in Fifth Ward because we better be getting it on the west side of town, doesn't fly anymore.

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It doesn't. It doesn't work. People are getting shot. People are getting robbed. Old ladies are buying tasers trying to figure out how to use them in their homes.

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It's not okay. It's not okay. Figure it out, please.

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Any other public comments this evening?

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Undertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Klemm,

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Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers.

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Weeding is adjourned at 8.04.

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I want to stay another half an hour. I think we should debate another half an hour.