# Meeting Events

Meeting: `ybdw2u53syg.committee_of_the_whole_2_9_2026`

Meeting date: `2026-02-09`

Meeting type: `committee_of_the_whole`

This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact.

## Decisions and Votes

- **Approval of Agenda Item Number Four** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion made regarding the approval of item number four.
  - **Evidence:** “And item number four is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=164s)

- **Approval of Minutes from Committee Meeting on January 12th, 2026** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion made to approve the minutes from the committee meeting held on January 12th, 2026.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number five is the approval of the minutes from the committee. The whole meeting held on January 12th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=164s)

## Procedural Actions

- **Call to Order and Roll Call**
  - **Summary:** The meeting was called to order, followed by a roll call.
  - **Evidence:** “We'll officially call this meeting to order, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson is absent. Simmons? Here. Parker? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=119s)

- **Pledge of Allegiance**
  - **Summary:** The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.
  - **Evidence:** “If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Parker. Pledge of 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.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=131s)

- **Adjournment Motion**
  - **Summary:** A motion for adjournment was made by Alderman Shadle and seconded by Alderman Sellers, resulting in an affirmative vote.
  - **Attribution:** Chair
  - **Evidence:** “Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [34:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=2043s)

## Financial and Contract Events

- **City audit and budget status** — Approved
  - **Summary:** The city received another clean audit opinion and council approved a balanced budget in 2026.
  - **Evidence:** “Finance The City received another clean audit opinion, we have for several years, and council approved a balanced budget in 2026.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1688s)

## Projects

- **18th Avenue Resurfacing Project**
  - **Summary:** Resurfacing of 18th Avenue was completed using funding received from a solar company.
  - **Evidence:** “So some of the projects that were completed this year, you'll see on the far left, that's 18th Avenue in the Arcade. That was actually a project that worked hand in glove with a solar project. We had asked and did receive funding from the solar company to resurface 18th Avenue.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1212s)

- **Black Hawk Avenue Pavement Surface Improvement**
  - **Summary:** The Black Hawk Avenue project benefited the school and utilized fully depreciated pavement surface.
  - **Evidence:** “Also you'll see Black Hawk Avenue as well. That's right in front of Black Hawk School. That project was not only benefiting the school but also getting out some fully depreciated pavement surface.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1233s)

- **Cleveland Street Project Completion**
  - **Summary:** The Cleveland Street project between West and Locust was completed this year; it was a project from a previous year.
  - **Evidence:** “On the far right you see Cleveland Street. That was between West and Locust and completed that project from a previous year that we We had done on Cleveland.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1245s)

- **West Stephenson/Park Boulevard Intersection Work**
  - **Summary:** Work was accomplished at the intersection of West Stephenson and Park Boulevard, including gas main relocation and utility relocates in a degraded area.
  - **Evidence:** “This is West Stephenson and the Park Boulevard intersection. We did, I think we did from Stephenson from Park Boulevard to Greenfield. And then there was a much degraded intersection there in the middle that required gas main relocation and a whole lot of utility relocates, but we were able to accomplish that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1255s)

- **Stephenson Street Lane Reduction**
  - **Summary:** Stephenson Street was narrowed from four lanes to two with a center turn lane and walk-ride infrastructure on the edges.
  - **Evidence:** “We also took the the Stephenson Street from four lanes to two with a center turn lane and walk-ride infrastructure on the edges.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1282s)

- **Carroll Avenue Reconstruction**
  - **Summary:** Carroll Avenue was reconstructed via a contracted project by Helm, which encountered an unexpected fully ransomed manhole at Carroll and Galena.
  - **Evidence:** “We've got Carroll Avenue. That was reconstructed. That was a contracted out project that Helm accomplished for us. We did end up running into an unexpected manhole issue on the intersection of Carroll and Galena. That manhole was fully Ransom, and the rest of the group.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1282s)

- **Greenfield Street Completion**
  - **Summary:** The Greenfield project from Steven to Locust was completed this year, connecting with the section from Stephenson to Pearl City Road.
  - **Evidence:** “And also, on the right there, you can see Greenfield. That's kind of part of a larger project that we've been working on, but that was from Steven to Locust. That was completed this year, and that also connects with the section of Greenfield from Stephenson to Pearl City Road.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1321s)

## Appointments

- **Community Development Director hiring**
  - **Summary:** Gertrude Heimerdinger was hired as the new Community Development Director.
  - **Evidence:** “We also hired and onboarded Gertrude Heimerdinger, our new Community Development Director,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1469s)

- **Administrative Assistant hiring**
  - **Summary:** A new Administrative Assistant named Katie was hired in the Community Development department.
  - **Evidence:** “and in her department a new Administrative Assistant, Katie.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1469s)

- **Fire Chief appointment**
  - **Summary:** Fire Chief Cordy was brought on.
  - **Evidence:** “Also, we've brought on Fire Chief Cordy. So, welcome aboard, Fire Chief.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1637s)

## Presentations and Reports

- **Freeport Campus Life Ministry for Youth for Christ Presentation**
  - **Summary:** Bishop Grozinger presented on the need for service in Freeport, focusing on its youth.
  - **Evidence:** “Hello, hello all. Madam Mayor, ladies and gentlemen of the council, my name is Bishop Grozinger and I'm from the Freeport area... The Freeport community is needy.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [09:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=552s)

- **Freeport Campus Life Ministry of Stateline Youth for Christ presentation**
  - **Summary:** Bishop Grozinger presented on Freeport Campus Life's mission to mentor young people in Freeport, focusing on creating a safe after-school community and sharing hope.
  - **Attribution:** Bishop Grozinger
  - **Evidence:** “Just okay, then we will move on to item number eight, which is Freeport Campus Life Ministry of Stateline Youth for Christ presented by Bishop Grozinger. Hello, hello all. Madam Mayor, ladies and gentlemen of the council, my name is Bishop Grozinger and I'm from the Freeport area.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [09:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=552s)

- **Freeport Campus Life mentoring goals**
  - **Summary:** Campus Life aims to help young people navigate middle and high school by building relationships with trusted adults, sharing hope, and providing a safe after-school space.
  - **Attribution:** Bishop Grozinger
  - **Evidence:** “We seek to help young people navigate the pivotal years of middle and high school, uncovering God's story of hope in their lives. So our plan is to start a community of students where they can build relationships with trusted adults... We intend to have a safe place for students to hang out after school, and make relationships with trusted adults who can lead them well and give them direction.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=623s)

- **Harlem Campus Life growth model**
  - **Summary:** The Harlem group started in 2019 with four or five students and experienced exponential growth due to the value seen by students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
  - **Attribution:** Joey
  - **Evidence:** “Our group started in 2019 about six years ago and going on seven years ago with just four or five Harlem students in a small office across the street from Sand Park Pool in Loves Park. Because of the value that the students saw in our program as well as the parents and even teachers and administrators in the school, we saw our group go from just a and a few students in that little office to what you see here in this picture, exponential growth.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [12:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=742s)

- **Student success stories via Campus Life**
  - **Summary:** The program has helped students achieve significant milestones, including going from being arrested to leading peers with integrity and from threatening suicide to helping others navigate mental health.
  - **Attribution:** Bishop Grozinger
  - **Evidence:** “We've watched students go from being arrested to leading their peers with integrity. We've watched them go from failing all their classes to graduating with honors. We've even watched some go from threatening suicide to helping others navigate that tricky landscape of mental health.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=873s)

- **2025 Annual Report Theme and Focus Areas**
  - **Summary:** The theme for the 2025 annual report is Momentum, defined as measurable progress sustained over time, focusing on infrastructure modernization, public safety stabilization, Neighborhood Strength, Financial Stewardship, and Community Engagement.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Tonight's theme for the 2025 annual report is Momentum. Momentum is a measurable progress sustained over time. It's the alignment of strategy, discipline, and execution. Our strategic framework guides budgeting, staffing, capital planning, and daily execution. Everything presented this evening ties directly to infrastructure modernization, public safety stabilization, Neighborhood Strength, Financial Stewardship, and Community Engagement.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=949s)

- **Strategic Plan Tenets**
  - **Summary:** The primary tenets of the 2023 through 2025 strategic plan include safe and inclusive community, Responsive Efficient Government, Connected and Accessible Community, Strong Private Public Partnerships, Quality Communications, Effective Land Use, and Vibrant Arts and Culture.
  - **Evidence:** “Obviously these are our focus areas for the entire strategic plan including safe and inclusive community, Responsive Efficient Government, Connected and Accessible Community, Strong Private Public Partnerships, Quality Communications, Effective Land Use, and Vibrant Arts and Culture. Those are the primary tenets of our 2023 through 2025 strategic plan.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=949s)

- **Public Work Strategy Focus**
  - **Summary:** The public work strategy focuses on moving from reactive maintenance to planned infrastructure renewal, targeting sustained pavement cycles, ADA compliance, full lead service line elimination, and long-term water and wastewater modernization projects.
  - **Evidence:** “So on our our public work strategy focuses on moving from reactive maintenance to planned infrastructure renewal. We are targeting sustained pavement cycles. We are working on ADA compliance and making sure that our ramps and disabled infrastructure is maintained and repaired. Also, we are doing the full lead service line elimination and a long-term water and wastewater modernization projects.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [17:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1042s)

- **Wastewater Treatment Plant Modernization Status**
  - **Summary:** Work continues on phase one of the wastewater treatment plant modernization to achieve regulatory compliance and long-term replacement.
  - **Evidence:** “Also, we continue to work on phase one of the wastewater treatment plant modernization and the outcome there is to gain regulatory compliance and long-term replacement on that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1388s)

- **Community Economic Development Strategy Focus**
  - **Summary:** The focus remains on neighborhood stabilization, blight reduction, and transit accessibility, aiming for property stabilization, workforce access, and private investment confidence.
  - **Evidence:** “So, community economic development strategy, our focus remains neighborhood stabilization, blight reduction, and transit accessibility. The outcome we are pursuing is property stabilization, workforce access, and private investment confidence.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1401s)

- **Lead services remediation status**
  - **Summary:** All lead services will be completely remediated within the city limits.
  - **Evidence:** “That'll be our final construction on lead services and we will have once complete we will have all the lead services completely remediated within the city limits.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1341s)

- **Police strategic goals outcome**
  - **Summary:** The outcome is a sustained reduction in serious incidents and strengthened community trust.
  - **Evidence:** “So police strategic goals, the police department continues layered staffing, technology deployment, and community engagement strategies. The outcome is sustained reduction in serious incidents and strengthened community trust.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1559s)

- **Fire Department response metrics**
  - **Summary:** The Fire Department responded to 6,035 calls, including 5,156 EMS responses. More than 350 inspections were conducted and 187 smoke alarms installed.
  - **Evidence:** “On the Fire Department side, the Fire Department responded to 6,035 calls, including 5,156 EMS responses. More than 350 inspections were conducted and 187 smoke alarms installed.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1608s)

- **IT department operational improvements**
  - **Summary:** The IT department achieved over 542,000 emails processed and prevented approximately 1,600 network level cyber incidents. They also migrated to Office 365 and supported the new 911 system.
  - **Evidence:** “The IT department achieved more than 542,000 emails and prevented approximately 1,600 network level cyber incidents. They also migration to the Office 365 and support for the new 911 system improved operational resilience and security.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1717s)

- **Infrastructure and City Progress Overview**
  - **Summary:** The city will advance the Well 12 completion, continue Wastewater Phase 1 construction, move toward full-led service elimination, expand structured transit planning, continue corridor-based infrastructure replacement, and strengthen strategic economic development coordination in the coming year.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “In the coming year, we will advance the Well 12 completion, continue with Wastewater Phase 1 construction, move toward full-led service elimination, expand structured transit planning, continue corridor-based infrastructure replacement, and strengthen strategic economic development coordination.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [32:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1922s)

- **City Momentum and Partnership Requirement**
  - **Summary:** A thriving Freeport requires alignment between leadership and community; progress needs partnership.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “The city will continue building systems and strengthening infrastructure, but a thriving Freeport requires alignment between leadership and community. Momentum is real. Let's protect it. Let's Let's strengthen it and let's continue building together.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [33:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1991s)

## Metrics

- **Roadway paving metrics for 2025**
  - **Summary:** The city laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved three and a half miles of roadway in the last year.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “This year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved three and a half miles of roadway. That ties back to our strategic plan of reliable strong infrastructure.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=949s)

- **Asphalt Paving Metrics**
  - **Summary:** The city laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved three and a half miles of roadway this year.
  - **Evidence:** “This year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved three and a half miles of roadway.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=949s)

- **Service Calls Handled**
  - **Summary:** More than 5,000 residential calls down at the yards for service were handled, which is approximately 500 more than in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “We also handled more than 5,000 residential calls down at the yards for service, approximately 500 more than 2024. And that increase reflects, again, more engagement with the community.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [18:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1096s)

- **Disabled Ramps Replaced**
  - **Summary:** Fifty-three disabled ramps were replaced this year, bringing the total reconstructed to nearly 400.
  - **Evidence:** “We replaced 53 disabled ramps this year, bringing the total to nearly 400 that have been reconstructed since”
  - **Source timestamp:** [18:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1096s)

- **Fiber Optic Installation**
  - **Summary:** Thirteen miles of fiber optic network were installed citywide for high-speed internet.
  - **Evidence:** “Additionally, we successfully negotiated a successor agreement for our AFSCME labor agreement, as well as installed 13 miles of fiber optic network citywide for high-speed internet.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [19:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1159s)

- **Tree Count Increase**
  - **Summary:** There was an increase of 20 trees from the previous year's count of 24 to a total of 281 trees.
  - **Evidence:** “In addition, we had 281 trees. As you can see, that was an increase of 20 trees from 24.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [19:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1180s)

- **ADA Ramps Replaced (Summary)**
  - **Summary:** 53 ADA ramps were replaced this year.
  - **Evidence:** “Additionally, we successfully negotiated a successor agreement for our AFSCME labor agreement, as well as installed 13 miles of fiber optic network citywide for high-speed internet. If you could go ahead and go to the next one. In addition, we had 281 trees. As you can see, that was an increase of 20 trees from 24. We installed 8 EV chargers, improved street light. Bates, improved street lighting, had 78 dog-related calls that were dealt with humanely and safely with our Animal Control Officer, as I mentioned before, 53 ADA ramps.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [19:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1159s)

- **Brake Count Change**
  - **Summary:** Brakes totaled about 30, which is five fewer than last year.
  - **Evidence:** “Brakes this year totaled about 30. That's five fewer than last year and we're hoping with some adjustments that were made to the startup geometry on our pumps that'll have a positive impact even more so in 2026.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1341s)

- **Lead Service Line Remediation Status**
  - **Summary:** 15 new hydrants were installed and 373 lead service lines were replaced this year, bringing the total to nearly 2,000. The city is in phase four of remediation.
  - **Evidence:** “We installed 15 new hydrants and replaced 373 lead We have the lead service lines this year bringing the total to nearly 2,000 and we are in phase four which is coming to essentially kicking off shortly. That'll be our final construction on lead services and we will have once complete we will have all the lead services completely remediated within the city limits.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1341s)

- **Code enforcement cases handled**
  - **Summary:** Code enforcement handled 8,200 cases this year, a 59% increase over 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “So code enforcement handled essentially 8,200 cases this year. A 59% increase over 2024 and that reflects stronger accountability and improved neighborhood standards.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1426s)

- **Demolitions completed**
  - **Summary:** 49 demolitions were completed.
  - **Evidence:** “We also completed 49 demolitions”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1443s)

- **Building permits issued**
  - **Summary:** 761 building permits were issued, an 11% increase over 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “Heimers, issued 761 building permits and that's an 11% increase over 2024.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1443s)

- **Pretzel City area transit rides delivered**
  - **Summary:** Over 45,000 rides were delivered on the Pretzel City area transit.
  - **Evidence:** “On the Pretzel City area transit, we delivered over 45,000 rides and continued planning toward our structured routes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1455s)

- **City employees count**
  - **Summary:** The city operates with 202 employees.
  - **Evidence:** “Human Resources, the city operates with 202 employees.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1482s)

- **New hires in 2025**
  - **Summary:** 32 employees were hired in 2025.
  - **Evidence:** “We hired 32 in 2025”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1492s)

- **Separations and retirements in 2025**
  - **Summary:** There were 25 separations and 5 retirements in 2025.
  - **Evidence:** “with 25 separations and 5 retirements.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1492s)

- **FOIA requests processed by clerk's office**
  - **Summary:** The clerk's office processed 213 FOIA requests this year, a 122% increase based on 2021.
  - **Evidence:** “The clerk's office processed 213 FOIA requests this year. That is a 122% increase in FOIA requests based on 2021.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1492s)

- **Resolutions passed**
  - **Summary:** 159 resolutions were passed, which is 165% higher than 2019.
  - **Evidence:** “We passed 159 resolutions. As you all know, resolutions can be all kinds of actions of government, but it does show you that we are getting things done. And that is 165% higher than 2019.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1492s)

- **Shots fired incidents in 2025**
  - **Summary:** Shots fired incidents totaled 23 in 2025, which is 57 fewer than in 2020, or a 71% reduction since 2020.
  - **Evidence:** “Shots fired incidents totaled 23 in 2025, which is 57 fewer than in 2020, or 71% reduction since 2020.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1574s)

- **Firearms recovered**
  - **Summary:** The department recovered 93 firearms this last year.
  - **Evidence:** “The department recovered 93 firearms this last year,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1599s)

- **Officers hired by police**
  - **Summary:** Seven officers were hired by the police department.
  - **Evidence:** “hired seven officers,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1599s)

- **Neighborhood watch meetings conducted**
  - **Summary:** 50 neighborhood watch meetings were conducted.
  - **Evidence:** “and conducted 50 neighborhood watch meetings.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1599s)

- **Books circulated by library**
  - **Summary:** The library circulated 198,000 books, an 85% increase over last year.
  - **Evidence:** “The library circulated 198,000 books, an 85% increase over last year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1654s)

- **Youth attendance at library**
  - **Summary:** Youth attendance reached nearly 24,000 participants.
  - **Evidence:** “Youth attendance reached nearly 24,000 participants,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1654s)

- **Grants secured since 2020**
  - **Summary:** More than $50,000 in grants and approaching $80 million have been secured since 2020.
  - **Evidence:** “So more than $50,000 in grants and approaching $80 million at this point have been secured since 2020.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1697s)

- **Facebook followers count**
  - **Summary:** The city now has 9,600 Facebook followers, a 30% increase on last year.
  - **Evidence:** “Go ahead and go to the next slide here. The city now has 9,600 Facebook followers, a 30% increase on last year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1746s)

- **Facebook views reached**
  - **Summary:** 7.5 million views were reached, an 1800% increase on previous years.
  - **Evidence:** “We reached 7.5 million views, an 1800% increase on previous years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1746s)

## Proclamations and Recognitions

- **Firefighter of the Year Award for Adam Holtz**
  - **Summary:** Adam Holtz received recognition for his service as a firefighter and paramedic.
  - **Evidence:** “Chief Cordy. Adam. Adam Holtz, who's a firefighter with the city of Freeport. He's shown great character in being the candidate to receive the firefighter of the year award.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=199s)

- **Police Department Awards for Justin Daniel Holden**
  - **Summary:** Justin Daniel Holden received multiple recognitions for his service.
  - **Evidence:** “This award goes to Justin Daniel Holden, who started with the Freeport Police Department has an auxiliary member in December of 2017 and was then hired as a full-time police officer on March 28, 2018. He exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=373s)

- **City Employee of the Year Award for Justin Daniel Holden**
  - **Summary:** Justin Daniel Holden was selected as the City Employee of the Year.
  - **Evidence:** “And Justin. You are selected as the City Employee of the Year as well. Obviously, you've done a tremendous amount to support the department and an excellent job within the community and you really deserve this recognition.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [08:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=518s)

- **Outside city recognitions received**
  - **Summary:** The city received the Gold Water Ambassador Award and Tree City USA designation again.
  - **Evidence:** “One is the Gold Water Ambassador Award. We also received Tree City USA designation again.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBDw2U53SYg&t=1776s)