WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:28.000 Good evening. Pastor Anna, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:53.000 Good evening, everyone. With deepest respect for each one of you, let us take a moment to offer a prayer for our city and for those who serve it, asking for guidance, peace, and blessing for our city. 00:00:53.000 --> 00:01:09.000 Proverbs 11-4 says, Where there is no council, the people fall. But in the multitude of councilors, there is safety. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:23.000 Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the City of Freeport and for those entrusted with leadership and public service. 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:36.000 We ask you to grant wisdom, understanding, and integrity to the Mayor, Council, Members, and all officials present. 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:47.000 May every decision be guided by trust, justice, and a genuine desire to serve the common good. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:59.000 We pray for unity, peace, and clarity during this meeting and we ask for your blessing over the city and its people. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:05.000 We commit this time into your hands. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:36.000 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. Stacy. Here. Shadle. Here. Sanders. Here. And Sellers. Here. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Parker 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:45.000 and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:10.199 Also over the minutes from the committee, the whole meeting held on January 12th, 2026. 00:03:10.199 --> 00:03:11.520 Is there a motion to approve? 00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:12.520 So moved. 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:13.520 Seconded. 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:17.319 The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:03:17.319 --> 00:03:18.680 All those in favor? 00:03:18.680 --> 00:03:19.680 Aye. 00:03:19.680 --> 00:03:21.020 Opposed? 00:03:21.020 --> 00:03:22.759 That motion passes. 00:03:22.759 --> 00:03:26.240 Next is item number six, which are employee recognitions. 00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:44.820 Chief, Courtney. Adam Holts, who's a firefighter with the City of Freeport. He's shown great 00:03:44.820 --> 00:03:50.939 character in being the candidate to receive the Firefighter of the Year award. He's not 00:03:50.939 --> 00:03:58.060 Not only a member of the Freeport Fire Department, he also gives his free time as a paramedic 00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:00.060 with Lemons Ambulance in Lena. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:06.060 He has extensive history and background in wildland firefighting and has been deployed 00:04:06.060 --> 00:04:11.139 across the country in a couple of different deployments when needed. 00:04:11.139 --> 00:04:15.979 As a consummate leader, patient, knowledgeable, self-motivated. 00:04:15.980 --> 00:04:21.460 He's instrumental in the setup of our first-due record management system. 00:04:21.460 --> 00:04:26.660 He leads by example, arrives to work early with a positive attitude, and never hesitates 00:04:26.660 --> 00:04:34.460 to assist whenever needed, especially in all my little projects that I have all the time. 00:04:34.460 --> 00:04:39.460 He's here with his wife Melissa and a couple of his children. 00:04:39.460 --> 00:04:41.819 He was hired in 2007. 00:04:41.819 --> 00:04:54.819 He's currently our EMS Coordinator, appointed in 2020, part of this Mavis Division 17 Hazardous Materials Team was giving the Life Safety Award in 2022. 00:04:56.819 --> 00:05:05.819 He works normally as a paramedic and a driver engineer, but also works out of class as a lieutenant for quite a bit of the year for us. 00:05:05.819 --> 00:05:11.139 Morris, he's a Firefighter 3, Officer 1, Instructor 1, he's a Fire Investigator and 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:15.300 Inspector, and a Hazmat Tech. 00:05:41.139 --> 00:05:56.659 Nobody wants to stand next to me. 00:05:56.660 --> 00:06:23.300 Next is Chief Rostow, Manager, Boyer. 00:06:23.300 --> 00:06:47.019 This award goes to Justin Daniel Holden who started with the Freeport Police Department 00:06:47.019 --> 00:06:53.280 as an auxiliary member in December of 2017 and was then hired as a full-time police officer 00:06:53.280 --> 00:06:59.120 on March 28, 2018. He exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and 00:06:59.120 --> 00:07:04.080 dedication to service. Throughout the year, he has consistently demonstrated sound judgment, 00:07:04.080 --> 00:07:09.360 reliability, and a strong work ethic while carrying out his duties. His commitment to the mission of 00:07:09.360 --> 00:07:14.960 the department is evident in the way he approaches each assignment with preparedness, accountability, 00:07:14.960 --> 00:07:19.920 and respect for policy and procedure. Whether handling routine responsibilities or complex 00:07:49.920 --> 00:07:57.480 for over 100 firearms in 2024, and has seized over $100,000 in narcotic forfeiture. 00:07:57.480 --> 00:08:03.319 His professionalism fosters trust among peers and supervisors alike, and his interactions 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:07.400 with the public reflects credit upon themselves and the department, which I'm very, very proud 00:08:07.400 --> 00:08:08.620 of. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:14.080 He is married to Elizabeth Holden and has two German Shepherds, Nova and Allie. 00:08:14.080 --> 00:08:15.080 Allie. 00:08:15.080 --> 00:08:16.080 Please come up. 00:08:16.079 --> 00:08:18.079 We're gonna stand up here on this side. 00:08:34.199 --> 00:08:39.120 Okay, and I am happy to also present one last award for the year and 00:08:39.679 --> 00:08:41.079 Justin 00:08:41.079 --> 00:08:44.639 You are selected as the City Employee of the Year as well 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:50.240 Well. Obviously, you've done a tremendous amount to support the department and an excellent 00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:56.039 job within the community and you really deserve this recognition. So, I just want to say thank 00:08:56.039 --> 00:09:03.039 Thank you. 00:09:26.039 --> 00:09:28.039 and 00:09:29.039 --> 00:09:31.039 John. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:34.039 Okay, we'll move on to item number seven, which is public comment. 00:09:34.039 --> 00:09:38.039 Can you look and see if there's anybody signed up? None? Just okay. 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:42.039 Then we will move on to item number eight, which is Freeport Campus Life, 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:46.039 Ministry of State Line Youth for Christ presented by Bishop Grozinger. 00:09:50.039 --> 00:09:52.039 Hello. Hello, all. 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:54.039 Hi. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:58.959 Madam Mayor, ladies and gentlemen of the council, my name is Bishop Grozinger and 00:09:58.959 --> 00:10:01.919 I'm from the Freeport area. 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:06.159 Bishop, Grosinger, and I'm from the Freeport area, and I work for an organization called 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.039 Youth for Christ. 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:10.759 I think we can all agree that Freeport is a needy place. 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:15.199 When we look at Freeport, there's a lot of brokenness in our city. 00:10:15.199 --> 00:10:16.939 The Freeport community is needy. 00:10:16.939 --> 00:10:20.839 A huge part of any community is its youth. 00:10:20.839 --> 00:10:24.299 Freeport's no different, and myself and Youth for Christ have a huge heart for serving the 00:10:24.299 --> 00:10:27.240 community of Freeport in a number of different ways. 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:32.799 We're planning on doing this through Freeport Campus Life. 00:10:32.799 --> 00:10:36.579 Freeport Campus Life is committed to mentoring young people where they are. 00:10:36.579 --> 00:10:41.459 We seek to help young people navigate the pivotal years of middle and high school, uncovering 00:10:41.459 --> 00:10:44.480 God's story of hope in their lives. 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:49.159 So our plan is to start a community of students where they can build relationships with trusted 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:50.599 adults. 00:10:50.599 --> 00:10:53.480 Through these relationships, we'll be able to help these students navigate through these 00:10:53.480 --> 00:10:55.799 tough times of middle and high school. 00:10:55.799 --> 00:10:59.459 These years are so influential in these young people's lives. 00:10:59.459 --> 00:11:04.659 In the age of social media, anxiety, depression, bullies, mental health scares, and all the 00:11:04.659 --> 00:11:11.799 other concerns in the minds of middle and high school students, we intend to get them 00:11:11.799 --> 00:11:13.079 connected. 00:11:13.079 --> 00:11:16.819 We want to meet their stories where they are, share our stories and how we've navigated 00:11:16.819 --> 00:11:21.839 through these tough times, and ultimately show them how our stories connect to God's 00:11:21.839 --> 00:11:22.839 story. 00:11:22.839 --> 00:11:27.839 We want to share the hope that we have with the students of Freeport to give them hope when they feel hopeless. 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:35.839 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. 00:11:35.839 --> 00:11:40.839 We will also have weekly meetings filled with fun, games, and best of all, free food. 00:11:40.839 --> 00:11:45.839 It's a safe place to be in community and fellowship with one another and other students. 00:11:45.839 --> 00:11:51.839 We want to give students the opportunity to succeed, to have a place to go, to have people to look up to and to mentor them, 00:11:51.839 --> 00:11:53.839 and 00:11:55.839 --> 00:11:57.839 the 00:11:59.839 --> 00:12:15.839 people who truly care for them. You don't have to have everything figured out to come to campus life. We will love them all the same. There's also more good news is that we've seen this model and this campus life work. There's a thriving group in Harlem right now and I'm going to invite my friend Joey up to share a little bit about this. 00:12:15.839 --> 00:12:19.839 and I are here to talk about this. 00:12:19.839 --> 00:12:23.839 I just want to reiterate our gratefulness to be here in front of you this evening. 00:12:23.839 --> 00:12:27.839 Now it's been my pleasure to lead Harlem Campus Life 00:12:27.839 --> 00:12:31.839 for the last three years. Our group started in 2019 00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:35.839 about six years ago and going on seven years ago with just four or five Harlem 00:12:35.839 --> 00:12:39.839 students in a small office across the street from 00:12:39.839 --> 00:12:43.839 Sand Park Pool in Loves Park. Because of the value that the students 00:12:43.839 --> 00:12:48.639 Huffines saw in our program as well as the parents and even teachers and administrators 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:49.879 in the school. 00:12:49.879 --> 00:12:55.759 We saw our group go from just a few students in that little office to what you see here 00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:58.879 in this picture, exponential growth. 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:04.079 This is this year's yearbook picture for Harlem Campus Life. 00:13:04.079 --> 00:13:12.579 Now we are grateful for the number of students that have come our way, however we care more 00:13:12.579 --> 00:13:23.579 We're passionate about each student not only escaping some of their limiting circumstances, but also achieving their full potential. 00:13:23.579 --> 00:13:36.579 Let me tell you about a student named Lexi. This is Lexi. Lexi was one of those first four or five students in that little office seven years ago. 00:13:36.579 --> 00:13:47.019 and she actually writes, I was first introduced to campus life in my senior year of high school because of the circumstances of the world. 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:52.980 If you remember 2020, there was a few circumstances going on around her. 00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:58.179 She says, because of the circumstances of the world, I could have easily fallen into a dark space. 00:13:58.179 --> 00:14:02.059 Thankfully, because of the community I developed and nurtured through campus life, 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:06.099 I was provided a space to connect with other people I had known for years in a way that 00:14:06.099 --> 00:14:07.860 I hadn't before. 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:12.019 It was really special to have a space to discuss my faith with my friends in a way I wouldn't 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:14.419 have been able to otherwise. 00:14:14.419 --> 00:14:18.700 Having leaders from all different walks of life and seeing how their choices led to where 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:22.740 they are now was really helpful for me. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:27.179 Now that Lexi has graduated college, not just high school, but graduated college, she's 00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:29.700 actually come back to Harlem Campus Life. 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:33.680 She's there right now as our group is meeting. 00:14:33.680 --> 00:14:37.899 And she's now pouring into students that are coming up behind her. 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:43.559 So because of the adults that mentored her and her life, she's now pouring into the ones 00:14:43.559 --> 00:14:46.299 that are coming up behind her. 00:14:46.299 --> 00:14:50.059 And Lexi is just one of the many stories of hope. 00:14:50.059 --> 00:14:55.539 We've watched students go from being arrested to leading their peers with integrity. 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:59.620 We've watched them go from failing all their classes to graduating with honors. 00:14:59.619 --> 00:15:05.179 We've even watched some go from threatening suicide to helping others navigate that tricky 00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:07.459 landscape of mental health. 00:15:07.459 --> 00:15:13.619 So our passion is to similarly assist Freeport high school students to uncover God's story 00:15:13.619 --> 00:15:16.299 as it relates to their story. 00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:21.099 Thank you. 00:15:21.099 --> 00:15:22.179 Thank you, gentlemen. 00:15:22.179 --> 00:15:28.419 Any questions for the presentation on campus life? 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:30.939 Thank you. 00:15:30.939 --> 00:15:35.179 Next we will move on to item number nine, which is a presentation of the 2025 Annual 00:15:35.179 --> 00:15:36.179 Report. 00:15:36.179 --> 00:15:50.579 Manager Boyer. 00:15:50.579 --> 00:15:53.980 Good evening, Mayor, Council, and members of the community. 00:15:53.980 --> 00:16:01.259 Its theme for the 2025 Annual Report is Momentum. Momentum is a measurable progress sustained 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:09.099 over time. It's the alignment of strategy, discipline, and execution. 00:16:09.099 --> 00:16:15.299 Our Strategic Framework guides budgeting, staffing, capital planning, and daily execution. 00:16:15.299 --> 00:16:20.980 Everything presented this evening ties directly to infrastructure modernization, public safety 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:26.500 Stabilization, Neighborhood Strength, Financial Stewardship, and Community Engagement. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:41.939 The goal is not activity, the goal is progress. 00:16:41.939 --> 00:16:50.539 This year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved 3.5 miles of roadway. 00:16:50.539 --> 00:16:57.220 that ties back to our strategic plan of reliable strong infrastructure obviously these are our 00:16:57.220 --> 00:17:02.379 focus areas for the entire strategic plan including safe and inclusive community responsive 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:08.539 efficient government connected and accessible community strong private public partnerships 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:13.059 quality communications effective land use in vibrant arts and culture those are the primary 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:30.059 and many other tenants of our 2023 through 2025 strategic plan. However, we do have a new one, but we were achieving this year's accomplishments based on our previous strategic plan. That's why we're looking at that tonight. Next slide, please. 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:44.139 So on our our public work strategy focuses on moving from reactive maintenance to planned 00:17:44.139 --> 00:17:51.259 infrastructure renewal. We are targeting sustained pavement cycles. We are working on ADA compliance 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:58.539 and making sure that our ramps and disabled infrastructure is maintained and repaired. 00:17:58.539 --> 00:18:05.900 Also, we are doing the full lead service line elimination and a long-term water and wastewater 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:08.420 modernization projects. 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:13.220 The outcome is reliability and long-term cost control. 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:21.099 If you would please move, okay, we've got it, thank you, nope, we got it, going back 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:23.639 to that last one. 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:31.159 So, this year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt as I mentioned. 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:38.159 We are, originally our goal included 8 miles per year, however, with current funding limitations, 00:18:38.159 --> 00:18:44.059 that has been changed and reduced to kind of align with what our resources are available. 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:49.759 But this last year we did 3.5 miles, the previous year I think we did 7, 6.5, 7 miles. 00:18:49.759 --> 00:18:52.579 So we're making progress achieving that. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:59.500 We also handled more than 5,000 residential calls down at the yards for service, approximately 00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:07.420 500 more than 2024, and that increase reflects, again, more engagement with the community. 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:15.460 We replaced 53 disabled ramps this year, bringing the total to nearly 400 that have been reconstructed 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:18.099 since 2021. 00:19:18.099 --> 00:19:23.360 This represents again more progress toward fully accessible compliance. 00:19:23.360 --> 00:19:30.300 The outcome is improved pavement conditions, improved accessibility, and improved service 00:19:30.300 --> 00:19:31.300 reliability. 00:19:31.300 --> 00:19:37.579 Additionally, we successfully negotiated a successor agreement for our AFSCME labor agreement, 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:46.259 as well as installed 13 miles of fiber optic network citywide for high speed internet. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:57.659 oh- pretty unique, if you could go ahead and go to the next one. In addition we had 281 trees as you can see we that was an increase of 00:19:57.659 --> 00:20:04.139 20 trees from 24 we installed 8 EV chargers, improved Streetlight 00:20:04.139 --> 00:20:12.259 Ramps, Improved Street Lighting, had 78 dog-related calls that were dealt with humanely and safely 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:20.299 with our Animal Control Officer, as I mentioned before, 53 ADA ramps. 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:23.779 So some of the projects that were completed this year, you'll see on the far left, that's 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:26.239 18th Avenue in the Arcade. 00:20:26.239 --> 00:20:33.059 That was actually a project that worked hand in glove with a solar project. 00:20:33.059 --> 00:20:41.599 We had asked and did receive funding from the solar company to resurface 18th Avenue. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:44.119 Also you'll see Black Hawk Avenue as well. 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:46.079 That's right in front of Black Hawk School. 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:52.419 That project was not only benefiting the school but also getting out some fully depreciated 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:53.799 pavement surface. 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:55.899 On the far right you see Cleveland Street. 00:20:55.899 --> 00:21:02.059 That was between West and Locust and completed that project from a previous year that we 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:08.099 We had done on Cleveland. Next slide please. Here's a few aerials as well. This is West 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:17.459 Stevenson and the Park Boulevard intersection. We did, I think we did from Stevenson from 00:21:17.459 --> 00:21:23.419 Park Boulevard to Greenfield and then there was a much degraded intersection there in 00:21:23.419 --> 00:21:29.139 the middle that required gas main relocation and a whole lot of utility relocates but we 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:35.379 we were able to accomplish that and we also took the the Stevenson Street from 00:21:35.379 --> 00:21:39.699 four lanes to two with a center turn lane and walk-ride infrastructure on the 00:21:39.699 --> 00:21:46.939 edges. Go ahead, next one. We've got Carroll Avenue that was reconstructed 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:51.619 that was a contracted out project that Helm accomplished for us. We did end up 00:21:51.619 --> 00:21:57.099 running into an unexpected manhole issue on the intersection of Carroll and 00:21:57.099 --> 00:22:02.699 Gallina, that manhole was fully reconstructed, ensuring that all the work that we did on Carroll 00:22:02.699 --> 00:22:05.659 will last a very long time. 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:11.459 And also on the right there, you can see Greenfield, we can, that's kind of part of a larger project 00:22:11.459 --> 00:22:15.619 that we've been working on, but that was from Stephen to Locust, that was completed 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:21.659 this year, and that also connects with the section of Greenfield from Stevenson to Pearl 00:22:21.659 --> 00:22:27.019 City Road. 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:33.339 So, water main breaks this year totaled about 30. 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:37.479 That's five fewer than last year, and we're hoping with some adjustments that were made 00:22:37.479 --> 00:22:45.379 to the startup geometry on our pumps, that'll have a positive impact even more so in 2026. 00:22:45.379 --> 00:22:51.059 The reduction overall is confirming our proactive water main replacement is also assisting with 00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:54.099 the reduction in water main breaks. 00:22:54.099 --> 00:23:00.039 We installed 15 new hydrants and replaced 373 lead service lines this year bringing the total 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:06.679 to nearly 2,000 and we are in phase 4 which is coming to, essentially kicking off shortly. 00:23:06.679 --> 00:23:11.839 That'll be our final construction on lead services and we will have once complete we 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:17.779 will have all the lead services completely remediated within the city limits. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:23.019 Also we continue to work on phase 1 of the wastewater treatment plant modernization and 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:32.779 the outcome there is to gain regulatory compliance and long-term replacement on that. 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:37.579 Go ahead to the next slide, thank you. 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:42.499 So Community Economic Development Strategy, our focus remains neighborhood stabilization, 00:23:42.499 --> 00:23:45.779 blight reduction, and transit accessibility. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:51.459 The outcome we are pursuing is property stabilization, workforce access, and private investment 00:23:51.459 --> 00:23:54.219 Confidence, which move on to the next one. 00:23:56.499 --> 00:24:00.179 So code enforcement handled essentially 8,200 00:24:00.179 --> 00:24:06.579 cases this year, a 59% increase over, uh, over 2024. 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:09.299 And that reflects stronger accountability and 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.979 improved neighborhood standards. 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:17.099 Uh, we also completed 49 demolitions, um, issued 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:25.899 761 Building Permits and that's an 11% increase over 2024. It also shows and signals some renewed 00:24:25.899 --> 00:24:34.059 private investment in our community. On the Pretzel City area transit, we delivered over 45,000 rides 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:39.899 and continued planning toward our structured routes. The outcome is improved economic participation. 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:45.980 We also hired and onboarded Gertrude Heimerdinger, our new Community Development Director, 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:49.099 and in her department a new Administrative Assistant, Katie. 00:24:50.139 --> 00:24:52.099 So thank you. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:54.980 Go ahead and move forward with the next one. 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:59.699 Human Resources, the city city operates with 202 employees. 00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:06.019 We hired 32 in 2025 with 25 separations and five retirements. 00:25:06.659 --> 00:25:09.899 Succession planning, recruitment efforts and strong bargaining contracts 00:25:09.899 --> 00:25:13.659 are strengthening workforce stability and operational continuity. 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:40.980 This is Dovie's favorite slide. The clerk's office processed 213 FOIA requests this year. That is a 122% increase in FOIA requests based on 2021. So that is something that we're going to continue to work on and we may be coming back to you on some of the needs there. 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:48.480 We've passed 159 resolutions. As you all know resolutions can be all kinds of 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:52.379 actions of government but it does show you that we are getting things done and 00:25:52.379 --> 00:25:59.460 that is a hundred and sixty-five percent higher than 2019. Administrative capacity 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:03.259 is tracking alongside activity making material impacts in the community so 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:07.379 every resolution obviously has an outcome and every outcome has an impact 00:26:07.379 --> 00:26:16.059 back positively to the community. Next slide, please. So police strategic goals, the Police 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:23.000 Department continues layered staffing, technology deployment, and community engagement strategies. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:30.500 The outcome is sustained reduction in serious incidents and strengthened community trust. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:45.500 Shots fired incidents totaled 23 in 2025, which is 57 fewer than in 2020, or 71% reduction 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:48.059 since 2020. 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:53.859 The Department recovered 93 firearms this last year, hired seven officers, and conducted 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:56.219 50 neighborhood watch meetings. 00:26:56.219 --> 00:26:59.579 The outcome is measurable stabilization of the public safety conditions. 00:26:59.579 --> 00:27:09.179 In addition, we onboarded our new Chief of Police, Jacqueline Frostow. 00:27:09.179 --> 00:27:17.419 On the Fire Department side, the Fire Department responded to 6,035 calls including 5,156 EMS 00:27:17.419 --> 00:27:18.639 responses. 00:27:18.639 --> 00:27:25.159 More than 350 inspections were conducted and 187 smoke alarms installed. 00:27:25.159 --> 00:27:52.299 The library circulated 198,000 books, an 85% increase over last year. 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:58.539 Youth Attendance reached nearly 24,000 participants and the outcome is strengthened educational 00:27:58.539 --> 00:28:01.500 engagement and community connection. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:06.480 So excellent job at the library moving all those statistics in that it is really quite 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:13.980 something when you think it's an 85% increase from 2024. 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:15.219 Please next slide please. 00:28:15.219 --> 00:28:16.219 Thank you. 00:28:16.219 --> 00:28:21.659 Finance, the city received another clean audit opinion we have for several years. 00:28:21.659 --> 00:28:28.339 and Council approved a balanced budget in 2026. So, more than $50,000 in grants and 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:34.679 approaching $80 million at this point have been secured since 2020. The outcome is accelerated 00:28:34.679 --> 00:28:39.259 infrastructure modernization without excessive taxpayer burden. So, these are many ways we 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:45.940 are watching the taxpayers working toward the taxpayers' interests. 00:28:45.939 --> 00:28:55.399 Walsh, the IT Department achieved more than 542,000 emails and prevented approximately 00:28:55.399 --> 00:29:05.179 1,600 network-level cyber incidents, migration to the Office 365, and support for the new 00:29:05.179 --> 00:29:11.659 911 system improved operational resilience and security. 00:29:11.659 --> 00:29:32.859 Communication, the City now has 9,600 Facebook followers, a 30% increase on last year. We 00:29:32.859 --> 00:29:41.299 reached 7.5 million views, an 1,800% increase on previous years. That expansion strengthens 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:45.139 Transparency and Public Awareness for City Operations. 00:29:45.139 --> 00:29:55.219 Recognition, the City has received several outside recognitions, one is the Gold Water 00:29:55.219 --> 00:30:01.899 Ambassador Award, we also received Tree City USA designation again, we are a solar friendly 00:30:01.899 --> 00:30:04.109 City, and the Illinois Department of Public 00:30:04.109 --> 00:30:09.829 City, and the Illinois Department of Public Health recognition for water quality and national 00:30:09.829 --> 00:30:14.149 recognition as a desirable place to retire. 00:30:14.149 --> 00:30:17.149 Validate the discipline and standards we are applying locally. 00:30:17.149 --> 00:30:24.349 So we are not without outside recognition. 00:30:24.349 --> 00:30:29.189 And if you will just stand by on that last slide there. 00:30:29.189 --> 00:30:34.129 So it is important to distinguish between maintenance and transformation. 00:30:34.129 --> 00:30:38.669 Maintenance includes calls handled, permits processed, emails archived. 00:30:38.669 --> 00:30:42.429 Those are essential daily functions that keep the city operating. 00:30:42.429 --> 00:30:45.069 They are the foundation of service delivery. 00:30:45.069 --> 00:30:49.349 But maintenance alone does not change the trajectory of the city. 00:30:49.349 --> 00:30:51.429 Transformation is different. 00:30:51.429 --> 00:30:54.269 Transformation includes well 12 construction. 00:30:54.269 --> 00:30:56.990 It includes wastewater modernization. 00:30:56.990 --> 00:31:01.709 It includes full lead service line elimination. 00:31:01.709 --> 00:31:04.969 It includes multi-year corridor reconstructions. 00:31:04.969 --> 00:31:07.349 It includes cybersecurity hardening. 00:31:07.349 --> 00:31:11.009 It includes disciplined financial stewardship. 00:31:11.009 --> 00:31:13.789 Maintenance keeps the lights on. 00:31:13.789 --> 00:31:17.129 Transformation strengthens the foundation for the next generation. 00:31:17.129 --> 00:31:21.809 Over the past several years, we have focused on both, maintaining service levels while 00:31:21.809 --> 00:31:25.569 investing in long-term structural improvements. 00:31:25.569 --> 00:31:34.169 That balance is what creates momentum. 00:31:34.169 --> 00:31:35.730 Momentum requires honesty. 00:31:35.730 --> 00:31:39.689 EMS demands continue to rise. 00:31:39.689 --> 00:31:40.929 That's not unique to Freeport. 00:31:40.929 --> 00:31:47.209 It is a national trend, but it affects staffing, response models, and cost structures. 00:31:47.209 --> 00:31:50.389 Many parts of our infrastructure remain aged. 00:31:50.389 --> 00:31:56.730 We have made significant progress, but replacement cycles take time and discipline. 00:31:56.730 --> 00:31:59.929 Workforce recruitment remains competitive. 00:31:59.929 --> 00:32:04.989 Municipal governments compete in tight labor markets, and we must continue building internal 00:32:04.989 --> 00:32:08.309 pipelines and succession planning. 00:32:08.309 --> 00:32:12.669 Long-term revenue diversification remains necessary. 00:32:12.669 --> 00:32:18.549 Infrastructure modernization and service stability require sustained funding strategies. 00:32:18.549 --> 00:32:22.689 And acknowledging these realities strengthens credibility. 00:32:22.689 --> 00:32:24.849 We do not avoid challenges. 00:32:24.849 --> 00:32:26.969 We plan for them. 00:32:26.969 --> 00:32:32.449 That is responsible government. 00:32:32.449 --> 00:32:37.009 In the coming year, we will advance the Well 12 completion, continue with Wastewater Phase 00:32:37.009 --> 00:32:45.489 1 construction, move toward full lead service elimination, expand structured transit planning, 00:32:45.489 --> 00:32:50.750 New Corridor-based Infrastructure Replacement and Strengthened Strategic Economic Development 00:32:50.750 --> 00:33:01.589 Coordination, momentum must continue through disciplined execution. 00:33:01.589 --> 00:33:03.309 Freeport is not drifting. 00:33:03.309 --> 00:33:05.029 We are building systems. 00:33:05.029 --> 00:33:06.869 We are strengthening infrastructure. 00:33:06.869 --> 00:33:08.869 We are expanding public safety. 00:33:08.869 --> 00:33:11.009 We are enforcing neighborhood standards. 00:33:11.009 --> 00:33:12.949 We are protecting taxpayers. 00:33:12.949 --> 00:33:14.949 We are planning long-term. 00:33:14.949 --> 00:33:22.029 Momentum is real. However, momentum is not owned by the City Manager and staff. It belongs 00:33:22.029 --> 00:33:27.949 to all of us. To the Mayor and Council, continue providing disciplined, thoughtful leadership. 00:33:27.949 --> 00:33:34.149 Long-term investments require long-term commitment. To our residents, stay engaged, maintain your 00:33:34.149 --> 00:33:39.529 properties, participate in your neighborhoods, support local business, take pride in your 00:33:39.529 --> 00:33:45.730 Community. Progress requires partnership. The City will continue building systems and 00:33:45.730 --> 00:33:50.490 strengthening infrastructure, but a thriving Freeport requires alignment between leadership 00:33:50.490 --> 00:33:56.210 and community. Momentum is real. Let's protect it, let's strengthen it, and let's continue 00:33:56.210 --> 00:34:02.809 building together. Thank you. 00:34:02.809 --> 00:34:09.090 Thank you, Manager Boyer, for that quick overview of 2025. Any questions, Council? 00:34:09.090 --> 00:34:11.250 Thank you. 00:34:11.250 --> 00:34:13.849 And I will move on to the next item, which is public comment. 00:34:13.849 --> 00:34:18.009 Is there any public comment this evening? 00:34:18.009 --> 00:34:20.289 Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. 00:34:20.289 --> 00:34:21.289 Second. 00:34:21.289 --> 00:34:24.949 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:34:24.949 --> 00:34:25.949 All those in favor? 00:34:25.949 --> 00:34:26.949 Aye. 00:34:26.949 --> 00:34:27.949 Opposed?