WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.679 Good evening everybody, it's 6.05 and we're going to start this meeting. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:14.040 My name is Barbara Burns and I'm the town clerk for Freeport Township and to my left 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:21.800 is our attorney Michael J. Phillips and would you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 00:00:21.800 --> 00:00:27.879 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for 00:00:27.879 --> 00:00:33.839 for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for 00:00:33.839 --> 00:00:37.519 all. 00:00:37.519 --> 00:00:42.259 First thing we have on the agenda is we have to establish the salary for the moderator 00:00:42.259 --> 00:00:46.280 and I need a motion and a second as to how much. 00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:51.840 So I need anybody want to give me an idea of how much we want to pay this person. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:53.480 Last year we paid $100. 00:00:53.480 --> 00:00:54.480 That helps. 00:00:54.480 --> 00:01:11.460 who second it Patrick thank you okay is there any other motions any other all in 00:01:11.460 --> 00:01:17.520 favor of $100 to pay the moderator say aye all opposed say no okay the 00:01:17.520 --> 00:01:24.320 moderator will be get $100 for playing with us today okay now we need to 00:01:24.320 --> 00:01:29.680 You have the election of the moderator, I need a nomination from the floor to nominate 00:01:29.680 --> 00:01:30.680 a moderator. 00:01:30.680 --> 00:01:31.680 Yes, sir. 00:01:31.680 --> 00:01:39.980 I'd like to nominate Shane Orwell, second. 00:01:39.980 --> 00:01:44.240 Motion made by Stephen, seconded by Harv, Burns. 00:01:44.240 --> 00:01:47.560 That's why he's here. 00:01:47.560 --> 00:01:50.360 Are there any other nominations from the floor? 00:01:50.360 --> 00:01:54.200 Hearing none, I will entertain a motion to close nominations. 00:01:54.200 --> 00:02:04.280 Wilkins, and seconded by Harv. 00:02:04.280 --> 00:02:06.520 Okay nominations have been closed. 00:02:06.520 --> 00:02:11.120 So now we need to vote on the moderator for Shane Orlow. 00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:13.520 Do I have a motion and a second? 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:14.659 Now we already have that. 00:02:14.659 --> 00:02:17.240 So all in favor of Shane Orlow? 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:18.240 All opposed? 00:02:18.240 --> 00:02:26.400 Mr. Oller, would you come up to accept the oath of office. Raise your right hand. 00:02:26.400 --> 00:02:30.960 Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:34.280 of the moderator at this town hall meeting to the best of your ability? 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:35.280 I do. 00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:38.280 Please sign here. 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:44.879 Okay, have a seat over there. 00:02:44.879 --> 00:02:46.480 Where am I going? 00:02:46.480 --> 00:02:47.480 Right there in that other chair. 00:02:47.479 --> 00:02:53.639 Nope um yeah there you are that way we can 00:02:56.919 --> 00:03:04.359 okay next order of business yep uh presentation and review of annual township meeting minutes 00:03:05.239 --> 00:03:10.280 for 2025 we need a motion and a second 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:40.280 I did. He did take the oath. It's all here. Motion and second, anybody? Motion and second, please. All in favor? All in favor? Aye. Okay, motion passed. Next. Okay, we have number six, reading of the annual financial statement from the town clerk. You all have this statement? 00:03:40.280 --> 00:04:07.920 Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 00:04:07.920 --> 00:04:13.520 My name is Philip Byrd and I am Chief Deputy Assessor for Freeport Township. 00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:18.000 Meta Ridgway, our Township Assessor, sends her apologies. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:21.280 She will not be able to make it tonight, unfortunately. 00:04:21.280 --> 00:04:25.560 Thank you all for your interest and your Township government. 00:04:25.560 --> 00:04:33.080 Per Illinois state statutes, property is to be assessed at one-third of market value. 00:04:33.079 --> 00:04:37.519 For the past few years, the real estate market has drastically increased. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:44.620 In 2025, due to the rise in residential market values, the residential property assessments 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:52.799 had to increase approximately 14% to maintain the required 33 1⁄3 level of assessments 00:04:52.799 --> 00:04:55.419 by the state of Illinois. 00:04:55.419 --> 00:05:00.500 Even with this increase, assessments are still low compared to sale prices. 00:05:00.500 --> 00:05:07.060 For the 2026 year, our preliminary market analysis reflects overall assessments will 00:05:07.060 --> 00:05:13.139 again need to be increased in an attempt to be more reflective of the real estate market 00:05:13.139 --> 00:05:16.699 here in Freeport Township. 00:05:16.699 --> 00:05:22.300 Freeport Township Assessor's Office continues to strive not only valuing properties according 00:05:22.300 --> 00:05:27.740 to market value, but remaining equitable between similar properties. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:32.980 The Township Office encourages anyone with questions concerning the appeal complaint 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:36.860 process to please contact our office. 00:05:36.860 --> 00:05:43.740 There are some brochures in the back of the table back there if you all have any questions 00:05:43.740 --> 00:05:46.500 concerning the assessment process. 00:05:46.500 --> 00:05:48.500 Thank you. 00:05:48.500 --> 00:06:00.500 We need a motion and a second to approve the presentation. 00:06:00.500 --> 00:06:08.500 All in favor? 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:10.500 Aye. 00:06:10.500 --> 00:06:12.500 All opposed? 00:06:12.500 --> 00:06:14.500 Aye. 00:06:14.500 --> 00:06:16.500 I'm learning on the job here. 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:22.500 Motion passes. Thank you guys for being patient with me. Next is Supervisor's Report. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:36.500 Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Patrick Sellers, Supervisor of your Freeport Township. 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:43.500 And tonight, as I have done year after year, I stand before you to give an honest account of where we are, 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:49.579 Where we are, how we have served you, and where I believe we must go from here. 00:06:49.579 --> 00:06:53.019 That is not merely a tradition, that is a covenant. 00:06:53.019 --> 00:06:57.899 It is the fundamental promise that every elected official makes to the people who entrust them 00:06:57.899 --> 00:07:00.660 with power. 00:07:00.660 --> 00:07:03.459 A covenant that I take seriously. 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:08.139 And so I will not insult your intelligence tonight with half-truths, comfortable silence, 00:07:08.139 --> 00:07:12.819 or carefully worded statements designed to protect political relationships at the expense 00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:15.259 of your rights to know. 00:07:15.259 --> 00:07:19.060 Let me begin with what's good. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:22.540 In 2025, Freeport Township conducted all estate-mandated 00:07:22.540 --> 00:07:24.740 services with excellence. 00:07:24.740 --> 00:07:28.659 Every program ran, every eligible client was served. 00:07:28.659 --> 00:07:30.259 Our staff showed up day after day 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:34.139 and did their jobs with professionalism and dedication. 00:07:34.139 --> 00:07:36.139 Not a single dollar of your hard-earned tax money 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:37.560 was wasted. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:39.899 Our budgets remain firmly in the black. 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:42.779 We have been good stewards of the public trust 00:07:42.780 --> 00:07:48.900 and I am proud of that record, but pride in what we have done well does not give us permission 00:07:48.900 --> 00:07:56.300 to look away from what remains broken. And tonight I am here to not to simply celebrate 00:07:56.300 --> 00:08:00.280 accomplishments but I'm here to tell you the truth, the whole truth because that's what 00:08:00.280 --> 00:08:07.060 you deserve. For as long as I have held this office, I have spoken openly and urgently 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:12.340 about the deterioration of our neighborhoods. I have not done so to be dramatic. I have 00:08:12.340 --> 00:08:23.340 I have done so because I walk these streets, because I talk to residents, because I see with my own eyes what is happening to the community I was elected to serve. 00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:29.340 I have raised questions about dilapidated and abandoned properties that scar our blocks and invite criminal activity. 00:08:29.340 --> 00:08:39.340 I have spoken about illegal dumping that disrespects our neighborhoods and signals to residents that no one in power cares about the condition of their streets. 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:50.340 I have warned about the creeping expansion of criminal enterprise, activity that was long and largely confined to east of the red line of West Street, 00:08:50.340 --> 00:09:03.340 which now has crossed further west with each passing year, following the path of least resistance because too few people in position of power have been willing to confront it head on. 00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:10.340 I have made pleas. I have delivered proposals. I have put forward ideas, concerns, and concrete suggestions. 00:09:10.340 --> 00:09:16.340 And you know what I received in return? Silence. Dismissal. 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:24.340 My words treated as unsubstantiated jargon, as if the evidence was not visible to anyone willing to open their eyes and look. 00:09:24.340 --> 00:09:31.340 The evidence is not hidden. It's in our streets, in our headlines, and in the grief of our families. 00:09:31.340 --> 00:09:35.340 I have come to understand something about political culture. 00:09:35.340 --> 00:09:39.340 It is far more comfortable to maintain the illusion of peace 00:09:39.340 --> 00:09:43.340 than to do the hard, unglamorous work of confronting disorder. 00:09:43.340 --> 00:09:48.340 It's easier to host ribbon cuttings than to shut down drug corners. 00:09:48.340 --> 00:09:53.340 It is easier to attend award ceremonies than to demand accountability for conditions 00:09:53.340 --> 00:09:57.340 our most vulnerable citizens endure every single day. 00:09:57.340 --> 00:10:00.340 My voice has been an unhelpful voice. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:06.820 and my voice has been an unwelcome one in certain circles, but I'd rather be unwelcome and honest 00:10:07.540 --> 00:10:14.019 than welcome and complicit. Some of my colleagues have worked very hard to convince this community 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:18.580 and perhaps themselves that we do not have a serious problem. They operate on the belief 00:10:18.580 --> 00:10:24.500 that what is not spoken loud does not exist, that out of sight truly means out of mind, 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:35.940 and Buss. I reject that belief entirely and tonight I want to name plainly without apology 00:10:35.940 --> 00:10:40.660 the realities that too many people in this city would prefer to whisper about than to 00:10:40.660 --> 00:10:47.820 confront. When youth are being shot and killed in our streets, there is a problem. When illegal 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:54.160 drugs are sold openly in our neighborhoods in plain sight without shame, there is a problem. 00:10:54.160 --> 00:11:00.000 When illegal firearms are discovered at an Airbnb in one of our more prominent neighborhoods, 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:02.000 there's a problem. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:07.680 When Homeland Security, the FBI, the IRS, and local law enforcement conduct coordinated 00:11:07.680 --> 00:11:12.360 raids in our communities and the residents are left to piece together the story from 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:21.240 rumor and speculation because no one in authority is willing to speak plainly, there is a problem. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:29.800 when a 12-year-old child takes his own life and the public response is little more than 00:11:29.800 --> 00:11:41.720 a murmur, a moment of quiet, and then silence. There is a problem. Each one of these realities 00:11:41.720 --> 00:11:47.000 represents a failure, not a failure of any single person, but a collective failure, a 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:56.000 The failure of systems, of priorities, of will, and they demand not silence, but sustained, courageous action. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:00.000 God's a 12-year-old child. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:09.000 Twelve years old, if that does not move us, all of us, to ask harder questions and demand better answers, 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:15.000 and to insist on real change, then I am not sure what will. 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:22.759 The absence of public outcry in the wake of that tragedy is itself a symptom of numbness that sets 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:28.840 in when a community has been failed for far too long. When a community stops crying out, 00:12:29.400 --> 00:12:35.160 it's not because the pain is gone, it's because hope has been deferred one too many times. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:44.759 We cannot allow hope to die in this city. I won't allow it. Not under my watch and not while I hold 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:52.600 I am fully aware of what my comments and my candor will cost me. 00:12:52.600 --> 00:13:00.160 I know that these remarks will be characterized by some as pessimistic, as divisive, as unhelpful. 00:13:00.160 --> 00:13:02.240 I know that I will be called an agitator. 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:05.759 I know that certain invitations will not be extended to me. 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:09.519 That certain conversations will go quiet when I enter the room. 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:13.440 And that my political standing among the comfortable class will suffer for it. 00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:33.440 Let me be clear. I do not care about that. I am at peace with those consequences. I did not run for this office to be popular. I did not run to be comfortable. I did not run so that I could be included in the right social circus to protect my political future. 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:48.440 I ran because I believe, and I still believe, that this community deserves representation by people who will tell the truth, advocate relentlessly on people's behalf, and refuse to be domesticated by expectations of political conformity. 00:13:48.440 --> 00:14:00.440 There is a concept in politics called the status quo. The idea that things are as they are and maintaining that stability is itself a form of governance. 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:25.440 I have no quarrel with stability, when stability means safety and flourishing, but when the status quo means that children are dying, drugs are flowing freely, and that families live in fear, and that an entire generation grows up believing that no one in power sees them or cares, then the status quo is not neutral. The status quo is a choice, and it is the wrong choice. 00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:30.440 I will never silence my voice to preserve a seat at a table. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:37.440 Not when silence could mean the difference between life and death for the people I would duly elect to serve, not now or not ever. 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:42.440 Ladies and gentlemen, I will not stand before you year after year raising alarms, 00:14:42.440 --> 00:14:47.440 absorbing criticism, pressing on if I do not believe in my bones that things can be different 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:54.440 and that this community has the capacity for something far better than what we have settled for. 00:14:54.440 --> 00:15:17.440 They say the darkest hours just before dawn. I believe that. We are in a dark hour. Let us not pretend otherwise. But darkness is not permanent. It is not destiny. It is a condition that yields eventually to those who refuse to stop fighting for the light. 00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:28.440 The power to change Freeport is not in Springfield. It's not in Washington D.C. It is not in the hands of some distant authority waiting to rescue it. 00:15:28.440 --> 00:15:34.440 It is here. It is in this room. It is in the hands and the voices and the votes of the people of this community. 00:15:34.440 --> 00:15:46.440 That power was given to us by our Creator, by our history, by every generation that sacrificed so that we could sit in rooms like this and speak freely. 00:15:46.440 --> 00:15:50.740 and through the institution of democracy we entrust that power to the people we elect 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:56.740 with the expectation to demand that they will use that power faithfully and courageously. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:16:03.740 Hold us to that standard, guys. Hold me to that standard. 00:16:03.740 --> 00:16:09.740 Demand honesty. Demand action. Demand leaders who will look you in the eye and tell you the truth even when the truth is hard. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:14.740 And then roll up their sleeves and get to working to change it. 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:22.740 I remain committed to that work. I remain committed to you, and I will not stop until the dawn we are waiting for finally arrives. 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:29.740 The power to change our community belongs to us. Let us use it together. May God bless you all. 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:37.740 We need a motion and a second to approve his report. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:41.740 We need a motion and a second to approve the report. 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.740 I'll move. 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.740 Second. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:59.740 All in favor. All in favor. Next we have the board report. Any board of trustees want to say anything? 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:08.740 Yes, it's Kelvin McIlwain. Kelvin McIlwain. 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:12.740 I'm Kelvin Mcllwain, a Freeport Township trustee. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:26.740 Just want to say the past year our trustee board has done an awesome job and has been proud to work with our assessor and our supervisor to always be fiscally responsible, have a balanced budget, 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:44.740 But you more importantly provide our staff and assessors office with the technology and tools they need to get proper assessments on our properties and also be in a position to work with our township supervisor to provide programs that meet needs of the community. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:51.960 Some specific examples that were done this past fiscal year was an emergency donation 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:59.140 to our local food banks when it looked like there was uncertainty in funding for government 00:17:59.140 --> 00:18:05.579 assistance programs and also programs that have helped young people in our community 00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:10.620 make themselves available more ready for jobs and even find employment. 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:16.180 So, we were happy to do those type of activities and we look forward to continuing with that 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:17.180 in the next fiscal year. 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:26.460 We don't have to do a motion on this. 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:30.800 Item number eight, voting on maintaining one million dollars for the general assistance 00:18:30.800 --> 00:18:31.800 levy. 00:18:31.800 --> 00:18:36.180 We need a motion and a second, or do we vote on it first? 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:37.180 No, that's all right. 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:38.180 It's one mil. 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.180 One mil. 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:40.180 It's not a mil. 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:54.180 I'm sorry. That's okay. Most people do the same thing. We still need a motion in a second. Motion in a second. One mill. I'll correct myself. Sorry for that. One mill for the general assistance levy. We need a motion in a second. 00:18:54.180 --> 00:19:09.920 Okay, all in favor. All in favor. Item number nine. We are the vote on disposal of surplus 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:19.620 slash obsolete equipment and the list is provided. Right there. It is two computers without hard 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:24.019 Hard Drives, two computers without hard drives. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:25.500 We need a motion and a second. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.980 We need a motion and a second. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:29.980 I'll make the motion. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.980 I'll second it. 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:31.980 Who said Gary? 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:32.980 Thank you. 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:33.980 All in favor? 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:34.980 Aye. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:35.980 Okay. 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:41.980 We're going down the list. 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:49.259 Number ten, any other business coming before the town or electors? 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:51.259 This is where any public wants to talk. 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:53.259 If anybody from the public would like to speak. 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:55.259 No, no, that's, that's right. 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:58.259 We have another place for public comments, so move, go ahead. 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.259 Okay, I'm sorry. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:00.259 That's not, that's you. 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:12.259 Number 11, presentation of the Nicolet Nicky Bender Award for Outstanding Public Service. 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:20.980 Mr. Sellers, you're welcome. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:25.660 Over the past five years or so, at our annual town meeting, I and Patrick Sellers, supervisor 00:20:25.660 --> 00:20:30.019 of Freeport Township, have been blessed with the distinct honor of presenting the Nicolet 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:33.420 and Nicky Bender Award for Outstanding Public Service. 00:20:33.420 --> 00:20:35.420 This year's presentation is both a joyous 00:20:35.420 --> 00:20:36.819 and an aggrieved occasion. 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:38.940 Joyous because this year's recipient, 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:42.480 like all previous recipients, 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:47.579 so deserving of this award and aggrieved 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:49.819 because 2026 represents the first time 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:51.420 this award will be presented 00:20:51.420 --> 00:20:54.400 without Nicky's physical presence on this earth. 00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:57.380 On July 28th, 2025, our beloved Nicky was called home 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:59.299 to be with our Lord, leaving behind a legacy 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:03.539 of all inspiring public service, shoes that are not easily filled and even more difficult 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:08.539 to walk in. Her love and compassion for the community in which she lived was only matched 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:13.319 by her love and devotion to our local veterans. Those of us whom have had the pleasure of 00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:17.019 Nikki's company can probably hear her saying right now, oh, Jesus, Sellers, get on with 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:23.559 it. We ain't got all night. So I'm going to get on with it. I met tonight's recipient 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:28.880 back in 2013 under well stressful conditions and I must admit our relationship started 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:31.119 off a little rocky. 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:35.220 Since then we have learned to understand and appreciate each other and I have personally 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:41.480 observed and learned and yes even mimicked his meticulous approach when it comes to conducting 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:43.619 business for his organization. 00:21:43.619 --> 00:21:49.639 His focus and his drive are testaments to his fortitude to do things decently and in 00:21:49.639 --> 00:21:54.079 and to him I say thank you for those lessons. 00:21:54.079 --> 00:22:01.039 How does one describe an individual like tonight's recipient, words like greatness, sacrifice, 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:07.079 unwavering courage, commitment, compassion, unyielding dedication, honesty and integrity 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:13.639 just can seem to capture the essence of who he truly is and what he means to this community. 00:22:13.639 --> 00:22:17.519 There are favorite individuals amongst us, people that were placed on this earth for 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:24.559 for a specific purpose, whose impact on humanity cannot be measured, quantified, or even explained. 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:26.759 They can only be felt. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:32.200 Nikki Bender was one of those people, and she is accompanied by tonight's recipient. 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:36.920 He is a man that I am honored to call my friend, and blessed to be called his. 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:43.680 Ladies and gentlemen, I present the 2026 Nicollet Nikki Bender Award to none other than Mr. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:45.680 and Gary Oz, now we're singing. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:53.680 Applause 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:56.680 Oh, it's a nice one too, man. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:23:06.680 Now I'm going to get out of your way and I'm going to let you have your moment, my friend. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:10.680 You're very welcome. 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:40.579 Just like when I was chairing national conventions for Vietnam Air 00:23:40.579 --> 00:23:45.940 for a lot of years. I'd get behind a podium like this and there'd be a kid's 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:51.259 chair here or there'd be a carton stacked up there so and then they always say well 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:59.539 okay Eisenhower stand up be counted and also. Again thank you Patrick. I'm humbly 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:05.740 honored to accept the Nicky Bender Award of Public Service. 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:25.860 I'll get myself collected here. I have known and work with Nikki on various community projects 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:40.299 for about 25 plus years and she was an influencer, everybody knows she was an influencer and she 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:51.019 impacted a lot of people with her leadership and she made a big impact on our community 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:53.819 with her leadership capabilities. 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:59.299 She is definitely a role model for public service. 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:08.180 And this community award in Nikki's honor is a legacy that exemplifies her leadership 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:16.579 is a public servant. And I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to this board for this 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:23.779 consideration. So God bless everybody. And in the interim while I'm up here, I just want 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:37.340 to thank the trustees and Patrick especially for the many grants that we've received in 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:44.139 and last three years for the VAC, which has made a big impact on our ability to take care 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:46.139 of our veterans. 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:47.139 Thank you. 00:25:47.139 --> 00:26:06.339 Thank you. 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:09.539 Next item is public comments. 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:12.059 Any public comments? 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:14.220 None. 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:16.619 None. 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:23.619 Next is, Moderator's Declaration of the Conclusion of Business for the Annual Town Meeting. 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:26.619 It's April... 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:30.619 Alright, so then we go on to vote to adjourn. 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:37.619 We are going to vote to adjourn until April 13th, 2027 at 6.05 p.m. 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:39.619 Motion and a second. 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:41.619 Second. 00:26:41.619 --> 00:26:42.619 All in favor? 00:26:42.619 --> 00:26:45.619 Aye. 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:50.619 All done. Thank you all for coming. I appreciate it. Thank you, everyone.