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Meeting Events: City Council Meeting

Deterministic civic events derived from machine-generated meeting records. These events are reviewable public-reference artifacts, not official minutes.

Source

Original public meeting recording on YouTube

Meeting Events

Meeting: 01qjuno8ova.city_council_meeting_11_3_2025

Meeting date: 2025-11-03

Meeting type: city_council

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 the agenda — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve the agenda.
    • Evidence: “Item number one is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
    • Source timestamp: 02:11

  • Approval of minutes from October 6th and October 20th, 2025 — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on October 6th and October 20th, 2025.
    • Evidence: “Item number two is approval of the minutes from the special meeting on October 6th and October 20th, 2025. Is there such a motion? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
    • Source timestamp: 02:22

  • Consent Agenda Approval — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve the consent agenda.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved. Second.”
    • Evidence: “The motion passes seven to zero.”
    • Source timestamp: 04:50

  • Move ordinance 20-25-60 forward — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to move the ordinance forward.
    • Attribution: Alderman Parker, Alderman Klemm, Madam Clerk
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move the ordinance forward? So moved. Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Well with that then I’ll entertain a motion to suspend the rules. So move. Second. We have a suspension of the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Fine. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson. The motion to suspend passes seven to zero.”
    • Source timestamp: 06:45

  • Final reading for ordinance 20-25-60 after suspension of rules — Passed

    • Summary: The final reading for the ordinance passed.
    • Attribution: Madam Clerk
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to zero.”
    • Source timestamp: 08:46

  • Resolution 2025-128: Ratifying emergency water main repairs by Fisher excavating on Winchester Court

    • Summary: Manager Boyer presented information regarding multiple breaks in the dead end section of the water main at Winchester Court, noting that two recent breaks occurred and a tie-in to a larger utility easement was planned.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Item number seven is the adoption. Madam Mayor. I’m sorry. I believe we might need to waive the rules for voting on this tonight. Is that correct? Do we need that? To get it moving? I don’t think so. No. Okay, fine. Let me just, Mayor, may I be recognized? Since this is just functionary, I’d discuss with some of the aldermen to go ahead and waive the rules tonight and go ahead and move this ordinance forward. Well with that then I’ll entertain a motion to suspend the rules. So move. Second. We have a suspension of the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by a two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Fine. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson. The motion to suspend passes seven to zero. So then before you is the final reading for this ordinance if there’s no further discussion Alderman Sanders. Yeah could you repeat to the council of that system suspension again I didn’t get it all so I just need you to. You just want I just want to understand the suspension portion of it. What you’re requesting on the suspension portion. Sure, I can answer that. Alderman Sanders, I just was asking for a suspension so we could just move forward with some basic business here. It happens to be an ordinance, but it is not that we’d like to move forward with it so that we can do other things. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to zero. Item number seven is the adoption of resolution 2025-128. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency water main repairs by Fisher excavating on Winchester Court. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. We’ve had multiple breaks on a section of dead end section of water Mayne at Winchester Court. I believe there’s at least seven breaks already in the pipe. One of the reasons you have water main breaks is water hammer, and whenever you have a dead end, you have the opportunity for water hammer. So when we had this most, we’ve had two breaks here recently on this section, and we went ahead to take the opportunity to connect it to a water main that is just beyond the backyards of the houses on the east side of Winchester Court, tying into a larger water main that’s on, on a utility easement. No, I’m sorry. What’s that? The tie-in’s not done yet. Oh, the tie-in’s okay. I apologize.”
    • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
    • Source timestamp: 07:10

  • Ratification of emergency water main repair on Winchester Court — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to ratify the resolution for the emergency repair of a water main.
    • Evidence: “we would request just ratifying this resolution for the emergency repair. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Klemm, aye and Johnson, aye. The resolution is adopted seven to zero.”
    • Source timestamp: 09:52

  • Adoption of resolution 2025-129: Emergency sewer repairs by Fisher Excavating on Shawnee Avenue — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution ratifying emergency sewer repairs.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
    • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Casey, Aye. Shadle, Aye. Sanders, Aye. Sellers, Aye. Klemm, Aye. And Johnson, Aye. The motion passes 7-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 20:25

  • Appointment of City Representative to Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority Board — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-131.
    • Attribution: Alderman Parker, City Council
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second.”
    • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The resolution is adopted five to two.”
    • Source timestamp: 18:35

  • Adoption of skid system for chemical feed piping

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the purchase of a skid system including pump and water carrier system.
    • Evidence: “So is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.”

  • Adoption of skid system for chemical feed piping — Adopted

    • Summary: Vote on the motion made by Alderman Shadle regarding the skid system.
    • Evidence: “Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. And Johnson. Aye. The resolution is adopted 7-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 25:17

  • Core sampling for fuel island contamination

    • Summary: Motion to approve proceeding with core sampling for contamination underneath the fuel island at Island Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Klein, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Source timestamp: 27:05

  • Adoption of project for core sample testing at Island Avenue fuel island

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the project for $34,850 to core sample for basically contamination underneath the fuel island at Island Avenue.
    • Evidence: “However, we need to move forward with a project for $34,850 to core sample for basically contamination underneath the fuel island at Island Avenue. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “Second. Motion made by Alderman Klein, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Source timestamp: 26:51

  • Adoption of resolution — Adopted

    • Summary: The resolution was adopted by a vote of seven to zero.
    • Evidence: “aye the resolution is adopted seven to zero”
    • Source timestamp: 31:13

  • Adjournment motion — Passed

    • Summary: A motion was made for adjournment, which was seconded and passed.
    • Evidence: “And I will entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor? Aye.”
    • Source timestamp: 42:16

Procedural Actions

  • Call to Order
    • Summary: Snow officially called the meeting to order.
    • Evidence: “So now we’ll officially call this meeting to order.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:26

Ordinances and Resolutions

  • Ordinance approving an amendment to vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center — Approved

    • Summary: First reading of ordinance 20-25-60, which approves an amendment to the vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center doing business as the Senior Resource Center.
    • Evidence: “Item number six is the first reading of ordinance 20-25-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving an amendment to vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center doing business as the Senior Resource Center.”
    • Source timestamp: 05:32

  • Adoption of resolution 2025-129: Emergency sewer repairs by Fisher Excavating on Shawnee Avenue

    • Summary: Item number eight is the adoption of resolution 2025-129. Resolution ratifying emergency sewer repairs by fisher excavating on Shawnee Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Item number eight is the adoption of resolution 2025-129. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency sewer repairs by fisher excavating on Shawnee Avenue.”
    • Source timestamp: 10:26

  • Adoption of resolution 2025-130: Video security systems on PCAT buses

    • Summary: Item number nine is the adoption of resolution 2025-130. Resolution to approve an agreement with IBS doing business Davis as Angel Tracks for installation of video security systems on Pretzel City Transit buses.
    • Evidence: “And item number nine is the adoption of resolution 2025-130. Could you please read this? Resolution to approve an agreement with IBS doing business Davis as Angel Tracks for installation of video security systems on Pretzel City Transit buses.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:10

  • Appointment of City Representative to Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority Board

    • Summary: Resolution appointing Gertrude Heimerdinger, Director of Community and Economic Development, to serve as City’s Representative on the Board of Trustees of the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority.
    • Attribution: Alderman Parker
    • Evidence: “Item number 10 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-131. Could you please read this? Resolution appointing Gertrude Heimerdinger, Director of Community and Economic Development, to serve as City’s Representative on the Board of Trustees of the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority.”
    • Source timestamp: 17:55

  • Approval of Payment for Water System Booster

    • Summary: Resolution approving payment to metropolitan industries for purchase of a water system booster for well house number 11.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Item number 11 is the adoption of resolution 2025-132. Could you please read this? Resolution approving payment to metropolitan industries for purchase of a water system booster for well house number 11.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:13

  • Resolution approving agreement for soil contamination sampling at fuel island

    • Summary: Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide IEPA required sampling for potential soil contamination at the fuel island at 1001 North Island Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2025-133. Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement with Fehr Graham to provide IEPA required sampling for any potential soil contamination at the fuel island at 1001 North Island Avenue.”
    • Source timestamp: 25:30

Financial and Contract Events

  • Cost for core sampling at fuel island
    • Summary: The estimated cost for core sampling is approximately $34,000.
    • Evidence: “So it’s going to cost approximately $34,000, and we’ll be pursuing additional funds, outside funds to cover approximately $5,000, or everything but $5,000.”
    • Source timestamp: 26:22

Presentations and Reports

  • Interim Chief of Police Appointment

    • Summary: Travis Davis was appointed as Interim Chief of Police in the City of Freeport, in the County of Stephenson, DuSalle and LeSueur.
    • Evidence: “I, Travis Davis, have been appointed as Interim Chief of Police in the City of Freeport, in the County of Stephenson, DuSalle and LeSueur, that I will support the Constitution of the United States, The Constitution of the State of Illinois.”
    • Source timestamp: 02:55

  • Ordinance 20-25-60: Amendment to vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center

    • Summary: The ordinance updates the City’s vehicle lease agreement with the Senior Resource Center to reflect two totaled buses, detailing insurance settlements and replacement bus acquisition.
    • Attribution: Director Heimerdinger
    • Evidence: “Item number six is the first reading of ordinance 20-25-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving an amendment to vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center doing business as the Senior Resource Center. Thank you. Director Heimerdinger. Madam Mayor, this ordinance updates the City’s vehicle lease agreement with the Senior Resource Center to reflect two buses that were totaled and subsequently disposed of. The City received insurance settlements totaling $70,452.68, which were deposited into the public transit account for future vehicle procurement, as required by IDOT. To maintain the fleet size and service availability, the City also obtained a replacement bus from State Line Mass Transit District. The only costs associated with this new bus was the tighter registration, minor maintenance, and branding of the bus. All of these expenses were fully covered by federal and state grants, resulting in no expense to the City. This amendment ensures accurate fleet records and continues uninterrupted transit services for residents throughout Fleetport and Stephenson County. Thank you.”
    • Source timestamp: 05:36

  • Emergency sewer repairs on Shawnee Avenue

    • Summary: Staff requested ratification of the emergency repair due to a failure of the sewer while working on the relocation of the gas main.
    • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. Again Shawnee has been a little bit of a challenge. We have quite a bit of work yet to do out there. During During the process, we had some very old sewer lateral that was underground, fairly deep, and we had to call in for an, we had basically a failure of the sewer while working on the relocation of the gas main. So staff is requesting ratification of this emergency repair. Thank you.”
    • Source timestamp: 10:26

  • Video security system project funding and approval

    • Summary: The City of Freeport was awarded $65,000 through the 2021 Rebuild Illinois grant to install video security systems on 16 PCAT buses. The project was bid and approved by council on April 7, 2025 for Angle Track at a total For a cost of $41,033.67, IDOT has finally provided pre-award concurrence to proceed.
    • Evidence: “Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport was awarded $65,000 through the 2021 Rebuild Illinois grant to install video security systems on 16 PCAT buses. The project was bid and approved by council on April 7, 2025 for Angle Track at a total For a cost of $41,033.67, IDOT has finally provided pre-award concurrence to proceed.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:51

  • Video Security System Installation on PCAT Buses

    • Summary: The City of Freeport was awarded $65,000 through the 2021 Rebuild Illinois grant to install video security systems on 16 PCAT buses. The project was bid and approved by council on April 7, 2025 for Angle Track at a total cost of $41,033.67.
    • Attribution: Director Heimerdinger
    • Evidence: “The City of Freeport was awarded $65,000 through the 2021 Rebuild Illinois grant to install video security systems on 16 PCAT buses. The project was bid and approved by council on April 7, 2025 for Angle Track at a total For a cost of $41,033.67, IDOT has finally provided pre-award concurrence to proceed.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:51

  • Water System Booster Purchase (Well 11)

    • Summary: The current setup at Well 11 uses a polymer to filter radium, but due to the long piping network, a carrier water system is needed to move the polymer rapidly and prevent coagulation. Staff requests approval for the skid system purchase.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “So without getting into too much technical detail, Well 11 has a system that injects a polymer ahead of the well water that basically grabs any radioactive or radium that’s in the water. We do have a small amount in the natural water table so it binds with the radium and then it is filtered out. Now this setup is working fine however because of the the extensively long tubing and piping network. We need to add a carrier water system so that we can move the HMO polymer rapidly through the system and not have it coagulate within the chemical feed piping. So staff is requesting moving forward with the purchase of the skid system which includes the pump and the water and that so that we can set that in place and get it working properly.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:13

  • Fuel island core sampling requirement and cost

    • Summary: Manager Boyer presented that additional core sampling is required due to EPA concerns regarding the former leaking underground storage tank facility.
    • Evidence: “The City of Freeport recently replaced the fuel island to comply with state codes. Our City Fuel Island was a former leaking underground storage tank facility categorized by the EPA.”
    • Source timestamp: 25:46

  • Public Works updates on street paving and EV chargers

    • Summary: The streets program final project should be paved this Thursday, unless inclement weather pushes it. The EV charger program involves four Level 3 chargers at both the municipal lot and the Lindo lot (at State and Maine), with one handicap accessible at each location.
    • Evidence: “So we’re heading towards completion of our streets program for this year. The final project should be getting paved this Thursday, unless we have some, in climate weather it might get pushed today. That’s 18th Avenue… Now there’ll be four EV chargers at both the municipal lot and four at the, we call it the Lindo lot, but it’s the lot at State and Maine.”
    • Source timestamp: 31:50

  • EV Chargers Installation and Functionality

    • Summary: There will be four Level 3 EV chargers at the municipal lot and four at the Lindo lot (State and Maine). One charger at each location will be handicap accessible. The system allows for quicker charging when linking two chargers together to provide more power.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Now there’ll be four EV chargers at both the municipal lot and four at the, we call it the Lindo lot, but it’s the lot at State and Maine. One of those at each location will be handicap accessible. And they’ll all be level three chargers. So they’ll be one of the best, if not the best chargers in the area for charging We’ve been doing electrical vehicles in a quick amount of time, and we’re also doing some advancements to them that if there’s only one vehicle charging that you actually get a quicker charge, because we’re linking two of them together to give them more power.”
    • Source timestamp: 32:37

  • NPDES Permit Issuance and Requirements

    • Summary: The NPDES permit for the Wastewater Treatment Facility was issued last week and contains new requirements consistent with the rest of the state. The council will review changes and additional required testing to waste streams at the November COW, starting in 2026.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Finally, I wanted to tell you that the NPDES permit, which is our US EPA discharge permit Wastewater Treatment Facility has been issued. Just came out last week. It has a lot of new requirements in it, which is very consistent with the rest of the state. And so I believe at the November COW, we’re going to be going over a few of the items that have changed and additional required testing to the waste streams that has to start happening in 2026.”
    • Source timestamp: 33:00

  • Police Department Records Management System Update

    • Summary: The police department, 911 center, and county agencies changed their entire records management system, including the 911 call tracking system. Building reports is difficult due to a lack of automatic programming, requiring manual checks for sensitive information like juvenile or victim details. The new system will eventually include online public reporting.
    • Attribution: Police Department Representative
    • Evidence: “Recently, the police department and the 911 center, along with the county and other agencies within the county, changed our entire records management system, including the 911 system that tracks and records all 911 calls. We’re working through some of the bugs. I want to highlight a couple things. One, we want to get a blotter or list of calls and things out to people that are in the works. Unfortunately, it’s taking some time because it’s not something that our last records management, or this record management, that they have like an automatic program for. So we have to build the report, we have to check that the report doesn’t include sensitive information on juveniles, victims, victim addresses, names, things like that. So that is in the works and we’re working on it. I would also like to highlight that in the future, part of this new system also is going to have online reporting for the public meaning if you wish to log on to the the system you can report things from home say you know you had a lawn ornament stolen or you need to report just for insurance it’s kind of a good way for the community to save some time and help our efficiency as well so we look forward to eventually being able to utilize all of the new aspects of it but it it is going”
    • Source timestamp: 34:10

  • Community Food Drive Details

    • Summary: The library hosted a food drive in November with FACC, themed around specific needs. Week one (Nov 1-8) collected peanut butter and jelly; week two (Nov 9-15) collected macaroni and pasta; week three (Nov 16-22) collected sauces; and week four (Nov 23-30) will collect soup.
    • Attribution: Library Representative
    • Evidence: “Before the library went fine free in early 2025, we hosted a food drive every February called Food for Fines. The staff really wanted to continue hosting a community food drive, so they worked with FACC to create one for the month of November. It is a coincidence said it is also aligning with some changes with SNAP benefits, so we’re happy that we have everything set up and ready to go take donations. We are doing weekly themes that are themed on requests that FACC has specifically asked for. We’re currently in week one, which is November 1st through the 8th, and we’re collecting peanut butter and jelly. Week two is November 9th through the 15th, and we’re collecting macaroni and pasta. And week three is November 16th through the 22nd, and we’re collecting sauces. And week four, November 23rd through the 30th, we’re collecting soup.”
    • Source timestamp: 34:48

  • Leaf Collection Map Availability

    • Summary: The leaf crews should be out in moderation over the next few days, and residents are advised to keep an eye on the LEAF collection map.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor, and Darren kind of talked about this briefly, but right now the crews are very busy getting all the prep work done for the chargers down at the municipal lot. We are starting to do leaf season a little at a time, but the leaf crews should be out in moderation here in the next few days. So thank you very much and also keep your eye open on or keep your eye open on the LEAF collection map.”
    • Source timestamp: 37:08

  • Neighborhood Watch Meeting Date

    • Summary: A neighborhood watch meeting is scheduled for Thursday, the 6th, at Schwartz on Park Boulevard at 6 PM.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
    • Evidence: “Alderman Shadle? I have a neighborhood watch meeting Thursday, this Thursday the 6th, Schwartz on Park Boulevard 6 PM”
    • Source timestamp: 37:45

  • Veterans Programs and Events

    • Summary: Freeport High School has a veterans program Monday at 9 o’clock in the cafeteria. Freeport Middle School has a veterans program on Tuesday, November 10th, at 8 o’clock. A Veterans Resource Fair is held on Monday, November 10th, at the Eagles for all veterans. Pearl City is holding a ceremony on November 5th at 8:30 AM with breakfast at 9:00 AM.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
    • Evidence: “Freeport High School has a veterans program on Monday at 9 o’clock in the cafeteria. Freeport Middle School has a veterans program at 8 o’clock on the 11th on Tuesday. Monday, November 10th is a Veterans Resource Fair at the Eagles for all veterans to take part in to see if there’s extra benefits and stuff that they could receive. Pearl City is having a ceremony November 5th at 8.30 with breakfast at 9.00.”
    • Source timestamp: 38:40

  • Tree Trimming Acknowledgement

    • Summary: The speaker thanked the park board for trimming up the trees, noting that a large bush near Woodside and Park Boulevard was trimmed down to three Scronnie Walnut Trees.
    • Attribution: Olin Johnson
    • Evidence: “I just like to say if anybody wants to look at some beautiful trees come to Freeport the trees around the city are just I’d like to thank the park board for trimming up all the trees. It looks really nice. We have all the trees, it looks really nice in our park, especially at our corner, we live at the corner of Woodside and Park Boulevard and there is this big bush, looked like a giant bush that was down there and for years, I just hold my breath as I rounded the corner and they just started hacking away on it and I couldn’t believe it, it was just three Scronnie Walnut Trees that were there.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:04

Discussion

  • Ordinance amending vehicle lease agreement

    • Summary: Director Heimerdinger stated that the ordinance updates the City’s vehicle lease agreement with the Senior Resource Center to reflect two buses that were totaled and subsequently disposed of.
    • Evidence: “Madam Mayor, this ordinance updates the City’s vehicle lease agreement with the Senior Resource Center to reflect two buses that were totaled and subsequently disposed of.”
    • Source timestamp: 05:46

  • Liability for sewer damage on Shawnee Avenue

    • Summary: Discussion regarding who caused the sewer damage, with a plan to file an insurance claim against NICOR and their subcontractor.
    • Evidence: “Mayor, I’d like to point out that, uh, Fisher’s helped us with this emergency repair, but we plan to file an insurance claim against NICOR and their subcontractor for the complete cost of this repair. Um, it was due to the undermining of the sewer and, uh, the city had some costs in it too, so we’re, we’re pursuing all the costs that the city has, which is this bill plus, uh, some city bypass costs as well.”
    • Source timestamp: 11:24

  • Connection between Shawnee Avenue repairs and Vidak project

    • Summary: Confirmation that gas had to be relocated under the Shawnee Vidak in order to do the water and storm construction.
    • Evidence: “Olderman, Sellers. I just want to know, does this have anything to do with being down there on Shawnee with the Vidak thing too? Okay. Yes. Anything else? Sorry, yes it does. The gas had to be relocated under the Shawnee Vidak in order to do the water and storm construction that’s required to lower the road, so that is why they were working there.”
    • Source timestamp: 11:50

  • Nature of sewer emergency on Shawnee Avenue

    • Summary: Confirmation that the sewer was an emergency situation because it broke and filled trenches completely.
    • Evidence: “Olderman, Sanders. Is that an emergency situation? Uh, this sewer was an emergency situation. Sewer was. Yes, because, uh, they broke the sewer main and the, the, the, the line that comes down, Shawnee has significantly high flows and it filled their trenches completely.”
    • Source timestamp: 12:16

  • Video Security System Installation on PCAT Buses

    • Summary: A council member questioned if the cost was fully covered by IDOT.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “So do I understand you to be saying that there is no cost to the city that is all by IDOT covered? Yes, everything is covered. Yep, that’s correct.”
    • Source timestamp: 14:42

  • Video Security System Installation on PCAT Buses

    • Summary: A council member inquired about the number of buses covered by the grant.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “Yeah, I just like to, is that all the buses or how many? It’s 16 of the buses. The other fours, we have 20 fleet, but the 16 are the ones that that’s what we had when we were doing this grant and going through the work.”
    • Source timestamp: 15:02

  • Video Security System Installation on PCAT Buses

    • Summary: A council member asked about monitoring procedures for video feeds and public rights.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
    • Evidence: “Yeah. And I like to see the documentations or councils should see the documentation of the processing and, you know, just extra protection for insurance purposes as well.”
    • Source timestamp: 15:57

  • Video Security System Installation on PCAT Buses

    • Summary: A council member questioned who monitors the video feeds and what department takes in the data.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
    • Evidence: “See, I didn’t get that response on what agency monitors those feeds, those video feeds. Who is conducting that and what department or agency that takes that in?”
    • Source timestamp: 16:53

  • Carrier water system necessity for well 12

    • Summary: Discussion regarding whether a booster system will be needed for Well 12.
    • Evidence: “I just have a question. Alderman Sellers? Yeah, just wanting to know, with that system booster, will we also need one for 12? Well, 12 is still under, like, it’s, I’m not sure if we’re completely done with design, but we will definitely be incorporating carrier water in a pump with HMO if the water quality requires it.”
    • Source timestamp: 20:34

  • Skid mount necessity for chemical feed lines

    • Summary: Discussion confirming the need for the skid-mounted pump system due to anticipated chemical precipitation.
    • Evidence: “Hold on, Stacy. Did we not know or have the understanding that we needed this skid mount when we did well 11? Yes, we did. We planned that we would need it someday when we first started pumping the well.”
    • Source timestamp: 21:00

  • Cost-benefit of early installation of chemical feed system

    • Summary: Discussion on whether installing the skid mount from the beginning would have been cheaper or more beneficial.
    • Evidence: “Okay, so would it have been cheaper or more beneficial to have done this from the beginning and not waiting? To be honest with you, nobody anticipated this to happen in the chemical feed lines going up to the filters, and even if we had known that, it wouldn’t have changed the amount of money that this is, so it would have been the same expense regardless of whether we installed and I.”
    • Source timestamp: 21:47

  • State plumbing guidelines changes and backflow prevention

    • Summary: Discussion detailing how state plumbing code changes require backflow prevention at multiple points to feed chemicals.
    • Evidence: “I’d just like to add since, since the design of the wellhouse treatments, there’s been changes to the state plumbing guidelines and backflow prevention is required at multiple points throughout these facilities to feed chemicals.”
    • Source timestamp: 22:17

  • Backflow preventer function and maintenance issues

    • Summary: Discussion on how backflow prevention reduces water pressure, affecting scouring effect, and how the new system will permanently address cleaning maintenance issues.
    • Evidence: “And just the down and dirty is every time you go through backflow prevention, it reduces is the water pressure, which reduces the scouring effect that goes when you feed this coagulant. So, this is something that we built the well house if it was needed in the future that we’d be able to change.”
    • Source timestamp: 22:38

  • Backflow preventer purpose and regulation

    • Summary: Discussion clarifying that the backflow preventer module prevents chemicals from entering the drinking water system.
    • Evidence: “O’Rourke Tested annually and certified. So it’s more of a prevention module to make sure that if something were to happen in the drinking water system, that it can’t pull chemicals back out of the building into the drinking water and not have them regulated or monitored on the amount that would be brought back.”
    • Source timestamp: 23:36

  • Request for data report on backflow prevention system

    • Summary: Alderman Sanders requested an actual data report on the system preventing backflow of chemicals and particles.
    • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders, yeah well can we get the data you say once a year a data report can we get the actual data report on the system that is preventing backflow of chemicals and particles and whatever so the water system”
    • Source timestamp: 24:30

  • Backflow preventer testing procedure

    • Summary: Confirmation that the backflow prevention test requires a certified technician to test, tag, and lock the unit on site.
    • Evidence: “the data that’s provided on the backflow preventer is a physical test you actually have to bring Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, The resolution is to put a device to the site, and a certified technician has to test that, and they tag and lock the unit right on site.”
    • Source timestamp: 24:30

  • Reimbursement source for contamination testing

    • Summary: The reimbursement would come from the state fire marshal’s office, as they control the funds and approve or deny funding for everything but the deductible.
    • Evidence: “So we would apply to the state fire marshal’s office. They’re the ones that control these funds and then they would approve us or deny us for everything but the deductible to move forward with the testing.”
    • Source timestamp: 27:56

  • Reason for required soil sampling

    • Summary: The requirement stems from a rule change, necessitating further testing because previous cleanup efforts did not perfectly remediate all contamination.
    • Evidence: “So there’s going to have to be eight cores down to 30, uh, feet below elevation. And that’s what the cost is along with lab sampling.”
    • Source timestamp: 28:55

  • Scope of required soil testing

    • Summary: The demand letter from EPA requires taking eight core samples around the existing tanks and fuel lines leading to the new fuel island.
    • Evidence: “What the demand letter states is that we have to take eight core samples around the existing tanks and the fuel lines leading to the new fuel island that we built to ensure that nothing there is currently leaking.”
    • Source timestamp: 30:03

  • Future testing requirement for contamination issue

    • Summary: The speaker believes further testing will be a one-time thing based on results, but cannot guarantee it until those results are in hand.
    • Evidence: “We believe it’ll be a one-time thing based on the results, but until we have those in Hand, I can’t tell you if further testing is going to be required.”
    • Source timestamp: 29:33

Public Comment

  • Thank you to park board for tree trimming

    • Summary: The speaker expressed appreciation to the park board for trimming trees in their neighborhood, noting that three Scronnie Walnut Trees were visible after the work.
    • Attribution: Johnson
    • Evidence: “I just like to say if anybody wants to look at some beautiful trees come to Freeport the trees around the city are just I’d like to thank the park board for trimming up all the trees. It looks really nice. We have all the trees, it looks really nice in our park, especially at our corner, we live at the corner of Woodside and Park Boulevard and there is this big bush, looked like a giant bush that was down there and for years, I just hold my breath as I rounded the corner and they just started hacking away on it and I couldn’t believe it, it was just three Scronnie, Walnut Trees that were there. I don’t know what all those other things were, but now I can see when they go around the corner. So I’m very appreciative.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:04

  • Operation Feed 45 food collection efforts

    • Summary: The speaker discussed Operation Feed 45 and noted that boxes are available at Fresh Spot, Nine East, Evangelical Church of Christ, and American Family Insurance in Monroe is collecting for Freeport. The speaker urged constituents to look for donation boxes.
    • Attribution: Cook
    • Evidence: “Hi, my name is Sue Cook, Winchester Drive, and I’m here to talk about Operation Feed 45, which I think is running FACC. I love that the library is doing what they’re doing, but this is just another add-on so that there’s more food coming in because the need’s going to be great, really great. So we have boxes out right now at the Fresh Spot, Nine East, Evangelical Church of Christ, and our neighbors in the north, American Family Insurance in Monroe, are actually collecting for Freeport. So I think that’s awesome that they’re doing that for us. So please Please look out if there are anybody here that has a place that would like to have a donation box. If all the people would like to talk to their constituents at their neighborhood watch meetings and ask to look for operation 45, feed 45 boxes and maybe bring an additional there might be FACC and this box here. Bring that additionally so that you could have one can of soup here, one can of soup there and one can of soup for the library. So there should be enough to spread that around and really help feed Freeport, Stephenson County and if Monroe is saying we’re willing to help then Stephenson County should be saying okay let’s get behind this.”
    • Source timestamp: 40:29

Attendance

  • Roll Call Attendance
    • Summary: Klemm, Johnson, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers were present; Simmons was absent.
    • Evidence: “Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons is absent. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:26

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