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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: 6kxnlfew4ig.city_council_meeting_2_17_2026

Meeting date: 2026-02-17

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 agenda including executive session — Passed

    • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Shadle and seconded by Alderman Klemm to approve the agenda which includes an executive session.
    • Evidence: “Number One is the approval of the agenda and we will be including executive session tonight. Is there a motion? So moved. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
    • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
    • Source timestamp: 03:42

  • Consent Agenda Approval — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve the consent agenda items.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, Council
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:54

  • Appointments Approval

    • Summary: Motion to approve appointments in one motion.
    • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
    • Evidence: “If it pleases the council, we’ll do this in one motion. I’ll move. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”
    • Source timestamp: 14:33

  • Appointments Approval Vote — Passed

    • Summary: Vote on the appointments approval motion.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The motion passes 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 14:48

  • Ordinance 202606 Passage

    • Summary: Motion to approve the ordinance revision regarding dumpsters and debris containers.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Discussion on this ordinance. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye.”
    • Source timestamp: 16:30

  • Ordinance passing vote (Item number 7) — Passed

    • Summary: The ordinance passes 8 to 0.
    • Evidence: “Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0.”
    • Source timestamp: 18:07

  • Ordinance 2026-07 passing vote — Passed

    • Summary: The ordinance passes 8 to 0.
    • Evidence: “Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. And that ordinance passes 8 to 0.”
    • Source timestamp: 18:07

  • Amendment addition for Ordinance 2026-07 — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to make an amendment to add a 2006 Vector truck and a 1977 holiday Rambler Office Trailer to the list.
    • Evidence: “We do need to have an addition to amendment A. The addition, or two things, a 2006 Vector truck and a 1977 holiday Rambler, Office Trailers. So we’ll just need to have a motion to make that amendment to add them to the list. So moved.”
    • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers, and Klemm. The amendment passes 8 to 0.”
    • Source timestamp: 18:24

  • Ordinance 2026-08 passing vote — Passed

    • Summary: The ordinance passes 8-0 as amended.
    • Evidence: “Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The ordinance passes 8-0 as amended.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:59

  • Moving to second reading on amended Chapter 873

    • Summary: A motion was made to move forward with the amendments to Chapter 873.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second.”

  • Creation of Public Works Environmental Health and Safety Operations Coordinator position

    • Summary: A motion was made to move forward with the creation of the new Public Works position.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second.”
    • Source timestamp: 26:27

  • Ordinance granting variance from accessory structure requirements at 1219 South Sealy Avenue

    • Summary: Motion to move forward with consideration of Ordinance 2026-11.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “Second. There will be a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Source timestamp: 29:56

  • Suspension of rules for Ordinance 2026-11 — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules regarding the ordinance.
    • Evidence: “Alderman Parker? A motion to suspend the rules. Sure. We have a motion to suspend made by Alderman Parker, is there a second?”
    • Evidence: “Second. Was that you Greg? Alderman Shadle for the second.”
    • Evidence: “Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and was passed by two-thirds majority. So Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only?”
    • Source timestamp: 30:18

  • Ordinance 2026-11 passage

    • Summary: Vote on the passage of Ordinance 2026-11.
    • Evidence: “If there’s no further questions, concerns, Madam Clerk, please take the roll on the passage.”
    • Source timestamp: 30:42

  • Purchase of Neptune water meters from Ferguson Water Works

    • Summary: Motion to move forward with the purchase order.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “Second. Okay. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
    • Source timestamp: 32:17

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-16: Licensing agreement with Cindio Networks for pole attachment and conduit occupancy — Adopted

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution approving a licensing agreement with Cindio Networks.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers, City Council
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the role. Johnson. Hi. Simmons. Oh, I’m sorry. She is absent currently. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 34:12

  • Purchase of Turnout Gear

    • Summary: Motion to approve the purchase of 16 sets of Lion V4 Structural Fire Framing Turnout Gear from DINJA’s Fire Company.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer, Alderman Shadle
    • Evidence: “So currently, the department’s requesting approval to the resolution of the purchase of 16 sets of Lion V4 Structural Fire Framing Turnout Gear from DINJA’s Fire Company from and Boy. The replacement will take place and like I said in phases.”
    • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Source timestamp: 38:01

  • Adoption of Turnout Gear Resolution — Passed

    • Summary: The resolution authorizing the purchase of turnout gear was adopted by a vote of 8-0.
    • Attribution: Clerk
    • Evidence: “Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:20

  • FAA Agreement Adoption — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the memorandum of agreement with the FAA for airport operations.
    • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Clerk
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Alderman Klemm. Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 40:46

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-19 (Agreement with I-Work Systems) — Passed

    • Summary: The resolution approving an agreement with I-Work Systems was adopted 8-0.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:28

  • Adoption of resolution approving an agreement with I-Work Systems — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution approving an agreement with I-Work Systems.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, Council
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers,”
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk please take the Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. And that resolution is adopted 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 43:11

  • Adoption of resolution approving agreement with Greystone Construction for salt storage shed

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution approving an agreement with Greystone Construction for the purchase and construction of a salt storage shed.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”

  • Adoption of salt shed plan — Adopted

    • Summary: A motion was made to adopt the plan for the salt shed.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, City Council
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”
    • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted, 8 to 0.”
    • Source timestamp: 49:11

  • HVAC contract recommendation

    • Summary: Staff recommends moving forward with a bid from Helm for the HVAC contract due to its responsiveness and cost structure, which includes year one at $60,314 and year two at $69,708.
    • Evidence: “And Staff Request with a total cost of approximately, let’s see here, bear with me one second here, $77,703, sorry, didn’t see that. So staff recommends moving forward with this bid from Helm. Is there a motion to approve?”
    • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
    • Source timestamp: 50:14

  • Approval of HVAC bid

    • Summary: A motion was made to approve the recommended bid for HVAC maintenance.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
    • Evidence: “Salmon. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Seller’s”
    • Source timestamp: 50:37

  • Bid opening for tree removal for the year — Passed

    • Summary: To move forward with accepting the winning bid from tree landscaping of Economowoc for tree removal.
    • Attribution: Staff, Alderman Stacy, City Council
    • Evidence: “The city has identified 31 dead or dangerous trees within the city. We do this every year. This year we received multiple bids, four bids, with the winning bid being tree landscaping of Economowoc. They are the little better at $60,187,000 and this is budgeted in the forestry budget. Staff requests moving forward with accepting”
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve?”
    • Evidence: “The motion is approved 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 53:56

  • Bid opening for sanitary sewer cleaning for 2026 — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve moving forward with the bid for sanitary sewer cleaning.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, Alderman Sellers, City Council
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”
    • Evidence: “The motion passes 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 55:53

  • Bid opening for wild animal trapping bids

    • Summary: Motion to approve moving forward with the bid from Night Sight Solutions for wild animal trapping services.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
    • Evidence: “Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers. Seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion on this bid.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:16

  • Wild animal trapping procedures and costs

    • Summary: Discussion covered the city’s current lack of wild animal trapping services, concerns about community garbage contributing to wildlife issues, and details regarding a proposed co-op program for trapping.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “Seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion on this bid. Alderman Johnson. So currently, I understand the city doesn’t pay anything or doesn’t do any of the trapping of any wild animals. Really, we’re not doing anything for that right now. Is that correct? Right. It is not allowed by ordinance, and we have no qualified individuals who have the proper ability to do that. Alderman Sellers. I do want to say, also, in this trapping, I think we need to look at our community development on some of the garbage. Because that’s what these animals feed off of where people have just throw their garbage in the back or throw their garbage on the porch or whatever. But these animals have gotten really out of control. I know one day I saw, I thought it was a dog and it was a raccoon. It was that big. So, and it was 10.30 in the morning. So, I do see that there is a big problem in the community area where people live and children play, so.”
    • Review flags: unattached_second
    • Source timestamp: 58:23

  • Approval of bid from Elber and Sons Earthworks for demolition — Passed

    • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, recommending approval of the lowest responsible bid.
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Is there a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers?”
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. And Larry. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 7-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:09:06

  • Motion on Item number 23 — Passed

    • Summary: The motion passed eight to zero.
    • Evidence: “The motion passes eight to zero.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:10:38

  • Entering Executive Session — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to enter into executive session.
    • Attribution: Council Body
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to enter into executive session? So moved. Second.”
    • Evidence: “The motion passes 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:35:36

Procedural Actions

  • Calling meeting to order and taking roll call

    • Summary: The Mayor officially called the meeting to order and conducted a roll call.
    • Attribution: Mayor Miller
    • Evidence: “Thank you. I will officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?”
    • Source timestamp: 02:34

  • Pledge of Allegiance

    • Summary: The council observed the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson.
    • Evidence: “If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
    • Source timestamp: 02:48

  • Swearing In New Firefighters

    • Summary: Brandon Stokefield, a marine veteran from Orangeville, was sworn in as a firefighter.
    • Evidence: “Next, we have some swearing ins. This is Brandon Stokefield, he’s one of our new firefighters who are swearing in tonight. He’s from Orangeville. He’s a marine veteran. God bless him.”
    • Source timestamp: 03:55

  • Swearing In Firefighter Brayden Sofield

    • Summary: Brayden Sofield swore to support the Constitution of the United States, the State of Illinois, and faithfully discharge his duties as a firefighter.
    • Evidence: “Raise your right hand if you have for me. I, Brayden Sofield, do solemnly swear, do solemnly swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United States, that I will support the Constitution for Constitutional Lives Service, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Firefighter according to the best of my ability.”
    • Source timestamp: 04:34

  • Swearing In Firefighter McCarty

    • Summary: McCarty swore to support the Constitution of the United States, the State of Illinois, and faithfully discharge his duties as a firefighter.
    • Evidence: “I raise your right hand. I raise my hand. I solemnly swear that I support the Constitution of the United States I also support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Illinois and the constitution of the state of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of the Firefighter McCarty is the best of my ability.”
    • Source timestamp: 06:26

  • Swearing In Firefighter Andrew Thomas

    • Summary: Andrew Thomas swore to support the Constitution of the United States, the State of Illinois, and faithfully discharge his duties as a firefighter.
    • Evidence: “All right, awesome. I am Andrew Thomas I am Anthony Thomas I am Kad gi Thomas I stand in the United States I support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Illinois and a Constitution on the State of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office fire fighter for the best of my ability”
    • Source timestamp: 08:11

  • Swearing In Firefighter Donald Parker

    • Summary: Donald Parker swore to support the Constitution of the United States, the State of Illinois, and faithfully discharge his duties.
    • Evidence: “Alright, Donald, if you can raise your right hand and preach that to me. I, Donald, will console. I, Donald, will swear. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. I will support the Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of the State of Illinois. And I will faithfully discharge the duties.”
    • Source timestamp: 09:40

  • Public Comment on Vermin Infestation

    • Summary: A resident reported a severe infestation of raccoons and other vermin at 711 East Pleasant Street, detailing costs associated with trapping and mitigation.
    • Evidence: “This was received via email to whom it may concern I April Lenore on behalf of myself and Patricia Lenore of 711 East Pleasant Street in Freeport formally report a severe infestation of raccoons and other vermin in our area. Over the last year alone I have paid to have Trapped 38 Raccoons, 16 Opossums, and 4 Skunks. This has resulted in a significant financial burden, including a removal fee of $50 per animal and a total of $800 spent on traps to help manage the issue.”
    • Source timestamp: 11:35

  • Consent Agenda consideration

    • Summary: The consent agenda was considered routine in nature.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Number four is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:10

  • Second reading of Ordinance 2026-07

    • Summary: Item number 7 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026-07, amending various provisions of Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1042 and 1046 regarding water and sewer connections.
    • Evidence: “Item number 7 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026-07. Please read this. Ordinance amending various provisions of Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1042 and 1046 regarding water and sewer connections of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport.”
    • Source timestamp: 16:38

  • Second reading of Ordinance 2026-08

    • Summary: Item number 8 is the second reading of ordinance 2026-08 as the amended ordinance, authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property.
    • Evidence: “Okay, so now item number 8 would be the second reading of ordinance 2026-08 as the amended ordinance. I don’t think I read it. Should I probably read that in the record? Okay, ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:40

  • Ordinance 2026-09 first reading

    • Summary: The first reading of Ordinance 2026-09 was conducted.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “And item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-09, could you please read this?”
    • Source timestamp: 20:33

  • Council consideration of animal trapping service continuation

    • Summary: The discussion concluded with a desire to proceed cautiously, suggesting starting small and putting a cap on the unbudgeted item.
    • Attribution: Madam Clerk
    • Evidence: “so once we exhaust the number of calls can you just bring it back to Council, and then maybe we can renew and add more or I think is that what you were getting at? Maybe can we increase the number of calls from or just bring it back? I think it’s really a starting point. Yeah I think there’s the whole point was let’s let’s we’ve not done it before let’s go ahead and try it let’s put a cap on it so it doesn’t get out of hand this is an unbudgeted item that we’re gonna have to look at other areas within a budget to pay for so I just and I just wanted to make sure that it was bookended and we weren’t, you know, moving forward with something that gets out of hand.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:04:57

  • Entering Executive Session

    • Summary: The Clerk read the purpose for entering executive session regarding real property purchase or lease.
    • Attribution: Madam Clerk
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk could you please Please read this for the record. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C5, the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:34:39

Ordinances and Resolutions

  • Ordinance amending Waste and Recycling collection and disposal

    • Summary: Second reading of ordinance 202606, amending sections related to temporary dumpsters and construction debris containers.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Item number 6 is the second reading of ordinance 202606. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 6, Other Public Bostic Services, Chapter 1060, Waste and Recycling collection and disposal, Section 1060.07, Temporary dumpsters, trash containers, trailers, construction trailers, or equipment used for construction projects, including trailers and wagons, use on public ways, and Section 1060.12, Construction debris containers and collection of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport.”
    • Source timestamp: 15:03

  • Ordinance amending Title 10 regarding compensation plan

    • Summary: The first reading of Ordinance 2026-10, which amends Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01d3 concerning the classification plan.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “we’ll move on to item number 10, which is the first reading of ordinance 202610. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01d3 of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport regarding classification plan.”
    • Source timestamp: 24:51

  • Variance for accessory structure location at 1219 South Sealy Avenue

    • Summary: Ordinance granting variance from section 1268.07A concerning the location of an accessory structure at 1219 South Sealy Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Item number 11, which is the first reading of ordinance 2026-11. Would you please read this? Ordinance granting of variance from the requirements of section 1268.07A concerning location of accessory structures at 1219 South Sealy Avenue.”
    • Source timestamp: 28:56

  • Adoption of Resolution 2026-15 for water meter purchase

    • Summary: Motion to adopt resolution approving purchase of Neptune water meters from Ferguson Water Works.
    • Evidence: “Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2026-15. Could you please read this? Resolution approving purchase of Neptune water meters from Ferguson Water Works.”
    • Source timestamp: 31:38

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-16: Licensing agreement with Cindio Networks for pole attachment and conduit occupancy

    • Summary: Resolution approving a licensing agreement with Cindio Networks for pole attachment and conduit occupancy.
    • Evidence: “Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-16. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a licensing agreement with Cindio Networks for pole attachment and conduit occupancy.”
    • Source timestamp: 33:08

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-17: Purchase of turnout gear for the fire department from Dinges Fire Company

    • Summary: Resolution approving the purchase of turnout gear for the fire department from Dinges Fire Company.
    • Evidence: “Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-17. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of turnout gear for the fire department from Dinges Fire Company.”
    • Source timestamp: 35:51

  • Memorandum of Agreement with FAA for Airport Operations

    • Summary: Adoption of resolution 2025-18 authorizing a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding runway 24 MALSR.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025-18. Resolution authorizing memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration or the FAA facilities for incorporating runway 24, MALSR, which is a runway alignment indicator which is a runway alignment indicator into the national airspace system at Albertus Airport.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:28

Financial and Contract Events

  • Consent Agenda: Finance Bills Approval
    • Summary: Approval of finance bills payable totaling $1,406,976.13.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “The consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners minutes from December 23rd, 2025, the Building Permit Report and Fire Department Report for January 26th, Greater Freeport Partnerships Report from January 26th, approval of the finance bills payable in a total of $1,406,976.13, and for approval of payroll for pay period ending February 7th. 6, 2026 In the total of $718,450.74.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:21

Projects

  • Public Works charger updates at Douglas lot

    • Summary: Two chargers down at the Douglas lot are now live and working; two more require warranty parts, and another section is expected to be commissioned within the next two weeks.
    • Evidence: “When I left tonight, two of the chargers down at the Douglas lot are now live and working. Other two, I need to get a couple warranty parts for and the other section is going to get commissioned. Hopefully in the next two weeks,”
    • Source timestamp: 01:24:53

  • 2026 street projects bidding schedule

    • Summary: Three packages for 2026 city-led street projects are coming out: the first is expected to go out to bid around the last week of February, followed by one package each week concurrently for three weeks.
    • Evidence: “I would also like to let everybody know that the 2026 street projects led by the city, we have three packages coming out. The first one should be going out to bid around the last week of February and then there’ll will be one each week concurrently for three weeks.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:25:37

Appointments

  • Arts and Culture Commission Appointment

    • Summary: Appointment of Elaine Enriquez to the Arts and Culture Commission.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Appointment of Elaine Enriquez to the Arts and Culture Commission effective through August 31st, 2029.”
    • Source timestamp: 14:27

  • Ethics Commission Appointment

    • Summary: Appointment of Police Chief Jacqueline Frausto to the Ethics Commission.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Appointment of Police Chief Jacqueline Frausto to the Ethics Commission effective immediately.”
    • Source timestamp: 14:33

Presentations and Reports

  • Ordinance 2026-07 necessity

    • Summary: The ordinance is upgrading common sense connection fees for water and sewer, which has not been revised in over nine years, to recapture costs eroded by inflation.
    • Evidence: “We haven’t revised this in over nine years and it is necessary to recapture some of those costs that have been eroded away in inflation. So staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance.”
    • Source timestamp: 16:38

  • Ordinance 2026-08 purpose

    • Summary: Authorization is needed to liquidate surplus inventory, including Public Works Department equipment and Alberta’s Airport equipment, through auction site Wisconsin surplus.
    • Evidence: “I think your honor as we discussed there’s a surplus inventory we need to have authorization to move forward to liquidate we’ll do that through auction site Wisconsin surplus and staff requests moving forward with this surplus ordinance.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:59

  • Ordinance amending Chapter 873 and 664 regarding food trucks

    • Summary: The staff proposed amendments to clarify standards for food trucks, including a $50 annual licensing fee, requiring renewal applications 30 days in advance, and clarifying that food trucks must remain at least 200 feet from restaurants without permission.
    • Attribution: Director Heimerdinger
    • Evidence: “Key updates include establishing a clear $50 annual licensing fee, requiring renewal applications 30 days in advance, and clarifying that food trucks must remain at least 200 feet from restaurants without permission. This distance is measured from the nearest outside wall of a restaurant or the nearest inside wall, and the side wall if multiple businesses share that building.”
    • Source timestamp: 21:15

  • Creation of Public Works Environmental Health and Safety Operations Coordinator position

    • Summary: Manager Boyer presented a request to create a new role, the Environmental Health and Safety Operations Coordinator, which would add duties to an existing position (Environmental Compliance Officer) to improve departmental collaboration.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “At this time, we’re requesting the creation of a Public Works Environmental Health and Safety Operations Coordinator. This would not be a new position, this would essentially be a change of an existing position which is now the Environmental Compliance Officer position. So we’d be adding additional duties to this role.”
    • Source timestamp: 24:51

  • Utility staffing and duties adjustments

    • Summary: The group proposed adding additional duties to two existing positions: the operations foreman (utility) and another non-union role, rather than creating new positions.
    • Evidence: “So in lieu of replacing the operations superintendent for the utility, we’ve come together as a group and we feel that it’s our best interest to have, to add additional duties to several, Two existing positions, one we passed a meeting or two ago for the utility, I’m sorry, the operations foreman. So that’s one part of this. And the second part of this is adding some duties to this role, which is also non-union, but would be taking on more responsibility.”
    • Source timestamp: 27:16

  • Safety Coordinator Position Need

    • Summary: The city needs a safety coordinator position for public works and the utility because Randy currently handles compliance and regulatory requirements.
    • Evidence: “Mr. Stegall? This position is currently exempt, so non-union and the city has the need to add the safety coordinator position. We need to have a safety coordinator.”
    • Source timestamp: 27:54

  • Variance Request Details for 1219 South Sealy Avenue

    • Summary: Staff presented a variance request to allow replacement garage at 1219 South Sealy Avenue to remain closer than the required 10-foot separation from the home because prior zoning laws did not require the current separation.
    • Evidence: “Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Staff received a variance request for 1219 South Sealy Avenue in Freeport to allow replacement Necessary Garage to remain closer than the required 10-foot separation from the home. The original garage was damaged by a fallen tree and was rebuilt in the same location through an insurance claim. Because prior zoning laws did not require the current 10-foot separation, a variance is needed under today’s standards.”
    • Source timestamp: 29:17

  • Water meter purchase justification

    • Summary: Manager Boyer stated that approximately 100 new water meters are needed at a total cost of about $14,000, which exceeds discretionary spending limits.
    • Evidence: “Thank you, Your Honor. We’re restocking our water meters. We need about 100 new meters. The total cost is about $14,000 and this exceeds discretionary spending limits for myself.”
    • Source timestamp: 31:57

  • Turnout Gear Replacement Plan

    • Summary: The department plans to purchase 16 sets of Lion Brand V4 Structural Firefighting Turnout Gear over the next six years, phasing the purchase to allow for re-evaluation.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Our current plan then is over the next six years that we’re going to purchase 16 sets every two years. Instead of having one big bulk purchase, we’re going to try and step it out. That way it’ll also help in the next 10 years when we have to come back and do this all over again.”
    • Source timestamp: 36:57

  • FAA Agreement Renewal

    • Summary: The city has a continuing agreement with the FAA to operate the city owned airport, which expires September 30th, 2026, requiring a new MOA.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “The city has a continuing agreement with the FAA to operate the city owned airport. That is time to renew that agreement. It expires September 30th, 2026 and therefore new MOA is required to extend the agreement so that we can continue to operate the airport.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:59

  • Agreement with I-Work Systems (Resolution 2026-19)

    • Summary: The agreement consolidates multiple I-Work modules into one contract to allow for annual payment and better tracking. The cost increase this year is about $22,000 due to added new modules. The total cost of $69,100 will be split between city funds and water and sewer.
    • Attribution: Director Suttman
    • Evidence: “Director Suttman. Thank you Mayor. Council, this is an agreement for all of our I-Work modules software that staff uses. A little background, we started a relationship I work in 2018. I think it’s been highly successful. We’ve seen a lot of efficiencies through using their software. Over the years, we started getting piecemeal modules here and there. So we ended up with like three or four agreements. The main purpose of this was to get that into one agreement so we can pay it once a year, keep track of it better. This agreement happened to coincide with our desire to get two new modules added. So we thought while we’re consolidating, let’s get it all in one. So that’s what you’re seeing in this agreement. There is a Cost increase this year over last year, about $22,000. That’s because we’ve added the new modules. The $69,100 will be split up between city funds and water and sewer, because there’s the facilities management portion on there and staff recommends moving forward with this agreement.”
    • Source timestamp: 41:56

  • Agreement with Greystone Construction for salt storage shed (Resolution 2026-20)

    • Summary: The city needs to replace two unsafe, falling apart pole barn style salt sheds. Staff recommends an 80 foot by 126 bright span Atlas building package, which includes aggregate base, civil site work, grating, concrete foundation and base, concrete foundation piers, rebar mats, and the structure. The total cost is $833,795, and the building will hold up to 4,400 tons (about 1.3 years worth of salt).
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The city has two salt sheds that are in really bad condition… Decided on an 80 foot by 126 bright span Atlas building. This package includes 12 inches of aggregate base, civil site work, grating, concrete foundation and base, concrete foundation piers, rebar mats, and basically the structure. The total cost of the salt shed is $833,795. And the building will hold up to 4,400 tons.”
    • Source timestamp: 45:29

  • Bid opening for HVAC maintenance

    • Summary: Item number 18 concerns the bid opening on February 4th, 2026, for HVAC preventative and service maintenance for equipment at seven city-owned locations.
    • Evidence: “Item number 18 is approval of a bid. Could you please read? Bid opening on February 4th, 2026 for HVAC preventative and service maintenance for equipment at seven city-owned locations.”
    • Source timestamp: 49:11

  • City’s approach to facility maintenance contracts

    • Summary: The city moved away from an all-inclusive package of many years ago; the previous cost was over $100,000 a year for labor and PMs. The current contract involves 168 touch points of heating, cooling, exhaust fans. Refrigerant laws changes in ‘26 mean aging AC units may require conversion to new units because EPA no longer allows old refrigerant.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “I would say Michelle could tell us, but I think it was about four years ago we went away from an all-inclusive package like what we’re suggesting here. And that cost was over $100,000 a year that we were paying at that time for all the labor included and all the PMs and everything that are out here. I was scanning my memo here and we have 168 touch points of heating, cooling, exhaust fans, things like that within this contract. That’s a lot of units to maintain within the city of Freeport. And to be frank with you, we don’t even have a good inventory of the condition or status of the things that we have currently. So, one other thing I’d like to throw out is there’s refrigerant laws, changes that happened here in 26. And so as units become aged because of the new refrigeration laws if they have anything to do with air conditioning they won’t be able to be repaired with the current refrigerant they will have to be converted to new units because the EPA no longer allows the installation of that old refrigerant.”
    • Source timestamp: 52:51

  • Bid opening for sanitary sewer cleaning for 2026

    • Summary: Staff evaluates the sanitary collection system before road projects and water main replacements, having solicited bids for cleaning and televising corridors.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Each year as we prepare for our road projects and our water mean replacements, we also evaluate our sanitary collection system before we move forward with any other work above ground. So this year we had solicited for bids for cleaning and televising corridors within the”
    • Source timestamp: 55:36

  • Bid opening for wild animal trapping bids

    • Summary: Staff solicited bids for an exterminating contract for up to 20 problematic calls (raccoons or skunks) because the city ordinance only allows animal control officers to deal with dogs and cats. Staff recommends moving forward with Night Sight Solutions for a total of $6,000 annually.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “So many times throughout the year, we get requests of residents of Freeport that have issues with raccoons or skunks or various large marsupial animals. And the city ordinance does not allow for us to trap, we simply, the ordinance allows our animal control officer to deal with dogs and cats. With that being said, with the number For requests that we’ve had, staff solicited bids for basically an exterminating contract for up to 20 of these types of problematic calls. We received one responsive bidder, Night Sight Solutions, and the total cost per trap is going to be $300, and that’d be $6,000 annually, and we’ll do it on a first-come, first-serve, We will also be looking at the surrounding areas. So if you live in the woods, we’re not going to be sending a trapping company out to capture possums. This is simply just to deal with the emerging issues that come up from time to time. And so staff recommends moving forward with the bid from Night Sight Solutions for a total of $6,000.”
    • Source timestamp: 56:51

  • Co-op trapping program requirements

    • Summary: A co-op program for animal removal would require residents to pay a cost, and the city would need a hold harmless agreement due to private property involvement.
    • Attribution: Mr. Segal
    • Evidence: “Mr. Segal? Yeah, I just want to add one point of context. So, in the memo we talked about, this is going to be a co-op program. We’re not, as the city, just going to go out and remove animals. There’s going to be a co-op cost with any resident that wants to do it. First of all, animals on private property presents an issue. And we’re We’re also going to require a hold harmless agreement to the city, because it’s on private property, like a temporary easement as well, just because, you know, we have to be cautious and protect the city at all lengths when we do this.”
    • Source timestamp: 59:29

  • Bid information for demolition of 1300 Business Route 20 East (former Holiday Inn)

    • Summary: Director Heimerdinger provided testimony regarding the court ruling favoring the city concerning the property at 1300 Business Route 20 East, confirming the structure is a life safety hazard and ordered demolition. The process involved public bidding, addendums, and a walkthrough on February 11th, resulting in six competitive bids.
    • Evidence: “Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Last month on January 20th, 2026, I provided testimony on behalf of the City of Freeport at the Stephenson County Courthouse regarding the formal holiday in at 1300 Business 20 East. This property has been in the court system for years and based on all the testimony and supporting evidence, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the city, determining that the structure is not suitable for rehabilitation, is a life safety hazard and ordered the demolition of the building following the court’s decision the community development department moved forward with the demolition bid process the bids were publicly bid addendums were issued to clarify scope and requirements and a walkthrough was held on February 11th so contractors could review site conditions bids were open on February 12th and the The City received six competitive bids. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Elburn Suns Earthworks in the amount of $169,700.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:07:10

  • Demolition project funding and future plans for 1300 Business Route 20 East

    • Summary: The demolition will be funded through the Demolition Fund. The city expects this to prepare the site for future redevelopment, which is anticipated to generate new investments, support businesses, and increase revenue for the city.
    • Evidence: “This project will be funded through the Demolition Fund and represents an important step in removing a long-standing unsafe structure and preparing the site for future redevelopment that will generate new investments, support future businesses and increase revenue for the city. the city will be seeking developers and I encourage anyone interested to contact me at 815-235-8221.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:07:24

  • Salt building approval

    • Summary: The approvals for the salt building were appreciated as it is a much needed facility for the street department because it is very deteriorating.
    • Evidence: “And also we appreciate the approvals of the salt building. It’s a much needed facility for the street department. It’s very deteriorating.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:25:53

  • Library Director Appointment

    • Summary: The new library director, Emily Schaub, starts next Monday, February 23rd.
    • Evidence: “The new library director, Emily Schaub, starts next Monday, February 23rd.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:28:40

  • Neighborhood watch meeting schedule (Alderman Johnson)

    • Summary: The neighborhood watch meeting is scheduled for this Thursday at 3002 Farmedale Lane at 6:30 PM.
    • Evidence: “Yes, this Thursday we have our neighborhood watch meeting at 3002 Farmedale Lane at 630”
    • Source timestamp: 01:29:57

  • Neighborhood watch meeting schedule (Alderman Parker)

    • Summary: The neighborhood watch meeting is scheduled for next Monday night on Laurel Street.
    • Evidence: “Yeah, our neighborhood watch meeting is next Monday night on Laurel Street where it’s always been.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:30:14

  • Neighborhood watch meeting schedule change (Alderman Shadle)

    • Summary: The neighborhood watch list should be scheduled for March 5th but will move to the second Thursday, which is March 12th at Schwartz on Park Boulevard.
    • Evidence: “It should be scheduled for March 5th, but we’re going to move that. The police officer and myself both have something going that night. It’s going to move to the second Thursday, which would be March 12th at Schwartz on Park Boulevard.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:30:21

Discussion

  • Ordinance 202606 purpose and permit tracking

    • Summary: Discussion confirming the ordinance revises rules for dumpsters to allow protection under new street areas, noting that only four permits were issued in 2025.
    • Attribution: Mr. Stiegel
    • Evidence: “Mr. Stiegel. Yes, we discussed this at the last council meeting. This is simply an ordinance revision to allow for protection under dumpsters to the new street areas. We’ve seen some damage to the investment we’re making in streets with dumpsters being placed and or dropped, probably not purposely. Again, I did talk to Gill’s disposal before drafting this ordinance and they were on board with the changes that we wanted to make. There is, as a reminder, there’s no permit fee for dumpsters. However, people are not abiding by getting a permit so we can track this situation in 2026. Sorry, 2025. There was only four permits that were issued.”
    • Source timestamp: 15:55

  • Permit fees for dumpsters

    • Summary: There is no permit fee for dumpsters, but people are not abiding by getting a permit so the situation can be tracked in 2025.
    • Evidence: “There is, as a reminder, there’s no permit fee for dumpsters. However, people are not abiding by getting a permit so we can track this situation in 2026. Sorry, 2025. There was only four permits that were issued.”
    • Source timestamp: 16:13

  • Ordinance 2026-07 applicability

    • Summary: The ordinance will not affect probably 90% of clients already connected to water and sewer, but is for people not connected to the sewer.
    • Evidence: “this ordinance is not going to affect probably 90% of our clients that are already connected to the water and sewer. This is in effect to people that are not connected to our sewer.”
    • Source timestamp: 16:38

  • Addition details for Amendment A

    • Summary: The addition involves two items: one truck and one trailer.
    • Evidence: “What is the addition again? We have a list. It’s called the Exhibit A. There’s a list of items and there are two Two that needed to be added before we pass it and one is a truck and one is a trailer.”
    • Source timestamp: 18:56

  • Turnout Gear Budgeting

    • Summary: Confirmation that the cost for the turnout gear purchase is covered in the Capital Improvement Fund.
    • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
    • Evidence: “Was this budgeted in your budget for this to happen this year? Yes, it is. It comes out of our Capital Improvement Fund.”
    • Source timestamp: 38:54

  • Turnout Gear Lifespan

    • Summary: NFPA states that turnout gear outfits are good for 10 years.
    • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
    • Evidence: “How long are these outfits good for? NFPA says 10 years. 10 Years.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:02

  • FAA Agreement Cost Impact

    • Summary: The city staff stated there is no cost impact to renewing the MOA with the FAA.
    • Attribution: Staff
    • Evidence: “There is no cost impact to this. It is just an agreement with the FAA. So staff recommends moving forward.”
    • Source timestamp: 40:36

  • FAA Agreement Commitment

    • Summary: Discussion confirmed the agreement is a 20-year commitment with no cost to the city, allowing legal operation under FAA rules.
    • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
    • Evidence: “You said this is a 20-year commitment? Yes. And it costs the city nothing? No, it’s no cost to the city. It’s just an agreement between the city and the FAA that we’re going to operate under FAA rules.”
    • Source timestamp: 41:02

  • I-Work Systems Cost Increase

    • Summary: Discussion regarding the $22,000 increase in cost for I-Work systems.
    • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
    • Evidence: “Alderman Stacy? You said it was about a $22,000 increase this year? Yes, we added some automation tools for community development and some additional features for them and then a licensing module. Is it going to be an increase yearly? As things change as fast as they do? I would assume if things are added to it, it would. Otherwise I’d expect to go up with inflation but not drastically but I can’t predict the future either. Is this drastically 22,000? Is that considered drastically? I don’t think because we’re adding features.”
    • Source timestamp: 43:23

  • Salt shed storage and demolition details

    • Summary: Discussion covered the operational flexibility of the salt shed, corrosion concerns, and plans for demolishing existing buildings using city crews to recycle steel and remove concrete.
    • Evidence: “Are you storing anything else in there besides just the salt? No, you know, salt’s corrosive, so anything we put in there would be subject to that corrosion. However, this will give us operational flexibility when the salt deliveries come in… The city staff decided that we’re going to use our own crews to do demolition of the buildings because they’re in such bad shape. So we’re going to recycle, excuse me, recycle the steel and we’re going to just dispose of the wood. And then we have the ability with the clam truck and stuff to remove the concrete ourselves to kind of sweat equity, save some money to try to bring the costs down.”
    • Source timestamp: 46:55

  • HVAC contract pricing structure

    • Summary: Discussion clarified that the bid is structured as a three-year option, with year one costing $60,314 and year two costing $69,708.
    • Evidence: “So do I understand this contract to be saying one year is 60 compared to three years being 77? No, that’s incorrect, but I think Darren can speak that pretty clear. As what’s listed in the memo, year one’s cost is the $60,314, year two is $69,708, and year We did this as a three year, the city has the right or option to approve a three year bid.”
    • Source timestamp: 50:46

  • Wild animal trapping services scope

    • Summary: Discussion confirmed that the city currently does not pay for or perform wild animal trapping, as it is not allowed by ordinance.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “So currently, I understand the city doesn’t pay anything or doesn’t do any of the trapping of any wild animals. Really, we’re not doing anything for that right now. Is that correct? Right. It is not allowed by ordinance, and we have no qualified individuals who have the proper ability to do that.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:23

  • Wild animal trapping services scope

    • Summary: A suggestion was made to look at community development regarding garbage in relation to trapping.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “I do want to say, also, in this trapping, I think we need to look at our community development on some of the garbage.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:47

  • Cost structure for trapping service

    • Summary: The cost per trap is $300, which would be split 50-50 between the homeowner and the city if approved. The annual estimated cost to the city of Brooklyn was $6,000.
    • Attribution: Alderman Stacey
    • Evidence: “Alderman Stacey? So, is this saying it would cost the customer or the person that’s in need of the service $300 per trap? In this case, it’s a co-op, so that $300 cost would be split 50-50 between the homeowner and the city if approved. The homeowner and the city? Would split the $300 and that price from Night Sight is per animal trapped. The $6,000? $300. What’s the $6,000? That was the annual estimated cost to the city of Brooklyn.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:00:50

  • Ordinance changes for trapping on private property

    • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding whether the city ordinance could be changed to allow trapping on private property, with a conclusion that permission from the landowner or an existing recorded easement would be necessary.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “Oh, I’m sorry. Sure, go ahead. Is there something we can change in the ordinance? That will be more supportive in the city with this? I mean, Ms. Lenore is very concerned. 38 Raccoons, 16 possums, and I didn’t get how many skunks. I mean, I think the idea here is to start with something and see how it goes and then go from there. But would that be something the city would consider? We don’t have a licensed trapper. Right. That’s the issue right there is what she said is we do not have a licensed state of Illinois licensed trapper on staff and that has to be happening to be on private property. So you’re saying the ordinance could not change? I don’t believe our ordinance, our city ordinance, could allow us to trap on private property. I don’t believe that that would be the case. That would be a question for the attorney that is correct we can only enter on a private property if we have some kind of permission from the landowner or if there’s a recorded easement that would allow the city to come on for some maintenance aspect so without permission we would we just can’t enter onto the property unless it’s an emergency situation like a fire aspect”
    • Source timestamp: 01:02:39

  • Emergency call-out fees for animal removal

    • Summary: The cost for a single emergency call out was stated as less than 40 hours time, at $200. An additional $200 fee applies if the service is required outside of the standard response timeframe.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “Alderman Johnson, I see here there’s it says a single emergency call out less than 40 hour time, time is $200. So that’d be above and beyond the $300. Yeah, so $500 if it was an emergency situation. In my research, most of these animal problems are kind of ongoing, you know, and it’s not like something that’s a fire. And so 48 hours seem to be a reasonable time frame. To respond. If somebody just, it’s dire and they can’t wait 48 hours for the trap. Yes, then there is an additional $200 emergency fee to break this person away from their other work.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:02:39

  • Disposal of deceased trapped animals

    • Summary: It was confirmed that the city of Freeport picks up any dead animals found on private property.
    • Attribution: Owen Sellers
    • Evidence: “Owen Sellers. What if the animal is dead? So who picks that up? In the right of way, the city of Freeport picks it up on the private property. It’s a great question. I might have to define that. I don’t believe he would charge us for an animal that was already dead.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:04:13

  • Bid pricing confirmation

    • Summary: A bid price over 20 was requested to lock in the cost if more service was needed, and the same price was given for 21 onwards.
    • Attribution: Mr. Stegall
    • Evidence: “Mr. Stegall? Yeah, so in the bid we did ask for a price over 20 to kind of lock it in in the bid if we choose to do more and he gave us the same price for 21 through whatever.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:05:58

  • Unbudgeted item funding and scope control

    • Summary: Discussion regarding increasing the number of calls or bringing back a previous action, noting it is an unbudgeted item that requires finding funds in other areas to prevent it from getting out of hand.
    • Evidence: “Maybe can we increase the number of calls from or just bring it back? I think it’s really a starting point. Yeah I think there’s the whole point was let’s let’s we’ve not done it before let’s go ahead and try it let’s put a cap on it so it doesn’t get out of hand this is an unbudgeted item that we’re gonna have to look at other areas within a budget to pay for so I just and I just wanted to make sure that it was bookended and we weren’t, you know, moving forward with something that gets out of hand.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:04:57

  • Timeline for demolition completion at 1300 Business Route 20 East

    • Summary: Alderman Stacy inquired about the expected duration of the building’s presence and the estimated start/completion dates. Director Heimerdinger stated that contractors signed an extension allowing 25 days for complete demo, with a target to have it completely down by April.
    • Evidence: “Alderman Stacy? If we accept this, how long is that building going to continue to sit? Or better yet, when would the process start and what is an estimated completion date? … In our big documents that were signed by the contractors, it says is 25 years old. We have an extension signed by the contractors. It says 25 days for the complete demo of the building. So that means 25 days from the time that they receive the go-ahead to get started. … Something that we are in the play with is that we would like to have this building down by the time that we are due back in court in April.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:09:16

  • Viaduct project updates concerns

    • Summary: Community members expressed concerns regarding the lack of progress on the viaduct project, questioning its standstill status, completion date, emergency response planning, and permit history.
    • Evidence: “Item number 23 is discussion on viaduct project updates Alderman Stacey and Simmons. Okay. Several community members have expressed concerns regarding the lack of progress Knapp, and I am the chair of the VEDA project. On behalf of these citizens, I am requesting answers to the following questions. Why is the project currently at a standstill? What is the project’s completion date? In the event of a fire or medical emergency, will EMS be and the city of Washington.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:10:38

  • Viaduct permit status inquiry

    • Summary: A question was raised regarding when and by whom the approved 2024 permit for the project was pulled.
    • Evidence: “Four, the approved permit from 2024 was pulled from this project after being approved for two years. When was the permit for this project pulled? By whom was the permit pulled? Was the approved permit pulled.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:11:52

  • Viaduct communication and delay process inquiry

    • Summary: Questions were raised about direct communication with a national contact regarding delays, why the council was not informed of the permit pull or resulting delay process.
    • Evidence: “Who has had direct communication with Canadian national regarding this delay? Why was the council not informed of the permit being pulled and of delay the process would cause?”
    • Source timestamp: 01:12:11

  • Hancock Bridge and road paving status inquiry

    • Summary: Inquiries were made about the status of the road the city was supposed to pave west of the water treatment plant on Hancock, and the expected duration for extra overflow traffic on the Hancock Bridge.
    • Evidence: “What is the status of the road the city was supposed to pave for residents used west of the water treatment plant on Hancock, and what is the current status of the Hancock Bridge, and how long is it expected to sustain the extra overflow traffic?”
    • Source timestamp: 01:12:31

  • Viaduct project standstill reason

    • Summary: The project is at a standstill due to winter construction conditions and frost in the ground, compounded by NICOR hitting water and sewer mains during gas main relocation.
    • Evidence: “So the current project is at a standstill. The reason it’s at a standstill is because we’re at winter construction conditions and frost is in the ground. The reason we’re at the standstill that we’re at is our franchise partner NICOR had a two inch high pressure gas main that needed to be relocated under the pavement.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:14:53

  • Viaduct project timeline and authority

    • Summary: The expected completion date for the viaduct project is stated as June 1st of ‘26, contingent on asphalt plants opening in May. CN owns the property with full authority to access it.
    • Evidence: “Currently, it’s expected the project will be completed in May before June of 26. If I was going to give you a date, I would say June 1st of 26, it should be done. And the reason for that is the asphalt plants do not open up till usually the end of the first week of May. … Additionally, CN owns all of the property that this project is going to be done on or is being done on, and they have the full authority to open, close, and permanently remove this access at any time they want to.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:15:28

  • Emergency access planning for viaduct

    • Summary: The Public Works Department has a plan with the Fire Department establishing alternative routes for emergency access, though only one access point exists through the Hancock Bridge.
    • Evidence: “The Fire Medical Emergency, the Public Works Department has worked with Chief Miller and the Fire Department has a plan in place and alternative routes established to get to this area. Unfortunately, there’s only one access point through the Hancock Bridge and that does deter for the rails so they have routes around north to get there.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:16:42

  • Hancock Bridge structural rating and replacement schedule

    • Summary: The Hancock Bridge is still rated for 80,000 pounds, allowing semi-traffic daily. The deck and railings are in poor condition (four out of nine), leading to its inclusion on the replacement schedule.
    • Evidence: “The Hancock Bridge is still rated for 80,000 pounds. So semi-traffic can go over that every day all day long. It is the deck and rating are in poor condition, but they’re still a four of nine. That’s why It’s on the replacement schedule for the deck and the railings.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:19:13

  • Hancock Bridge historical railings review

    • Summary: The bridge railings are considered historical monuments and are undergoing a six-month review by the historical society to determine if they should be kept or demoed, which is outside of city control.
    • Evidence: “One of the holdups on the bridge, which I didn’t inform council this either, but the railings on the bridge are considered historical monuments. They were cast in place when they were originally built. And it has been going through a six month review through the historical society to decide if they want to keep the railings or we can demo them, which is out of our control again.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:20:07

  • West road emergency access plan

    • Summary: The backup plan for emergency access to the west side in case the Hancock Bridge fails involves using a passage through Inertia, as the private property owners would allow it in an emergency.
    • Evidence: “So the road to the west was a conversation that we had with the fire department about trying to get emergency access back there in case something happens to the Hancock bridge that crosses private property back at the old depot of ultrasonic, we don’t have passage to cross their premises, but they told us in an emergency, they would let us through. So that’s the backup plan. If the bridge goes out.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:20:39

  • Inertia access for emergency services

    • Summary: Currently, there is permitted access through Inertia for fire department, ambulance, or overweighted semi-traffic in an emergency situation.
    • Evidence: “Currently we have an access through inertia for the fire department in an emergency, an ambulance in the emergency, or semi-traffic that is overweighted has been permitted to use that passage since the wastewater treatment plant project has gone underway, and to my knowledge it’s been being used monthly.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:21:06

  • Project completion timeline for utility relocation

    • Summary: The project is not expected to be fully open until May of 26 because hot mix asphalt cannot be applied before then. If the city wants it opened sooner, they would have to pay to fill and remove gravel.
    • Evidence: “So that’s why nothing was afforded because nothing’s going to move forward be finished until May of 26 because it’s impossible to get hot mix asphalt to open the road up… if we as a city want to, if they can even get out there and finish it, because we’ve got to let the frost get out of the ground, we would have to pay to fill the whole thing with gravel and then we’ll have to pay to remove it all and waste it.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:22:57

  • Finance department report status

    • Summary: The Finance department report was not presented at this time.
    • Evidence: “Let’s move on to reports of department heads. Finance. Not yet.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:23:31

  • Emergency service access for trains on tracks

    • Summary: In an emergency situation with a train stopped on the tracks, emergency services have permission to use the inertial way and can cut the locks.
    • Evidence: “I just want to be clear that in an emergency situation, if there’s a train stopped on the tracks rather than going all the way around 26th, emergency services have permission to use the inertial way. They can cut the locks and go.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:23:40

  • Pest control garbage disposal procedures

    • Summary: For pest control, residents must take their garbage to the street the night before with toters, pack them tightly, and ensure toters are placed back on the property where they belong, not on the roadway or in the right of way.
    • Evidence: “Since we’re talking about pest control, please take your garbage to the street the night before with your toters and then make sure that you grab it, make sure and you pack it tight. And then make sure that you pick your toters and you put your toters back to where they belong in your house, wherever you have deemed on your property, they need to sit, not on the roadway, not in the right of way.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:23:55

  • How charging station apps function

    • Summary: The ChargePoint site and car maps will show the chargers once fully commenced, making them visible to people with EVs needing to charge.
    • Evidence: “But on the ChargePoint site and on the car maps once this is fully commenced and opened they’ll actually be on the maps for people that have EV cars when they need to charge. Who’s they? People that own EVs.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:26:21

  • ChargePoint vendor selection rationale

    • Summary: ChargePoint was specifically chosen because it is a nationwide vendor and a name in the business, ensuring serviceability.
    • Evidence: “I wanted to point out that we specifically picked charge point because they’re a nationwide vendor they’re a name in the business they’re not going anywhere so we didn’t want to get into a unit that might not be able to be serviced”
    • Source timestamp: 01:27:40

Public Comment

  • Neighborhood safety and waste management issues

    • Summary: Concerns raised regarding improper garbage storage attracting wild animals (raccoons) near a residence, posing a serious health and safety risk for children and elders.
    • Attribution: April Lenore
    • Evidence: “Additionally, we spent additional funds on labor and materials to block off the area underneath our deck. I have multiple videos available to provide as evidence of this ongoing problem. A major contributing factor is the lack of proper waste management and the behavior of some neighbors in the area. Garbage is not being stored properly, which attracts more animals. And some residents are even feeding these wild animals as if they were pets. The situation has escalated to a point where it is no longer just a nuisance. It is a serious health and safety risk. Just two days ago, I encountered a raccoon face to face during daylight hours. We currently feel it is unsafe for our children to play outside or for our elders to enjoy the garden. I hope the city can take immediate action to address this problem and ensure the safety of our neighborhood. Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, April Lenore. Thank you.”
    • Source timestamp: 12:17

  • Mike Olinger’s concerns regarding environmental issues

    • Summary: A resident discussed groundhog infestation remedies, global temperature records, and alleged government weather modification causing atmospheric electrification and cloud changes.
    • Attribution: Mike Olinger
    • Evidence: “Hi, everyone. If you could please state your name. I’m Mike Olinger. I moved in here. I’ve got an answer for your raccoons. I just got done with a groundhog that took a year to solve. Put some mothballs out. I did that. Put some vinegar out. I did that. I’m the old school certified chimney sweep by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. I was called repeatedly about animal infestation. I have an answer for you, Rob, in regards to you mentioning that if we have another cold winter, we’re We’re not going to have one. Yale Climate just said that January was our warmest on record for global temperatures. In the past three years, we have reached a milestone, the hottest three years on record. We’re going to have periods of yes, cold and warm. But that is a problem that our government has doled us with weather modification. It’s out of control from radar, from these cell towers all around that you folks had put in or you went to the telecommunication companies, came and talked to you folks and put them in. I came here for freedom of information in regards to finding out what is going on and you folks have no clue. There is a chimney of emissions going directly up towards the clouds. One of the reasons why we have all different kinds of clouds now because we’re basically electrifying our atmosphere. So folks, be prepared.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:31:46

  • Concerns about smoke and weather modification

    • Summary: A speaker expressed concern over potential future smoky conditions due to dry environment and alleged weather modification.
    • Attribution: Public Commenter
    • Evidence: “Last year in the fall, we had some of the most ridiculous amount of smoke coming down from Canada. The fires are burning right now in the ground. The amount What a wood fire load that we have or Canada has up there is incredibly overwhelming. So now that we’re going to have this dry environment, again, weather modification, with all this particulate matter up in the air, electrifying it, what’s your next plan for it getting really Smoky and people calling the chief here. Truthfully you don’t have a plan.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:33:58

Proclamations and Recognitions

  • Moment of Silence

    • Summary: The council observed a moment of silence for the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
    • Evidence: “We would just like to take a moment this evening to observe a moment of silence for the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader for more than six decades.”
    • Source timestamp: 03:18

  • City staff competence in resolving fuel issue

    • Summary: Mechanics were thanked for diagnosing and solving a difficult back siphoning fuel problem on the aircraft refueler that other professionals could not solve.
    • Evidence: “I just want to thank our mechanics specifically tonight for the work that they put into diagnosing a very difficult problem and solving it when other professionals could not.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:29:43

  • Leaf pickup assistance

    • Summary: Pat Ingram and crew were thanked for extra work on leaf pickup despite weather-related issues.
    • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
    • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm? I’d just like to give out a shout out to Pat Ingram that’s in the audience tonight. Pat, thank you and all your crew for all the extra work you’ve done on the leaf pickup and everything lately.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:30:48

Follow-ups

  • Video feed technical issue

    • Summary: Director Suttman was asked to check the video feed because it was blacking out while audio remained on.
    • Attribution: Director Suttman
    • Evidence: “Director Suttman can you check the video feed we keep getting it’s blacking out the audio stays on but the video was blacking out thank you”
    • Source timestamp: 01:04:57

  • CEJA and ComEd money confirmation

    • Summary: Confirmation was received regarding all CEJA money and all the ComEd money, including confirmation of about a third of the payment already from ComEd.
    • Evidence: “So we also received We received, Michelle and I received confirmation on getting the, all the CEJA money and all the ComEd money back. We also, we actually got confirmation of about a third of the payment already from ComEd.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:24:53

Attendance

  • Roll Call Attendance

    • Summary: Confirmed attendance for Mayor Miller, Alderman Klemm, Alderman Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.
    • Evidence: “Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons-Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons? Here. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here.”
    • Source timestamp: 02:40

  • Roll Call for Council Meeting

    • Summary: Council members present at roll call included Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.”
    • Source timestamp: 01:10:26

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