Meeting Events

Meeting: ag1fwn5g-ie.city_council_meeting_10-7-24

Meeting date: 2024-10-07

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 Item number one — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve item number one.
  • Evidence: “Item number one is approval M, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:36

• Approval of minutes from September 16th, 2024 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on September 16th, 2024.
  • Evidence: “Item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on September 16th, 2024. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second.”
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42

• Approval of Consent Agenda items — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve receiving and placing on file various minutes, reports, bills payable, and payroll.
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, the consent agenda is approving to receive and place on file the minutes of the boards and commissions from the Liquor Commission dated August 8th and the 30th, 2024. Board of Trustees, August 14th, 2024, Board of Fire and Police, August 20th, September 10th, 2024, the police department report for September and a new checking account to cover eventual closure of a compost site on Walnut Avenue used for bulky tree waste and leaf storage as required by the IPA, approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $5,581,448.30 and payroll for pay period ending September 21, 2024 in the total of $631,666.64. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “The motion passes 8 to 0. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20

• Appointment of Tina Konova to Arts and Culture Commission — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the appointment of Tina Konova.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Council
  • Evidence: “Second. You have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “There’s no further discussion all those in favor aye opposed that motion passes we’ll move on to item number seven which is the second reading of ordinance 2024 52 could you please read this ordinance approving the city to enter into a fourth renewal to lease agreement with Peter Albert regarding 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue thank you madam mayor”
  • Source timestamp: 08:36

• Moving salary increase proposal forward

  • Summary: A motion was made to move the salary increase proposal forward.
  • Evidence: “Madam Mayor. So I’ve proceeded a motion to move this forward. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Alderman Shadle, is there a second? Second. Seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:36

• Splitting ordinance into three separate sections — Passed

  • Summary: A motion was made to split the current proposal into three different ordinances for easier passage.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm. I believe that as we move this forward, I would appreciate if we could take and split it up into the three different sections Higgins.”
  • Evidence: “I would second that. So you would, so right now there was a motion and a second to move it forward as presented. I hear now a motion to, a motion in a second to break it up into three separate ordinance, which is fine.”
  • Evidence: “It’s just do we want to break it into three pieces? And then talk about all three separately, then discuss it in three separate chunks instead of one big ordinance.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you take the roll on that? Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. Motion passes 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:57

• Ordinance reading status — Approved

  • Summary: The process for moving forward with multiple separate ordinances was discussed.
  • Evidence: “Can we call the question in? There’s nothing to do this this was only for first reading so there was only a motion and second to move it forward and then there was a motion that was approved to break it up into three separate ordinances”
  • Source timestamp: 59:46

• Raise Alderman Salary to $4,500 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to raise the alderman salary to $4,500 and raise the city clerk’s wages by 5% while keeping the mayor’s wage the same.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “I make a motion that we raise the alderman salary to $4,500, raise the and the city clerks wages by 5% and keep the mayor the same.”
  • Evidence: “on the floor is a motion made by Alderman Klemm seconded by Alderman Sanders to raise the alderman pay by 18.4 percent and I agree.”
  • Evidence: “The motion passes five to two. So that’s not official gone through. There’s second reading that that’s what’s going forward on second reading in two weeks.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:39

• Raise Clerk Position Salary by 5%

  • Summary: Motion to raise the clerk position salary by 5%.
  • Evidence: “Make a motion, will you raise the clerk’s salary 5%? I’ll second that. We have a motion on the floor, maybe Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Simmons to raise clerk position 5%.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:38

• Previous Motion Outcome — Passed

  • Summary: The motion passed five to two.
  • Evidence: “The motion passes five to two.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:18

• Raise Clerk Salary by 5%

  • Summary: Motion to raise clerk position salary by 5%.
  • Evidence: “Make a motion, will you raise the clerk’s salary 5%? I’ll second that. We have a motion on the floor, maybe Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Simmons to raise clerk position 5%.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:38

• Clerk Salary Increase Vote — Passed

  • Summary: Vote to raise clerk salary by 5%.
  • Evidence: “Do you want to vote on this or is that an aye? Passes 8 to 0. Okay so that’s what’s moving forward to the second reading.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:36

• Mayor’s Salary Status Quo — Failed

  • Summary: Motion for mayor’s salary to remain the same.
  • Evidence: “Next item is the mayor’s salary. Mayor’s salary to remain the same. That’s a motion made by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Evidence: “I will make a motion to, he don’t have a second. Oh, I’ll second it. Don’t let it die. I’ll second it. Yeah, I can vote no. Okay, so we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Simmons, to increase the mayor’s salary by 0%.”
  • Evidence: “So what’s on the floor right now with the first and the second is a 0% increase. If you don’t like it, then vote no. If you do, say yes.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? No. Stacy? No. Shadle? No. Sanders? No. Sellers? No. And Klemm? Aye. The motion fails, seven to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:36

• Alternative Motion for Mayor Salary

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Monroe to adopt the same action taken for the City Clerk salary.
  • Evidence: “Okay, something has to be decided though. So I will make a motion that I was gonna make earlier that we do the same as what we did for the City Clerk. And Okay And so is that a motion Alderman Monroe?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:48

• Motion on initial item — Failed

  • Summary: The motion failed with a vote of seven to one.
  • Evidence: “The motion fails, seven to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:48

• Raise mayor’s salary by 5% — Passed

  • Summary: Alderman Monroe moved to raise the mayor’s salary by 5%.
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe to raise mayor’s salary 5%”
  • Evidence: “We do have five in favor, three opposed. The motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:02

• Move forward with CN lease for water treatment plant

  • Summary: Alderman Parker moved to move forward with the CN lease.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Okay, we have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:16

• Adoption of Fehr Graham professional services agreement

  • Summary: Motion to approve the Fehr Graham professional services agreement to lower the Shawnee viaduct roadway.
  • Evidence: “city staff recommends city council approve the Fehr Graham professional services agreement to lower the Shawnee viaduct roadway. So as you’re looking there, this is required so that trucks can get underneath there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:22

• Adoption of project measure

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Sellers regarding the project.
  • Evidence: “So is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Okay, motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:27

• Adoption of Resolution 2024-107: DOPE Grant Agreement for FY 2025 — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adapted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:36

• Adoption of Resolution following Taser Grant Award — Adopted

  • Summary: Motion to adopt a resolution regarding the Taser grant award.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker, Council
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:21

• Approval of Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct Bid

  • Summary: Motion to approve the bid as stated for the viaduct improvements.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve the bid as stated? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:46:43

• Motion to pass items — Passed

  • Summary: The motion passed with seven votes in favor, zero opposed, and one abstention.
  • Evidence: “The motion passes seven to zero with one abstention.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:50:54

• Approval of Rehabilitation Services Contract

  • Summary: Motion made by Sellers, seconded by Shadle, to approve entering into an agreement with CMM and Associates for $52,000 and $52,925.
  • Evidence: “So move. Second. We have a motion made by Aldermen Sellers, seconded by Aldermen Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:29

• Motion to pass resolution for Stacy property — Passed

  • Summary: The motion passed with the votes recorded.
  • Evidence: “The first is Stacy. There’s no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:57:53

• Entering Executive Session

  • Summary: Motion to enter into an executive session.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to enter into an executive session? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Is there a second? Second.”
  • Evidence: “Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Sellers? And Klemm? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:09:04

Procedural Actions

• Calling to Order and Roll Call for Meeting

  • Summary: The meeting was officially called to order.
  • Evidence: “madam clerk would you please take the role mayor Miller Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Monroe.”
  • Source timestamp: 00:29

• Consent Agenda consideration

  • Summary: The consent agenda was considered routine and acted upon as one motion unless a member requested further discussion.
  • Evidence: “Item number four is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there’s a member of the council like something removed for further discussion.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:04

• Next Agenda Item

  • Summary: The council moved to item number six.
  • Evidence: “Move on to item number six, which is an appointment.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:59

• Roll Call Vote on Previous Motion

  • Summary: The roll call was taken for the previous motion.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Yes. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No. Sanders is absent, Sellers? No. Klemm? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:03

• Second Reading Status

  • Summary: The motion is not official and requires a second reading in two weeks.
  • Evidence: “So that’s not official gone through. There’s second reading that that’s what’s going forward on second reading in two weeks.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:31

• Moving to next agenda item

  • Summary: The meeting moved on to item number 11, which is the adoption of resolution 2024-106.
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion, we’re moving that forward to the next city council meeting. Move on to item number 11, which is the adoption of resolution 2024-106.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:28:47

• Roll Call Vote

  • Summary: The council took the roll call vote.
  • Evidence: “Okay, so if there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:50:47

• Entering Executive Session

  • Summary: The clerk read the legal basis for entering executive session.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please read that? Three items. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C1, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. To 5ILCS 120 2C 2, collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C21, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by section 2.06.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:08:13

Ordinances and Resolutions

• Fourth Renewal Lease Agreement for 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue

  • Summary: Second reading of ordinance approving the city to enter into a fourth renewal to lease agreement with Peter Albert regarding 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “we move on to item number seven which is the second reading of ordinance 2024 52 could you please read this ordinance approving the city to enter into a fourth renewal to lease agreement with Peter Albert regarding 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue thank you madam mayor”
  • Source timestamp: 09:32

• Ordinance 202454 amendments

  • Summary: The ordinance amends Part Six, General Offenses, Chapter 694, Weeds and Grass of the Codified Ordinances.
  • Evidence: “Item number 9 is the first reading of ordinance 202454. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Part Six, General Offenses, Chapter 694, Weeds and Grass of the Codified Ordinances, by adding, oh, oh, oh.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:41

• Ordinance amendments regarding compensation chapters

  • Summary: The ordinance amends Chapter 220, Council, Section 220.06, Compensation; and Chapter 226.03, Mayor Compensation, and Section 228.03, City Clerk, Compensation.
  • Evidence: “Ordinance amending Chapter 220, Council, Section 220.06, Compensation. Section and Chapter 226.03, Mayor Compensation, and Section 228.03, City Clerk, Compensation.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:03

• Adoption of Resolution 2024-107: DOPE Grant Agreement for FY 2025 — Adopted

  • Summary: Resolution 2024-107 was adopted, authorizing execution and amendment of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program or the DOPE Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025.
  • Evidence: “Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2024-107, could you please read this? Authorizing Execution and Amendment of Downstate Operating Assistance Program or the DOPE Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:40:57

• Adoption of Resolution 2024-108: Law Enforcement Alarm System Grant — Adopted

  • Summary: Resolution 2024-108 was adopted, approving a grant agreement with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System regarding less lethal alternatives for law enforcement.
  • Evidence: “Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2024-108. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a grant agreement with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System regarding less lethal alternatives for law enforcement for a less lethal device grant. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:36

Financial and Contract Events

• Low bid for lowering the street segment

  • Summary: The low bid for the construction engineering portion related to lowering the street was $1,292,388.25.
  • Evidence: “The low bid was $1,292,388.25, so almost $1.3 million.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:06

• Contract price for construction engineering

  • Summary: The contract price for the construction engineering related to lowering the street segment is $138,600.
  • Evidence: “This contract is for $138,600. I don’t know what you just gave me.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:28

• Estimated cost for Hancock Bridge full reconstruct

  • Summary: Estimates came in over $14 million for a full reconstruct on the bridge.
  • Evidence: “Right now we’re looking at about a $2 million, $2.5 million upgrade to the Hancock Bridge and there really isn’t any other choice except for going with a full reconstruct on the bridge and I think estimates came in over $14 million for that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:06

Projects

• Shawnee-Hancock viaduct improvement project details

  • Summary: The project requires full-time construction engineering efforts near the CN Railway, is a long-term city goal for over 10 years, and will be split between fiscal year 24 and 25 budgets, funded by water, sewer, storm, and street funds.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Crossings. The city project requires full-time construction engineering efforts for this technical project in the proximity of the CN Railway. The viaduct project has been the city’s long-term project list for over 10 years, and it is a permanent solution to access to the east side of the viaduct. The project will be split between a fiscal year 24 and 25 budget. The project funding will come from the water, sewer, storm, and street funds to complete”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:42

• Shawnee-Hancock viaduct roadway lowering requirement

  • Summary: The city staff recommends council approve the Fehr Graham professional services agreement to lower the Shawnee viaduct roadway so that trucks, moving vans, and school buses can pass underneath.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “and final paving and city staff recommends city council approve the Fehr Graham professional services agreement to lower the Shawnee viaduct roadway. So as you’re looking there, this is required so that trucks can get underneath there. Also moving vans, school buses, anything like that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:22

• Hancock Bridge reconstruction necessity

  • Summary: A full reconstruct on the Hancock Bridge is necessary because without this additional avenue, they would not be able to work on the bridge.
  • Evidence: “So this is really an important project we need to move forward on so that we can have alternate access to the arcade. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Okay, motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:19

• Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation

  • Summary: The City of Freeport was awarded the Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation for $550,000 total. This includes $64,000 allocated to grant administration and $486,000 for home rehabilitation.
  • Evidence: “Another bid was opened on September 12, 2024 for CD 007-2024 for rehabilitation of a single home at 749 East Center Street. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport was awarded the Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation in the amount of $550,000. In this particular grant, $64,000 is allocated to grant administration and a total of $486,000 goes to the rehabilitation of homes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:51:12

Appointments

• Arts and Culture Commission Appointment
  • Summary: Tina Konova appointed to the Arts and Culture Commission effective through October 31st, 2025.
  • Attribution: Clerk
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please read this? Tina Konova to the Arts and Culture Commission, effective through October 31st, 2025.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:59

Presentations and Reports

• Property Appraisal for Potential Purchase

  • Summary: The city had an appraisal done because of interest in possibly purchasing the property, and it appraised at $60,000.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Well, I did. I initiated and had an appraisal done on the property because somebody is still interested in possibly purchasing the property and that is going to give you the most fair, it’s going to be an objective opinion as to the value and the other people that are in the building.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:29

• Alderperson compensation increase proposal

  • Summary: Staff requested council approval for a 3% increase in the current alderperson rate of $3,800 per year to $3,915 annually, effective for elections in 2025 and future.
  • Evidence: “For the purposes of discussion, I’d like to break this up into three. We brought it up at the COW at the last meeting. We do need to like move forward with a decision, whatever that may be. So I’d like to start with the alder person’s compensation. So with the municipal elections scheduled for April 2025, the City Council must set the salaries of these positions by November 19th. The salaries of elected officials may not take effect during the term of any official holding an elective office. In addition, the salaries must be adopted 180 days prior to the term of the office commencing. In the case of the City of Freeport, a new rate for alder persons will only be effective for those elected in 2025 and future elections. The current rate for alder persons is $3,800 per year. A 3% increase would bring the rate to $3,915. Those alder persons up for election in 2025 would receive the new rate going forward. So, per your direction, we’ve provided some comparables. If you’ll look at the table, we’ve got Batavia annual salary for older persons is $7,200 per year. Belvedere is $7,100 year, Carbondale is $6,000 per year, and as requested, Chicago is $111,308 per year, Decatur is $4,000, Dixon is $9,500, Galesburg is $5,000, Moline is $8,000, Sterling is $2,400, and Woodstock is $6,000. So staff request council to approve the 3% increase unless otherwise directed. To the amount of $3,915 annually.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:24

• Mayor compensation increase proposal

  • Summary: Staff presented potential salary increases for the mayor, recommending a 3% increase resulting in $28,700 for 2025-2026, $30,820 for 2026-2027, and $31,000 for 2027-2028.
  • Evidence: “So moving on with mayor compensation, similar situation obviously, at the city council meeting held on September 16th, council was provided with potential salaries increases for mayor as listed below. The prepared ordinance details a 3% increase. So if there was a 3% increase currently, let me hang on one second. So that would move the, let’s see, Batavia was, 31,000 for their annual salary for the mayor. Carbondale is 9,000 to 20,000. Chicago is 221,000. Decatur is 8,000. Dixon’s 19,500. Galesburg is 12,000. Rock Island is 15,000. Sterling is 6,000. And Woodstock is 12,000. So as I mentioned 24 in terms of City Freeport. If we did a 3% increase, we’d be looking at $28,700 for 25 to 26. In 26 to 27, it would be $30,820. And in 27, 28, it’d be $31,000.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:57

• City Clerk compensation increase proposal

  • Summary: Staff proposed a 4% increase for the City Clerk, resulting in salaries of $57,500 (2025-2026), $62,000 (2026-2027), $64,000 (2027-2028), and $67,500 (2028-2029).
  • Evidence: “Okay with that I’d like to move on to city clerk. Again we need to improve the increase if it was going to be made effective for the next election so in the case of Dovie we talked about a 4% increase for Dovie that would increase her to fifty seven thousand five hundred for twenty five twenty six sixty two thousand for twenty six twenty seven sixty four for years 27 and 28 and 67,500 for years 28 and 29.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:02

• Comparison of Freeport pay rates

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented data showing that all persons in Freeport are among the lowest paid compared to supplied comparables.
  • Evidence: “if you look at the table that’s provided, it’s very clear that all the persons in Freeport are among the lowest paid with the comparables that we’ve supplied.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:50

• Compensation Data Comparison

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented comparables regarding what older persons in other communities are paid.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “So I think what Manager Boyer has presented to you is some comparables as to what other communities are currently paying the position of older person there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:42

• Ordinance approving revised lease with Illinois Central Railroad for Brick Street Water Treatment Plant

  • Summary: The city owns the water treatment plant on Brick Street, which was built before 1900 on CN’s property. CN requires a lease agreement for the water plant. The proposed five-year lease increases the cost from $75 annually in 1962 to $2,000.
  • Evidence: “Ordinance approving revised lease with Illinois Central Railroad for Brick Street Water Treatment Plant… The city owns the water treatment plant on Brick Street. It was built before 1900 on CN’s property by the rail spur there… And they’ve raised it to $2,000 in the next five years.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:42

• Resolution approving Fehr Graham construction engineering agreement for Shawnee and Hancock viaduct improvements

  • Summary: The city held a public bid opening on September 10th for the Shawnee-Hancock viaduct improvement project, which requires replacing the water main, storm sewer, and lowering the road by two and a half feet to allow semi-truck traffic and safety equipment access.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. The city had a public bid opening on September 10th for the Shawnee-Hancock viaduct improvement project. Again, can we put that one up on the screen? Okay. So the viaduct project requires replacing the water main, the storm sewer, and lowering the road by two and a half feet to allow semi-truck traffic and safety equipment to enter the arcade area from the viaduct location permanently.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:06

• Pretzel City Area Transit Program Funding Source

  • Summary: The City of Freeport operates the Pretzel City Area Transit Program, which serves both the City of Freeport and Stephenson County, and is funded largely in part by the Downstate Operating Assistance Program.
  • Attribution: Director Duckman
  • Evidence: “Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport operates the Pretzel City Area Transit Program, which is essentially our bus program for not only the City of Freeport, but also Stephenson County, and this program is funded largely in part to the Downstate Operating Assistance Program, totaling nearly Parker, Parker, Stacy, Suttman, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Suttman, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:39

• Less Lethal Alternatives for Law Enforcement Grant (FY 25)

  • Summary: Staff applied for the FY 25 grant, which allows departments to upgrade conducted energy device programs with TASER 7 or TASER 10 devices because current models used by Freeport Police are over ten years old and Axon is discontinuing them.
  • Attribution: Chief Shenberger
  • Evidence: “Chief Shenberger? Thank you, Mayor. In the summer of 2024, staff applied for the fiscal year 25 less lethal alternatives for law enforcement grant offered by the state of Illinois. The grant would allow departments throughout the state of Illinois to upgrade their conducted energy device programs with the TASER 7 or TASER 10 devices. Freeport Police Department requires officers to carry a CED as a less lethal use of force option. The current devices used by the Freeport Police and others. These are the devices that have been in service for more than 10 years. Axon has indicated that the company will be discontinuing the use of both models in the near future, thus requiring agencies to upgrade to the TASER 7 or TASER 10.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:54

• Freeport Police Department CED Program Update

  • Summary: The Freeport Police Department was awarded a grant for Taser 10 packages, which will significantly upgrade their CED program.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “On October 1st, staff was informed that the Freeport Police Department has been awarded We have a total of 405 Taser 10 packages totaling just over $15,000, $15,686. There were 404 departments who applied for this grant throughout the state of Illinois and 223 were awarded this grant. This award will significantly upgrade the Freeport Police Department CED program and offset future costs of updating the program.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:44:43

• Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct Improvements Bids Opening

  • Summary: The city held a public bid opening on September 10th for the Shawnee Hancock viaduct improvements, with Helm Group and Civil Freeport being the lowest responsive bidder at $1,292,388.25.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “The city held a public bid opening on September 10th as previously discussed for the Shawnee Hancock viaduct improvements. There is one bidder, city staff, our engineers in two local bids from, I’m sorry, from Helm Group and Civil Freeport was the lowest responsive bidder at $1,292,388.25.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:46:01

• Bidding process explanation

  • Summary: The city uses a professional bidding site called Quest Cbn for bids from Fehr Graham or city staff, which provides automatic notifications to contractors when projects are posted.
  • Evidence: “So all the city bids that Fehr Graham or the city staff is a part of, if you run them through Fehr Graham, we have a bid site, it’s called quest. Cbn, and it is a professional bidding site.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:48:40

• Bidding process requirements

  • Summary: City ordinances require a local paper ad for bids, and interested parties can contact the city to download bid packets.
  • Evidence: “We also do a local paper ad that’s required by city ordinance. So we file a paper ad. It runs in an edition. Anybody locally can contact us for the bid packets if they wish to.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:49:15

• Adams Avenue Corridor Rehabilitation Grant details

  • Summary: The project, known locally as the Adams Avenue Corridor Rehabilitation Grant, started in 2021. Staff is recommending approval for an agreement to CMM and Associates for $52,925 to perform rehabilitation services at 749 East Center Street.
  • Evidence: “Many people locally know this as the Adams Avenue Corridor Rehabilitation Grant. This was started in 2021… And staff is recommending approval of this resolution. And that would be entering into an agreement to for in a total amount of $52,000 and $52,925 for CMM and Associates to perform the work rehabilitation services at 749 East Center Street.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:11

• Public Works Department updates

  • Summary: Hydrant flushing will occur the week of October 21st, potentially causing rusty water; residents should run tub faucets and clean aerators. The City Streets program has two streets left for this year: Greenfield out by Business 20 and Salem Court.
  • Attribution: Public Works
  • Evidence: “First, I would like to announce that hydrant flushing will be taking place in the city of Freeport the week of October 21st. It’s gonna take probably two to three weeks to get through the town to flush Hydrance. During this period you may get some rusty water. Just make sure that you run tub faucets and flush it out. Look for cleaning your aerators in your home. It’s a typical process that we do every year in the fall. Happy to say that the City Streets program, we have two streets left for this year, Greenfield out by Business 20 and Salem Court.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:58:24

• City Streets hot patching and water main expansion

  • Summary: Hot patching began today with crews laying down about 16 tons. The west side water main expansion is out to EPA permit.
  • Attribution: Public Works
  • Evidence: “Today we started hot patching with crews. We put down about 16 tons today. The west side water main expansion is out to EPA permit.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:59:15

• ADA transition plan and future programs

  • Summary: The ADA transition plan for handicap accessible ramps at intersections will be presented at the Committee of the Whole next week. The city is also working on the 2025 streets program and received a grant to place eight EV Chargers in downtown Freeport.
  • Attribution: Public Works
  • Evidence: “Next week you’re going to see at the Committee of the Whole the ADA transition plan coming forth. Something that we need to do for iDOT. We’ve talked about that a handful of times and we’ve delayed it to this point, but we tried to get grant funds for it and we’ve been unavailable to get those grant funds. What was that called? It’s called the IDOT ADA transition plan. ADA. ADA, so those are the handicap accessible ramps that we find at our intersections. We’re also working on 2025 streets program, so you’re going to see a work order coming forward for that soon, and we’re also working on the 2025 EV Chargers grant that we were awarded to place eight EV Chargers in downtown Freeport, I’m working with Mr. Duckman on that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:59:35

• Major projects and academy applications

  • Summary: The biggest project is moving toward design after receiving funding from Eric Sorensen. Applications are currently being taken for the fall session of the Civilian Police Academy, with a deadline of October 17th and the first session on October 24th.
  • Attribution: Public Works
  • Evidence: “and our biggest project, well number 12 that Eric Sorensen was here today to award Freeport some money, we’re working on getting that moving to design and We’re currently taking applications for our fall session of the Civilian Police Academy. We’re taking applications through October 17th, and we’d like to have our first session on October 24th.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:03

• 2025 streets program work order

  • Summary: A work order for the 2025 streets program will be coming forward soon.
  • Evidence: “We’re also working on 2025 streets program, so you’re going to see a work order coming forward for that soon”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:03

• 2025 EV Chargers grant placement

  • Summary: Eight EV Chargers will be placed in downtown Freeport using the 2025 EV Chargers grant.
  • Evidence: “and we’re also working on the 2025 EV Chargers grant that we were awarded to place eight EV Chargers in downtown Freeport, I’m working with Mr. Duckman on that”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:03

• Freeport project funding award

  • Summary: The biggest project, number 12, received money awarded by Eric Sorensen.
  • Evidence: “and our biggest project, well number 12 that Eric Sorensen was here today to award Freeport some money, we’re working on getting that moving to design”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:03

• Civilian Police Academy applications

  • Summary: Applications for the fall session of the Civilian Police Academy are being taken through October 17th, with the first session scheduled for October 24th. The last eight weeks run from about 6 PM to roughly 8 PM or maybe earlier and includes a ride along opportunity.
  • Evidence: “We’re currently taking applications for our fall session of the Civilian Police Academy. We’re taking applications through October 17th, and we’d like to have our first session on October 24th. The last eight weeks goes from about 6 PM to roughly 8 PM, or maybe earlier, but also offers applicants an opportunity to do a ride along with the police department.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:03

• Congressman Sorensen presentation and funding award

  • Summary: Congressman Sorensen presented a check for nearly one million dollars towards project number 12 at City Hall.
  • Evidence: “He presented us with the check for nearly one million dollars to go towards well number 12. So very fortunate for that.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:01:23

• Special Olympics banquet event

  • Summary: The Special Olympics banquet for awards and dinner will be held on Wednesday the 16th at 5:30 PM.
  • Evidence: “Osment is going to be a Special Olympics banquet for the awards and dinner Wednesday the 16th at 530.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:54

• Special Olympics banquet for awards and dinner

  • Summary: Tom Osment is hosting a Special Olympics banquet for the awards and dinner on Wednesday the 16th at 5:30 PM at Nyla Church, located at 626 West Pearl City Road.
  • Evidence: “Tommy Osment is going to be a Special Olympics banquet for the awards and dinner Wednesday the 16th at 530. And where’s it at Tommy? It’s going to be at Nyla Church, yeah, Nyla Church something, at 626 West Pearl City Road.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:54

Metrics

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) Historical Data
  • Summary: Reported CPI percentages for specific years.
  • Attribution: Gary
  • Evidence: “The consumer price index was 1.2% in 2020, 4.7 in 2021, 8% in 2022, and 4.1% in 2023.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:46

Discussion

• Property Tax Information for Lease Agreement

  • Summary: The property tax bill for 2023 payable in 2024 is $113.30.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “So the property tax bill for 2023 payable in 2024 is $113.30. So that’s the property taxes for that.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:18

• Lease Terms and Property Description

  • Summary: The proposed lease is a one year lease paid $2,000 paid annually, expiring on September 14th, 2025.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “In terms of the, since it’s the second reading, nothing has changed in the terms of this lease where our staff is proposing a one year lease paid $2,000 paid annually, and it would expire on September 14th, 2025.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:58

• Purpose of the Leased Building

  • Summary: The building is being leased for storage by Proto Cutter.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Well, it’s mostly it’s For Albert towing Sorry Albert towing They’re basically storing equipment Peter Albert Sorry I was a bit distracted so I apologize Actually can I yep? Sorry go ahead. It has nothing to do with Albert towing it is your proto cutter Proto cutters who owns the building just south of their okay?”
  • Source timestamp: 11:26

• Property Ownership Clarification

  • Summary: There are four different buildings, and several properties are called the Raleigh building or the Raleigh property.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Well, there are four different buildings. Oh, okay. So, one is private. You want to answer that? Yes, sorry. And I apologize, I was distracted there earlier. I had some names mixed up. But anyways I we’re here now and yes there’s several properties that are called the Raleigh building or the Raleigh property so the answer here”
  • Source timestamp: 12:33

• Lease Inspection Requirement

  • Summary: A concern was raised regarding the need for inspection when renewing a lease if there is no change in use.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “If something along those lines, I would certainly inspect it. But at this point, they’re operating the same business. It’s a lease renewal. There’s no reason to inspect this building at this point because you’re saying that there’s no change I’m sorry I wasn’t done I didn’t know that you didn’t ask to speak go ahead yeah what you’re indicating is that because you are you assuming that there’s no change or have you went to inspect it to determine there has not been any change so and when it comes to businesses in excuse me and when it and correct then that that practice shouldn’t be practice from that perspective we should be looking at anything that the city owns before we lease it”
  • Source timestamp: 15:17

• Property inspection and appraisal for potential sale

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the need for building or fire inspector review of a property, noting that an appraisal has already been conducted due to interest in purchasing it.
  • Evidence: “So if there’s a question as to having to have our building inspector or a fire inspector look at it, I could certainly contact my building inspector and have him look at it. I have no issue in that.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:02

• Auctioning property sale vs. individual interest

  • Summary: A suggestion was made to auction the property rather than relying on a single interested individual bidder.
  • Evidence: “Huffines. We’re going to have to get the auction off, as opposed to having one person individual interested. We might have higher bidders for that property.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:10

• City due diligence on lease renewal/sale

  • Summary: Discussion emphasizing the city’s right to conduct due diligence regarding bidding or auctioning off a building before allowing a lease renewal.
  • Evidence: “You know this lease is coming up and there’s no there’s no reason for the city not to do its due diligence when it comes to bidding or auctioning off that building. So I think I think some of those kinds of things needs to be well”
  • Source timestamp: 17:37

• Property availability and public notice

  • Summary: A statement suggesting the property is open for general public bidding options and that its availability has not been publicized.
  • Evidence: “it’s an open it’s open property for those types of options that we can consider putting it putting it out there for the general public to know that this this thing is available and possible bidding options and things of this nature. We haven’t exhaust those areas yet.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:27

• Lease termination vote requirement

  • Summary: It was stated that a vote would be required to terminate the lease agreement with Peter Albert.
  • Evidence: “So we would have to you would have to vote to terminate a lease agreement with Albert first or I’m sorry with Peter. So the name on this is with Peter Albert, you would have to vote.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:27

• Focus of discussion: Lease renewal vs. Sale/Auction

  • Summary: A clarification was made that the current discussion topic is renewing a lease, not auctioning or selling the property.
  • Evidence: “I’m talking about purchase. I’m not talking about auctioning or selling. We’re talking about renewing a lease. I understand that, but the renewal time, it’s open, that renewal gap is an opening for the general public to either have a say-so in the matter or make an offer or whatever.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:27

• Property sale potential discussion

  • Summary: A participant asserted that there has never been a question asked about whether the building could potentially be for sale.
  • Evidence: “No, there’s never a question was asked about, is this for sale? Could this potentially be for sale? » Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. That’s what I’m talking about. The possibility that the building could be for sale.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:35

• Appraisal value vs. Council perceived value

  • Summary: A disagreement was stated regarding whether an appraiser’s number or the council’s collective opinion should determine the property’s worth for sale.
  • Evidence: “Even if you’ve got an appraiser, I don’t care what the appraiser is saying, it is what the council think that that property is worth. The appraiser can come in with one number, the council can come in with another number. We have opportunities to exploit those types of things.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:13

• Proposed lease renewal rate for $2,000

  • Summary: The proposed annual rent is $2,000, which matches the rate from 2022 and 2023.
  • Evidence: “Alderman, Stacy This is the lease of $2,000 for the year. Yes, that is what is being proposed, yes. And last year it was $1,000. No it, right, so in 2021 when it started it was $1,000 paid annually. Then in 2022 the annual rent was raised from that $1,000 to $2,000 and then last, excuse and now with the $2,000 staying in line with the same rate from 2022 and 2023. That is what is being proposed.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:44

• Reason for rent increase (2021 to 2022)

  • Summary: The speaker stated that their understanding was that Billy C. and an agreement caused the rent to be raised from $1,000 to $2,000.
  • Evidence: “I will answer that. I started this in 2022. I started my position here in 2022. I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t directly involved with that exact negotiation to go from $1,000 to $2,000, but my understanding is that Billy C. And they had an agreement, and it went before council to raise that rent.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:40

• Annual rent increase history for a specific lease

  • Summary: The annual rent was $1,000 in 2021, raised to $2,000 in 2022, and the current proposal is to keep it at $2,000.
  • Evidence: “And last year it was $1,000. No it, right, so in 2021 when it started it was $1,000 paid annually. Then in 2022 the annual rent was raised from that $1,000 to $2,000 and then last, excuse and now with the $2,000 staying in line with the same rate from 2022 and 2023. That is what is being proposed.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:55

• Reason for rent increase from $1,000 to $2,000

  • Summary: One speaker stated they were not directly involved with the negotiation that raised the rent from $1,000 to $2,000, but understood Billy C. and an agreement caused it.
  • Evidence: “What made it go up from 1,000 to 2,000? » I will answer that. I started this in 2022. I started my position here in 2022. I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t directly involved with that exact negotiation to go from $1,000 to $2,000, but my understanding is that Billy C. And they had an agreement, and it went before council to raise that rent.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:33

• Property tax purchase amount clarification

  • Summary: A speaker stated they were not aware of anything being purchased for $100 in the Raleigh building.
  • Evidence: “I don’t remember saying something was purchased for $100. Some of the building of the Raleigh building, some other areas, apparently. I’ll be honest with you. I’m not aware of anything being purchased for a hundred dollars in the Raleigh building. I’m not aware of that.”
  • Source timestamp: 23:31

• Ownership and structure description (Red/White buildings)

  • Summary: The white structure next to the red one is believed to be owned by Mr. Elbert, who bought it from the city; both buildings are conjoined.
  • Evidence: “So the white structure that you see there, next to the red, that I believe Mr. Elbert currently owns and bought that piece of the Raleigh building from the city. I don’t remember what the amount was but he. I think it was back in Gullwrap administration. Yeah he’s had it for a while and he remodels it and it should be known that that’s a conjoined building.”
  • Source timestamp: 23:58

• Lease scope clarification

  • Summary: A speaker confirmed the lease is only for one floor of the red building, not the entire building.
  • Evidence: “A question of clarity I had for Wayne is this lease is for one floor of the red building not the entire building. Correct.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:22

• Status and history of white-roofed building

  • Summary: The white roofed building owned by Mr. Elbert was previously defunct, requiring remodeling and fixing; it is conjoined with the red building.
  • Evidence: “and if I recall right the white roofed building that he owns was basically defunct and he remodeled and fixed that building it was borderline going to be torn down and there’s two more pieces of the rally building to that side over here one of them is the old office building that Fehr Graham used to be in I believe winters owns that building and then the other big structure uh that has always been talked about doing something the city owns that structure as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:35

• City plan for large owned structures

  • Summary: The city shows potential developers properties like the one in Rockford to illustrate that finding a right redevelopment partner can take 15-20+ years.
  • Evidence: “We’ve showed it to potential developers. When potential developers come in and have interest in these properties, we do show them. But it should be known that when the city owns properties such as these, and this is in general in the region, it can sometimes take 15, 20 plus years before you find the right developer. Because somebody coming in and wanting to redevelop this in the Barbara Coleman building in Rockford, I believe was purchased by the city of Rockford in either 2003 or 2006 and you are just now starting to see construction done on it.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:35

• Consequences of not leasing/developing city property

  • Summary: If a floor cannot be leased out or a developer found, the eventual outcome for city-owned properties is demolition.
  • Evidence: “Now the other option is with properties such as these, if you can’t lease out a floor or or you cannot find the correct developer, eventually you’re going toward demolition. Obviously the city would like to entertain developers that have the means and the plan to not just take this and let it sit further, which we have enough of that in this city.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:58

• Lease value discrepancy discussion

  • Summary: A speaker questioned leasing a space valued at $60,000 for only $2,000.
  • Evidence: “Okay so um something that you’re telling me is valued at 60,000 we’re just leasing for 2000 that’s what I’m stating yes how many floors is in there six six are the other five floors being occupied no and you have to remember that this is uh have you ever been in in there it’s just it’s just cement and when he took over the occupying of that first floor there was no electricity there was no there was no piping of any kind no heat no air no nothing everything that’s been put in there for him to be able to keep his equipment in there has been on his expense so the other floors don’t have anything you’d have to go up in there with the Miller.”
  • Source timestamp: 26:23

• History of property sale and development investment

  • Summary: The building sold to Pete Elber was for the vicinity of $100 under a mayorial form of government; however, Piedelberg spent hundreds of thousands on it.
  • Evidence: “If you go back to that building that was sold to Pete Elber, yeah, it was sold for the vicinity of $100. It was sold under the mayorial form of government, which the mayor or the council could sell Piedelberg spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the building. Brought his business in from out of town, created taxes in town, created jobs in town. So it was an asset for the city to do that.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:39

• Historical context of property sale pricing

  • Summary: A speaker noted that buildings can be sold at any price point, referencing a construction date of 1967.
  • Evidence: “I go back a little while in construction to 1967, and that particular building, there’s a good reason to go back and sell it at any price they wanted to sell it at.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:45

• Current arrangement for leased space

  • Summary: The current occupant is renting the space and supplying necessary utilities/services on their own expense with city agreement.
  • Evidence: “So like the mayor said, basically he’s renting out the space and supplying anything that he needs to function and whatever he’s doing there. So he on his own and with agreement with the city doubled the rents once. I mean, we can look at this and say if I owned a radio station and I had it on the first floor there and my contract was up, does that mean we should go out and look for somebody to rent it to somebody else higher? I mean, that’s what’s kind of being insinuated here.”
  • Source timestamp: 28:36

• Lease termination and purchase option

  • Summary: If the building is sold at any point, Pete Elber’s lease for 11 months would end; alternatively, he can buy the entire building.
  • Evidence: “The building, it can be sold at any point in time. If it’s sold at any point in time, then Pete Elber has got a lease for 11 months and he’s out of there. Pete Elber wants to buy the building, Pete Elber can buy the building. Very simple.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:07

• Request to extend current lease term

  • Summary: The request is simply to extend the existing lease for one more year at the same price as the previous year.
  • Evidence: “So all we’re asking for in this document is to take and extend the lease for one more year at the same price it was last year.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:28

• Previous rent increase timing confirmation

  • Summary: A speaker recalled that the price raise might have occurred a year or two ago when the council felt the previous rate was insufficient.
  • Evidence: “Deren. Yeah, I remember the conversation. I believe it was a year ago when the price was raised and it was the council didn’t feel like it was enough. That’s why we went from 1000 to 2000 or maybe that was two years ago.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:39

• Lease extension for building occupancy

  • Summary: The discussion covered the possibility of selling the building and extending a lease for one more year at the same price as the previous year.
  • Evidence: “I mean, that’s what’s kind of being insinuated here. The building, it can be sold at any point in time. If it’s sold at any point in time, then Pete Elber has got a lease for 11 months and he’s out of there. Pete Elber wants to buy the building, Pete Elber can buy the building. Very simple. So all we’re asking for in this document is to take and extend the lease for one more year at the same price it was last year.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:07

• Building development interest

  • Summary: A speaker noted a lack of current interest from parties wanting to develop or occupy other floors in the building.
  • Evidence: “Yeah I just want to say I do remember that conversation we were the ones that raised from the thousand to the two thousand. Well if there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:39

• Salary increase for Dovie

  • Summary: Discussion regarding a proposed salary increase for Dovie, detailing projected increases over several years and noting her current certification bonus.
  • Evidence: “For the case of Dovie we talked about a 4% increase for Dovie that would increase her to fifty seven thousand five hundred for twenty five twenty six sixty two thousand for twenty six twenty seven sixty four for years 27 and 28 and 67,500 for years 28 and 29. Again, her salary is someone at the bottom of the pack. If you’ll look at Belvedere and Sterling, they’re already currently making that much, although I would like to mention that Dovie does receive a certification bonus that will be proposed, a $4,000 certification. So you have to factor that in as you make your decision.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:02

• Discussion on splitting the ordinance

  • Summary: A discussion ensued regarding whether to discuss the merits of breaking the ordinance into three pieces or simply vote on the procedural step.
  • Evidence: “So do we just take a roll on it or do we talk about the breaking it up? Talk about the breaking it up. Okay. So if you have a comment about breaking it into three different pieces. No, I have a comment before that comment even happened because we have not had a discussion.”
  • Source timestamp: 37:53

• History of Alderman salary raises

  • Summary: A council member discussed the lack of vote for an alderman raise since 2005 and noted that city membership has never been increased.
  • Evidence: “On the time I’ve been on council there has never been a vote for a raise for an alderman as long as going back to 2005. It’s been discussed one time or another but it’s and Mr. Mayor, I believe that the number of members of the city has never been increased.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:26

• History of Mayor/City Clerk salaries

  • Summary: A council member questioned the history of salary discussions for the mayor and city clerk.
  • Evidence: “I believe when we went to city manager form of government, it was naturally split up then with the mayoral being a part-time If I’m correct, James, you can maybe tell me if I’m wrong, the mayor’s salary was set at 20X number thousand dollars and then I believe at one time it was raised like one or two percent possibly. I have to tell you, I don’t really ever recall a conversation on the city clerks, you know, if it has been, it’s been a long time ago, you know that’s just some of the history of it and that’s kind of where I come from.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:17

• Mayor’s salary history and proposed increase

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the historical setting of the mayor’s salary, including figures from 2015 ($3,300) versus today ($38), and a discussion about a proposed three percent increase.
  • Evidence: “Do you have figures, Michelle? Because if I recall I believe when I was on council in 2015 the salary was 3,300 and today it’s 38. Is it right?”
  • Source timestamp: 41:59

• Agreement with proposed three percent increase

  • Summary: A speaker stated agreement with a proposed three percent increase.
  • Evidence: “So to get back to your point is that are you saying that the three percent increase that’s proposed is are you in agreement with? I would be in agreement with it.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:26

• Impact of salary increases on wards

  • Summary: A speaker stated that people voting in the second, fourth, and sixth wards will be affected by an increase, while others won’t get an increase until 2025 or 2028.
  • Evidence: “It doesn’t affect me, you know and I’m saying that, the people that will affect first are the people that are up for vote in the second ward, the fourth ward and the sixth ward. Correct. The other people will not get an increase until 2025 or 2028 or whatever.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:32

• Justification for increasing city clerk’s position salary

  • Summary: A speaker supported increasing the city clerk’s position because it has changed considerably over the years to have more responsibility.
  • Evidence: “I’m for increasing the city clerk’s position. The city clerk’s position has changed considerably over the years to have more responsibility, you know.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:02

• Discussion on setting mayor’s salary

  • Summary: A speaker noted that when the city mayor’s salary was set previously, it was considered high by a considerable number of people, and emphasized focusing on the position rather than the current occupant.
  • Evidence: “Miller. But I have to say to you, at the time we set the salary for the city mayor, it was considered high by a considerable number of people. I’m not saying that the mayor doesn’t deserve a raise or I’m not saying where we need to be, but the mayor and I have had this discussion and it has nothing to do with, and we should all take like somebody mentioned before and don’t think about the person that’s in the position at the moment. You know, that’s got nothing to do with it because somebody else is in turn going to replace them at some time.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:19

• Need for evaluation before salary increases for aldermen

  • Summary: A speaker argued that discussing increases without evaluations or defining what an alderman does is premature, stating the need to reevaluate changes.
  • Evidence: “Alderman discussion. I had my hand up for the longest. Yeah, we’re talking about increases, but increases without evaluations or We need to know how aldermen are defined, why are we aldermen, and why do we deserve 1%, 2%, or 3% These are the evaluations that we’re not having or discussing. So what we’re doing is we’re prematurely talking about these things but there’s no action behind it there’s nothing going on behind it to make these determinations for these increases and so that’s what I’m getting at uh we’re just throwing this out here and uh and and we have not addressed it properly that’s my opinion and I don’t think we have addressed it properly and I think we need to to reevaluate, we need to evaluate what it is that the change is for if there is a change.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:06

• City Manager clarification on salary increases

  • Summary: The City Manager stated that the proposed increase is essentially just a cost of living increase and emphasized that compensation relates to the job title/seat, not the individual.
  • Evidence: “City Manager, did you have your hand up? Yes, I just wanted to pass along to Alderman Sanders that it’s essentially just a cost of living increase. So that’s the, what’s behind that. Okay. And you have to remember you don’t personally evaluate the person in the seat. It’s about the seat. It’s a job title. It’s a job.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:25

• Need for public understanding of governmental spending

  • Summary: A speaker stressed that the general public needs to know how council members and elected officials determine how their dollars are spent.
  • Evidence: “People need to know whether or not how to define our job position, even as councils, even as mayor, even as attorneys and whoever else. People need to know how their dollars are spent and how we come to the conclusions that we do. And so without us being able to address the general public or ourselves, then we’re doing a disservice not only just to ourselves but to the general public at the same time.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:00

• Pacing of salary increase votes

  • Summary: A speaker advised against hasty votes on increases and advocated for careful consideration by elected officials.
  • Evidence: “And I feel that we need to not be so hasty to make these types of votes without taking the consideration and allowing us as council people and elected officials to look at the whole thing without just jumping increases here and there. And we need to know why it is that we’re doing what we’re doing, Manager Boyer says, because of cost of living.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:36

• Comparison with cost of living for wage increases

  • Summary: A speaker noted that no comparison was made between the proposed wage increase and the actual cost of living.
  • Evidence: “But nevertheless, that as far as we are getting, far as these increases is concerned, based on what he is saying, we have not even made a comparison with cost of living in our wage increase or any increase, period. So we have not factored all of those things”
  • Source timestamp: 47:07

• Need to expedite salary determination process

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the need to rush the decision on increases if it was something that needed to be expedited.
  • Evidence: “I don’t know if it’s something that we need to expedite, something that we need to do in a hurry to get this determined, but if that is the case, then we needed to bring that to the floor long before now.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:42

• Moving forward with current agenda items

  • Summary: A speaker stated that a matter must be moved forward tonight by law in order to pass it in so many days before the next election.
  • Evidence: “Well, we’ve had it on the floor before, and it was made known to the council that they Miller. We have to move something forward tonight by law in order to pass it in so many days before the next election.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:56

• Alderman Sanders’ recommendation on percentage increase

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders recommended that the council decide on the percentage increase, stating it is entirely up to the council.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders, it’s just my recommendation that 3 percent, you can make it whatever you want. I mean, just, it’s entirely up to the council.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:07

• City Clerk role demands and compensation discussion

  • Summary: A speaker detailed the high volume of work for the city clerk position (taking calls daily) and argued that compensation must reflect the difficulty of balancing departmental needs with overall city financial health.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Monroe. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You know, I think when you come back to the conversation, it’s more than just the cost of living. What you’re asked to do is take phone calls day in, day out for the position that we hold. We want to get people who want to participate, study what we’re going over that evening, bring in people of high quality, high value to help our city to continue to grow and move in the right direction.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:22

• Compensation for elected officials

  • Summary: The speaker argued that elected positions should be compensated better to attract people, comparing the current pay to assistant football coach wages and suggesting a raise is necessary.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “I think it’s pretty easy to say, looking forward, we need to raise that value to raise the amount of money to draw people in that want to do this. And to give you kind of an idea, you get about $1,500 to be an assistant football coach. So that’s for three months, $1,500. And we’re paying a little over double that and I have been doing that for an entire year of putting up with everything that goes on.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:52

• Impact of 3% raise on older people

  • Summary: Alderman Sellers sought clarification on how a proposed 3% raise would affect older residents.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sellers, you’ve had your hand up. Yes, I just wanted some clarification on the way it was going to be set up. So do the 3% tonight, and how does it affect older people?”
  • Source timestamp: 51:00

• Change in salary structure for previous officials

  • Summary: A speaker questioned if previous officials would still receive benefits or changes despite new proposals.
  • Evidence: “OK, so the previous ones, we still would get the, oh, that don’t make sense to me. I would say no, because if I’m sitting here and I’m doing the same exact thing you’re doing, and Stacey.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:29

• Legality of salary changes for elected officials

  • Summary: A speaker stated that by law, an official position cannot change its pay when it is set for four years.
  • Evidence: “By law though, Alderman Stacey, it can’t change when it’s set, it’s set for four years.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:41

• Dollar amount difference between proposed and current pay

  • Summary: A speaker requested clarification on the dollar amount difference between a 3% raise and the current payment.
  • Evidence: “Can I ask one clarifying, what’s the dollar amount difference between the 3% and what’s being paid right now? $115. So, $115 divided by 12, we’re talking.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:47

• Need for council deliberation on pay raises

  • Summary: A speaker asserted that the council must come together to discuss and determine what they want regarding any percentage raise (3%, 5%, or 10%), rather than accepting what is presented.
  • Evidence: “We as the council need to come together and discuss, I don’t care if it’s 3%, if it’s 5%, if it’s 10%, but we need to be able, the eight of us, to come together, weigh out what needs weighing out and determine what we want, not what’s being presented to us.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:41

• Importance of public input on compensation

  • Summary: A speaker urged that the general public be given a forum to express their thoughts regarding the pay structure, rather than only council members determining it.
  • Evidence: “I would appeal to the general public if they have any insight or understanding that they should be able to feel, be able to come to the podium and express those kinds of thoughts because obviously we, me myself personally, I don’t think we’re approaching this right with all due respect to the general public.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:35

• Need for public input on council processes

  • Summary: A speaker reiterated that they feel the process is flawed and requested input from the general public.
  • Evidence: “I just want to get a feel for what some folk in the general public might be feeling, give Give us some kind of input or their expression, you know, something of that nature. Give us something other than the fact that we got council members sitting here trying to determine whether it’s good or bad, whether we should move forward or not.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:46

• Compensation discussion with Mayor

  • Summary: A speaker questioned if the Mayor had asked any of the numerous people she spoke to about how much the position paid.
  • Evidence: “Have any one of those people ever asked you how much it paid? No, in fact, I had one say, it gets paid. It’s what public service is.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:33

• Compensation for public service roles

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the payment structure and necessity of raises for various city positions.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Just submitting for counsel, if you look at the table that’s provided, it’s very clear that all the persons in Freeport are among the lowest paid with the comparables that we’ve supplied. Sure. So, with that in mind, I would venture to say that it is not a stretch to do something to keep pace with the surrounding communities.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:50

• Staff compensation increase suggestion

  • Summary: A 3% increase was suggested for City Hall and other workers, but it is up to the council what the final percentage will be.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “However, a 3% increase is what we generally are doing for the rest of City Hall and the rest of our workers. Therefore, that’s why that’s suggested. But it’s up to the council what it is.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:26

• Aldermanic engagement and compensation justification

  • Summary: A speaker detailed high public interaction regarding their position, suggesting that any raise percentage would be minor in comparison.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
  • Evidence: “I go to the neighborhood watch meetings every month with my activity in this town I have at least a hundred people talk to me every month about this position you know you want it you don’t want it they can’t believe how much you do how many complaints I get about the roads and stuff I probably spend I put Fowler. I’ve had 50 bucks worth of gas in my vehicle running around this town looking at stuff that people call me about.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:38

• Value of aldermen to the community

  • Summary: A speaker stated that citizens engage aldermen for insight and information on district areas, making it a value to bring concerns to the council or city manager.
  • Attribution: Sanders
  • Evidence: “People are trying to engage aldermen to get more insight and information on their district areas and things of this nature. And we become a value to them to be able to talk with them and then bring it to the council or city manager and express what the citizens are talking about. That is an absolute truth to it, fact to it because I’ve been exposed to it.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:34

• Ordinance structure for second reading

  • Summary: It was explained that if no further motions are made, the items will be drafted as three separate ordinances for Second Read at the presented dollar amounts.
  • Evidence: “you know at this point it’s a you know each topic is individually still 3% raise Three-Percent Raise, four percent raise for the clerk’s position, I believe, there, unless there’s another motion or motions for each category saying oh well we think it should be this for Alderman and not three but this or this should be this for mayor or this for the clerk, then it would just be drafted as three separate ordinances for Second Read, but at the same dollar amounts. That’s presented.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:46

• Salary setting timeline and necessity

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding when salaries must be set, noting that current wages are only good through May and action is needed tonight to move something forward.
  • Evidence: “I just have a question clarification so if nothing’s done with this then everything stays status quo for how long? Four years. I disagree. You and I will not be paid mayor if we don’t get this resolved. Our wages are only good through May of. Right so it has to be it would have to be set for whatever’s current yeah same as Alderman it’d have to be set for what’s current right so the per the way that our ordinance is written for the clerk’s position and the mayor’s position it was set out for their four-year terms what their amounts are so if you don’t set what the clerk’s position is going to be then whoever fills that position there is no salary for them so and same thing for the mayor. So it was set up where, for whatever reason back then, every four years you got to figure out what the clerk and the mayor are going to be paid. So my understanding is we need to act on this tonight. We have to move something forward tonight.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:39

• Alderman salary proposal for next election cycle

  • Summary: The suggested increase for Alderman for the next election cycle was stated as a 3% increase, amounting to $115.
  • Evidence: “So right now, before you, is the suggested, for Alderman, on the next election cycle, A 3% increase, which amounts to $115. That’s what’s before you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:02:02

• Ability to amend proposed ordinances

  • Summary: A speaker questioned if anything moved forward tonight could be changed via amendment.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
  • Evidence: “Can what, whatever is moved forward tonight, can that be changed? Anything can have an amendment. Did you hear me?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:02:15

• Procedure for amending ordinance percentages

  • Summary: It was explained that amendments are possible, such as raising the aldermen raise from 3% to 4%, which would result in drafting an ordinance at the new percentage.
  • Evidence: “So at this point, as far as the amendments, if you want to make an amendment, let’s say for, because again we already voted to break it up into three separate ordinances so if you wanted to say okay further staff you know I know I move that we raise the aldermen from 3% to 4% if that gets seconded and you guys vote to approve that then I would draft the ordinance for second read at 4% instead of 3%”
  • Source timestamp: 01:02:32

• Percentage cap on raises

  • Summary: A speaker questioned if there is a limit or cap on the percentage increase being discussed.
  • Attribution: Sanders
  • Evidence: “Entertaining this whole thought process, is it the limit point of percentage that has a cap to it? The percentage that we’re talking about, three percent, four percent, is that a cap?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:07

• Comparison of local cost of living vs. other communities

  • Summary: A speaker requested information on the percentage increases in surrounding communities to determine if Freeport should align its compensation levels.
  • Evidence: “what I was going to say is in comparison to the things that Manager Boyer presented to us, in comparison, are we in a position to bring our cost of living or our comparison balance to some other community, even though they’re doing much better than we are here in Freeport, can we find out what the percentages are and then determine whether or not we should bring our increased percentage to those kinds of balances or levels?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:42

• Cost of Living Comparison for Freeport

  • Summary: Discussion regarding comparing Freeport’s cost of living to other communities and determining appropriate percentage increases.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Yeah, I know, but what I was going to say is in comparison to the things that Manager Boyer presented to us, in comparison, are we in a position to bring our cost of living or our comparison balance to some other community, even though they’re doing much better than we are here in Freeport, can we find out what the percentages are and then determine whether or not we should bring our increased percentage to those kinds of balances or levels? I’m just curious. I don’t want to say that we’re capping ourselves off and there’s no headroom, but we do need to be able to see where we are in line with other communities and other counties.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:42

• Cost of Living Adjustment Methodology

  • Summary: Discussion on the difficulty of determining percentage increases for compensation amounts compared to standard annual wage adjustments, and identifying data sources like the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Sometimes they’ve sat for eight, 12, 15, 16 years, so it’s hard to get a percentage increase because it’s not like people’s everyday wages. If you’re an employee somewhere, you owe, every year you get a cost of living adjustment, 3%, 2%, whatever, this is different. It’s up to each community… I also want to make it in comparisons, is it population or what is it that causes an inflation to change? So there’s a standard put out by the Department of Labor what the cost of living adjustment is.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:02

• Alderman Salary Increase Percentage

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the appropriateness of an 18% increase.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sellers. I really don’t think we should go 18% right now, but that’s just me. I think that’s a little high. What? I just think it’s a little high to jump into on 18%.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:31

• Voting Procedure for Salary Changes

  • Summary: Discussion about rounding percentages and moving the vote forward.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Can we round it? I mean there’s some a long percentage, 18.4 dot whatever. Can we round it? To simply say 4500? Yeah, can we do that instead of a percentage? I think that’s actually what Alderman Klemm said.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:36

• Clerk Salary Increase Calculation

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether the salary increase is calculated as a flat rate or compounded annually.
  • Evidence: “Michelle. Quick question with that too, is it, So as we calculated them, it was 4% year over year. So 4% and then the next year, 4% on top and then 4% on top. So it’s not a flat for each year.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:56

• Mayor Salary Justification

  • Summary: Discussion regarding cost of living adjustments and comparison to other municipalities.
  • Evidence: “Oh, I have one question. Is that, is that because of, of the, you don’t think the, the cost of living thing? I mean, even just the 3% is not that much, but I just wanted to know.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:27

• Mayor Salary Comparison

  • Summary: Comparison was made between local part-time mayor salary and McChesney Park’s part-time mayor salary of $51,000.
  • Evidence: “Yeah. And you know, it’s not totally inclusive. I mean, call McChesney Park. McChesney Park is almost identical in population and their part-time mayor gets 51,000.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:16:42

• City Manager Salary Discussion

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the accuracy of figures cited for city manager salaries.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm. Just a point and it’s not an argument whatsoever. How many times have you heard everybody say since we hired a city manager, we’re paying 150, I’m throwing out figures, they aren’t actually accurate.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:19

• Display quality for site maps and images

  • Summary: The speaker argued that the current map displays are insufficient and should be replaced with better visual aids like high-resolution photos or videos to accurately show what is on the ground.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Whenever we are looking at things through the projector as far as maps, pictures or We need to do better with the surveys of displaying what is actually on the ground as opposed to something that’s coming out of orbit. We’re not getting a full view as great as technology is in cell phones with pictures and movies.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:23:52

• Water plant site details

  • Summary: The speaker clarified the location of the 1900 Brick Street water plant, noting that the area around the rail and water plant is wooded, and identified the water mains running under the rail and the old coal chute.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So this is the best angle. This is the 1900 Brick Street water plant. This is where 75% of our water used to go to. The well fields are out here next to the river. And this is the water storage tank. We have water mains that run under the rail adjacently. And this is the old coal chute. And this box right here is all railroad property.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:45

• Facility lease and insurance requirements

  • Summary: The speaker stated that their facility is located on CN’s property, requiring a lease and insurance, which they considered a very simple discussion with a reasonable cost of $2,000.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Our facility is located on CN’s property. We’re requiring us to sign a lease and insure it. I don’t think we really have a choice in the matter. It’s a very reasonable amount. And so I really feel like this is a really simple discussion. We can’t remove the facility because it’s still active. It’s been there for the better part of 100 years.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:04

• Project funding and scope for viaduct lowering

  • Summary: The project funding will come from the water, sewer, storm, and street funds to complete and involves resident engineering requirements with the west abutment to allow the lowering of the roadway.
  • Evidence: “The project will be split between a fiscal year 24 and 25 budget. The project funding will come from the water, sewer, storm, and street funds to complete and there are resident engineering requirements with the west abutment to allow the lowering of the roadway.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:04

• Cost clarification for lowering the street segment

  • Summary: Discussion clarifying that $138,600 is for the engineering required to be in the field while they lower the segment, and item 14 on the agenda is for the total construction cost.
  • Evidence: “I’m talking about lowering the street. The low bid was $1,292,388.25… That’s the price of the construction engineering, 138,600. Item 14 that’s on the agenda tonight.”

• Permitting for rail work

  • Summary: Confirmation that permission has been obtained from CN to move forward with the project.
  • Evidence: “And we have a permit from CN to move and I’ll move forward with the project.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:31

• Structural integrity assessment of abutments

  • Summary: The east abutment was totally replaced years ago, and structural engineers found it structurally sound despite surface cracking.
  • Evidence: “They’re basically asked us to put shoring in to make sure the abutment doesn’t move. And then there’s also some anchor bolts that are fairly long that will be drilled in to make sure it holds in place.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:34:25

• Safety requirements for rail work

  • Summary: The risk mitigation requires special railroad insurance from the contractor and flagging services whenever working within 25 feet of the rail.
  • Evidence: “So the risk is really to the contractor, which CN requires special railroad insurance to do this. And flagging is also required the entire time that you work within 25 feet of the rail.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:34:41

• Alternative access route limitations

  • Summary: The space to the right of the west side cannot be used because it is a single-lane private entrance owned by the rail, and there is no road to get back through.
  • Evidence: “Yeah, in this picture that would be to the inertia side, which would be to the right side, there is a single pass that goes back behind inertia and goes to their back. It’s a private entrance that the rail owns in them, but it’s only single lane.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:14

• Bridge condition and alternative crossings for arcade area access

  • Summary: The bridge is in horrendous shape; there is concern about trapping people if something happens, as there is no other pass. Alternatives considered included a crossing off Singer by the jail, which was estimated around $4 million, but CN will not permit another crossing across the rail due to liability risk.
  • Evidence: “Cause we really, the bridge is in horrendous shape at the moment and you know, getting worse every day. And if something were to happen this, the arcade people and businesses would be trapped back there. There is no other pass. I also wanna tell you guys that I explained this when we designed this, but we looked for alternate modes of transportation. We looked for a bridge passing, something else to get around here, maybe coming off Singer by the jail. Nothing else was affordable. Bridge over the end of Singer, I think was around $4 million. CN will not permit another crossing across the rail itself. They’re trying to eliminate crossings because it’s a huge liability risk for them.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:36:11

• Hancock Bridge Project Access Requirement

  • Summary: The entire Hancock bridge project, coming next summer, is contingent upon having permanent semi-access through the area because the Hancock bridge will be taken down for at least seven to nine months for rehab in place.
  • Evidence: “I would say working with them, they’ve been gracious enough to try to help Freeport find the cheapest and most economical way to undertake this project so it’s affordable and the entire Hancock bridge project that is coming next summer is all contingent upon this work being done the Hancock bridge will be taken down for at least seven to nine months to rehab it in place and in order to do that that we have to have access, permanent semi-access through this by docked here.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:36:33

• Bridge Height Modification

  • Summary: The bridge height will be reduced or increased from 11 foot five to 14 foot six, which involves lowering the pavement approximately three feet.
  • Evidence: “Just so everybody can see that sign says 11 foot five, we will be reducing the bridge or increasing the bridge to 14 foot six, which is lowering the pavement approximately three feet.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:11

• Alternative Temporary Traffic Routes in Arcade Area

  • Summary: A question was raised about other temporary routes for continuous traffic movement in the arcade area. The speaker noted that the rail goes eastbound to Highway 20 with no passing across there back into the arcade, and mentioned an emergency pass (a dirt two track path behind the old train depot) which floods often.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, is there any other alternative temporary rules that we can install in the arcade area so that we can have traffic continuously moving. So the rail goes eastbound here and continues all the way out by Highway 20. There is no passing across there to get back into the arcade. There is that emergency pass we just talked about. There’s a dirt two track path that runs back behind, I can’t think of the business name the old train depot I can’t remember the name of their business ultrasonic excuse me it runs through their property so we physically don’t have any access to that in an emergency I’m sure that they would let people through but it floods back there quite often as well so it’s not a regular pass and then there is no other access across the tracks except for at Stephenson Street so this is pretty vital to the well-being of of the people that live back in the arcade”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:37

• Fire Rescue Access Capability

  • Summary: The speaker stated that only the city of Freeport fire rescue team would be able to respond to an emergency on the bridge due to special equipment, as rural partners lack it.
  • Evidence: “I would also tell you right now I believe the chief would be able to back me up on this but if we had a very emergent situation and something happened to the bridge right now no other fire rescue team other than the city of Freeport themselves would be able to respond because they wouldn’t be Miller. We have special equipment that would allow them to get through there. Our rural partners do not have that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:52

• Arcade Avenue Traffic Support for Truck Routes

  • Summary: The speaker confirmed that Arcade Avenue is built as a truck route and Hancock is also built as a truck route, making it suitable for semi-traffic, which aligns with the planned terminus at Adams Street.
  • Attribution: Alderman Menor
  • Evidence: “Alderman Menor. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So it’s a lot going on and I do believe we talked about with the Chief before that our equipment is all that can get back there. But is the Arcade Ave coming up to that point, is it going to be sufficient to support the the type of traffic that’s going to be going through there, or are we going to have to look at redoing that after this? No, actually, not that it doesn’t need to be redone, but Arcade Avenue, I’m not talking about going down Shawnee, that would not be a truck route, but Arcade itself is a truck route and Hancock is built as a truck route too. So while they need resurfacing. Too, so while they need resurfacing, they’re actually built for semi-traffic and that makes a logical termini to the new Adams Street that, you know, we’re finishing up. So it does make sense ultimately for that traffic.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:17

• Alternative Detour Pathway in South East Arcade Area

  • Summary: A request was made regarding an alternative pathway or detour route for residents in the south east areas of the arcade, noting that CN won’t permit a crossing due to wanting no more track crossings.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, the south east areas of that arcade where the residents live, there’s no pathway to make that as an alternative so people can at least make a detour, put detours through. That’s not an option. No, we looked, I believe it’s off of 13th Avenue. There’s a spot that could have probably been maybe a logical crossing into one of the factory parking lots that’s over there. CN won’t permit it because they don’t want any more track crossing across. If you go farther to the east, the rail actually embeds pretty much underground in both directions, so that would require a bridge going over, which would be way more expensive than what this would be. That would be over by the Singer location. So we did a lot of investigation. There just really is not a good path to get through other than these two access points, this one and the bridge. Everything else is private access.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:49

• Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct Bidding Process

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the bidders for the viaduct improvements, noting that Helm Group and Civil Freeport were two of the bidders.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. I understand we got, I’m sorry, I understand the Helms Group and Civil, they’re the same, right? Yes. That’s anonymous. But what I don’t see is any other bidders. Have we considered any other bidders? Yeah, there’s two bidders on the job that was in the packet. Helm Group, which is Civil, and the and the second was Fischer’s Excavating, both bidders were off Freeport, they were bid very close together, a matter of fact they were 1.4% difference in cost or $19,000 so it was a very tight bid for something this large.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:46:56

• Bidders count and market conditions

  • Summary: The speaker noted that having only two bidders was not surprising due to the specialized nature of the project and the current market being flush with work.
  • Evidence: “When you’re talking about a project of this nature it’s very specialized there’s only a handful of people around that could even handle something like this with CN that’s why you see very reduced bidders plus the market’s been pretty flush with work this year and we’re leading into the end of the season where everybody’s struggling to get the work done they have on the books so far so it’s not surprising to me that we only got two bidders”
  • Source timestamp: 01:49:39

• Eligibility requirements for grant process

  • Summary: The eligibility requirement process closed in 2021, after staff canvassed the area and required residents to fill out a two-part survey.
  • Evidence: “Aldermen Sanders. Huffines. What’s the eligibility requirement for? It’s lengthy and that process closed in 2021. So it’s closed. The eligibility requirements closed three years ago. But essentially what was done in 2021 was staff at that time went out and canvassed the area.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:37

• Eligibility requirement for grant program

  • Summary: The eligibility requirements process was closed in 2021 and involved staff canvassing the area to fill out a survey covering income, disabilities, and property condition.
  • Evidence: “What’s the eligibility requirement for? It’s lengthy and that process closed in 2021. So it’s closed. The eligibility requirements closed three years ago. But essentially what was done in 2021 was staff at that time went out and canvassed the area. It was a census block track.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:37

• Grant application process details

  • Summary: The grant application required filling out a survey covering income, disabilities, and property condition, which was compiled into a grant application.
  • Evidence: “But in the application process for the grants, they would have gone to each houses in the neighborhood and they had to fill out a survey, two parts. It was several parts, but mainly it was their income, also any disabilities they may have had, also there was also the analysis of the condition of their property and this was compiled into a grant application.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:54:09

• Grant applicant analysis by consultant

  • Summary: A consultant (Region One Planning Council) analyzed data from 64 properties that applied for the grant to prioritize those available for assistance.
  • Evidence: “Okay. You have a list of homes that meets the eligibility for this program. That was done approximately a year ago. We had our consultant, we had 64 properties that applied for this grant. And then the consultant, which is Region One Planning Council, it’s It’s a Metropolitan Planning Commission and it’s in Rockford, Illinois. They were retained to look at that data and do an objective analysis on which properties of the 64 they prioritize the properties that would be available for this type of assistance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:54:37

• Program availability status

  • Summary: The program is no longer available to people in Freeport.
  • Evidence: “Is that agency located here in Freeport or Rockford? It’s Rockford, Illinois. It’s Rockford. How do the people here in Freeport sign up for that type of program? It’s no longer available. Oh, it’s no longer available? In 2021 was when that was done. So this is an effect as we speak today.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:55:19

• Grant prioritization and current status

  • Summary: The consultant analyzed the 64 applicants to prioritize properties based on need, and the property discussed was identified as the top need based on that analysis. The process involved working with a state grant manager, leading to a bid opening.
  • Evidence: “The properties, there were 64 applicants that were analyzed by a separate entity independent of the city of Freeport that have, that’s essentially one of their, in their scope of work, that’s what they would do. They perform that analysis for us. They prioritized, according to the 64 properties, the top need based. And this particular property was the top need based on their analysis. And in working with our grant manager at the state, we worked down from that list and we provided, we went through the process and had a bid opening and that’s where we’re at right now.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:55:40

• Future aid estimates

  • Summary: It is estimated that between eight to ten properties will end up receiving aid until the money runs out.
  • Evidence: “Yes. All six before or until the money runs out? Until the money runs out. We estimate it will probably be between eight to ten properties that will end up getting the aid.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:48

• Upcoming property walkthroughs and bid openings

  • Summary: Walkthroughs are scheduled for two more properties on October 10th, with another bid opening planned for October 24th for those two houses.
  • Evidence: “And all these these contractors that are interested in bidding, there’s going to be a walk through on two more properties on October 10th and there’s going to be another bid opening on October 24th for two more houses on this list.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:57

• Upcoming resolutions presentation

  • Summary: The speaker expects to present two more resolutions of this nature in November, potentially leading to a total of four homes being addressed by November (including one with a walkthrough on October 18th).
  • Evidence: “So based on that information, in November I should be presenting two more resolutions of this nature to council. So there would be a total of three homes. And there’s a fourth home that has a walk through on October 18th. So So essentially I could have four homes by November.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:57

• North Carolina/Tennessee/Georgia/South Carolina relief efforts

  • Summary: Several area churches are collecting dry goods, food, and clothing for relief efforts in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.
  • Evidence: “you know we’ve had you know very tragic situation down in north carolina tennessee georgia south carolina there are several area churches that are collecting dry goods food clothing other things for the relief efforts down there”
  • Source timestamp: 02:02:22

• Hurricane Milton warning

  • Summary: Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 storm with 80-mile an hour winds up to 220 mile per hour gusts and is headed directly for Tampa and Orlando.
  • Evidence: “for the folks in florida I don’t since we’ve been in this room Hurrican Milton is now a category 580 mile an hour winds up to 220 mile per hour gusts and it’s headed directly for Tampa and Orlando so it will be a very very rough day on Wednesday”
  • Source timestamp: 02:02:22

• City streets infrastructure improvement

  • Summary: There is positive feedback regarding the work being done on city streets and infrastructure in Freeport.
  • Evidence: “great work on all the city streets that we’ve seen we’ve been getting a lot of comments about that I think we’re finally turning the tide the roads here in the city of Freeport and the infrastructure so it’s a it’s a very positive time”
  • Source timestamp: 02:03:04

• Alderman pay structure discussion

  • Summary: A discussion was held regarding the compensation for elected officials, including aldermen and the mayor.
  • Evidence: “I want to go back to the alderman pay the mayor pay city clerk pay discussion you guys get the agendas just like all of us get the agendas out here differences is a lot of us look at them and it seems like you guys continue to not look at them. When you guys talk about the Alderman pay, I wanna stick to that here, okay?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:03:51

• Alderman job description knowledge

  • Summary: A concern was raised regarding whether aldermen know their job descriptions and what the position is worth.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders asked a question, what do the Alderman do? How long have you guys all been Alderman? You guys should know what the job description is, okay?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:04:47

• Cost of elected official service

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the cost to the city for elected officials to perform their duties.
  • Evidence: “we just want to know how much is it going to cost for our elected officials to do their jobs?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:05:13

• Alderman compensation calculation

  • Summary: The speaker calculated that aldermen are paid less than $10 a day to represent their ward.
  • Evidence: “By my calculations, City Alderman, you get paid less than $10 a day to represent your ward.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:05:51

• Mayor compensation comparison

  • Summary: The speaker noted that the mayor is currently paid about $80 a day, despite it being considered a part-time position.
  • Evidence: “Madam Mayor, we paid the mayor about $13 to sit through this tonight. We pay our mayor right now about $80 a day. I get it’s a part-time position.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:35

Public Comment

• Mayor’s performance and city management accountability
  • Summary: A speaker questioned the value of the mayor’s position over seven and a half years and challenged council members to present a plan or proposal.
  • Evidence: “She is my mayor right now every single day of the year for the past seven and a half years. What is that position is worth? So I challenge you and I know I’m gonna run out of time here take this week like you should have taken the past two weeks think of something you asked our city manager to go pull numbers he did that he did his job how come our eight aldermen didn’t do their jobs go figure out what your plan is what your proposal is and come to some kind of agreement so we can move forward we need better people wanting these positions thank you mayor thank you”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:45

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Award of Valor for Patrolman Moore

  • Summary: Chief Shenberger presented the Award of Valor to Patrolman Moore for actions during a standoff involving a mental health crisis.
  • Evidence: “Item number five is the award of valor presented by Chief Shenberger Moore. Patrolman Moore was initially the only officer on scene and made contact with the suspect male who expressed to Patrolman Moore that he was experiencing a mental health crisis… Upon review of Patrolman Moore’s actions taken that day, I would no doubt recommend him for the Award of Valor, as he was first displayed bravely that went beyond equality. And two, this is the second Award of Valor, which is the highest Award of Valor that Patrolman Moore has received.”

• Columbus Day holiday schedule

  • Summary: The committee of the whole meeting is scheduled for Tuesday because Monday is Columbus Day.
  • Evidence: “I just wanted to remind council that next Monday is a holiday, it’s Columbus Day, so the committee of the whole is on Tuesday, so don’t come on Monday, it’s Tuesday.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:01:23

Follow-ups

• Property Policy Review

  • Summary: A request was made for someone to look at the property to see if it meets policy standards.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Knapp. I’m going to ask you to look at this property to see if it meet our policy standards, terms and whatever the case may be.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:23

• Bid delivery method

  • Summary: Bids can be delivered in person or mailed; all bids must be checked into the clerk with a time and date stamp, and opened publicly at the meeting room.
  • Evidence: “So when the bids are delivered, are they delivered in person or are they mailed in or how does that work? They can do both. Any city bid can be mailed in or delivered on the day. They have to be checked in to the clerk, Dovie has to check them in with a time and date stamp and then they’re open publicly at the meeting room that anybody can come to and they’re open in the order that they’re received.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:50:16

• Proposal for better governance plan

  • Summary: A request was made for the council to develop and present a concrete proposal or agreement on how to move forward with city governance.
  • Evidence: “I challenge you and I know I’m gonna run out of time here take this week like you should have taken the past two weeks think of something you asked our city manager to go pull numbers he did that he did his job how come our eight aldermen didn’t do their jobs go figure out what your plan is what your proposal is and come to some kind of agreement so we can move forward”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:54