Meeting Events

Meeting: bg3xsr8ivig.city_council_meeting_3_16_2026

Meeting date: 2026-03-16

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

• Chairperson Pro Tem Appointment

  • Summary: Motion to appoint Alderman Shadle as mayor pro tem.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
  • Evidence: “I would make the motion to approve Alderman Shadle as mayor pro tem.”
  • Evidence: “Second. All in favor say aye aye anyone opposed chair the meeting is yours thank you”
  • Source timestamp: 01:47

• Approval of Agenda Item One — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve item one: approval of the agenda.
  • Evidence: “So move.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion by Klemm, second by Sellers. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? That passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:49

• Approval of Minutes from February 17th, 2026 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the minutes from the council meeting on February 17th of 2026.
  • Evidence: “So move. Second.”
  • Evidence: “Motion by Klemm, second by Sellers to approve. All in favor? Aye. And opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:09

• Approval of Consent Agenda Items

  • Summary: Motion to approve all items on the consent agenda.
  • Evidence: “do I have a motion to approve motion by Parker second by Johnson”
  • Source timestamp: 06:52

• Approval of Finance Bills Payable and Payroll

  • Summary: Motion to approve the finance bills payable, payroll, and associated invoices.
  • Attribution: Parker
  • Evidence: “do I have a motion to approve motion by Parker second by Johnson Alderman Stacy”
  • Source timestamp: 06:52

• Roll Call for Finance Approval — Passed

  • Summary: Calling the roll on Parker, Stacey, Shadle, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, and Simmons regarding the motion.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, can you call the roll on that? Parker, Stacey, Shadle, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, and Simmons. The motion passes 7-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:45

• Appointment of Shelly Grigoroff to Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

  • Summary: Motion regarding the appointment of Shelly Grigoroff.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “That moves to item six is appointments, appointment of Shelly Grigoroff to fill a vacant seat on and the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, effective through April 30th of 2027.”
  • Source timestamp: 11:08

• Appointment of Scott Arnold to Pension Boards

  • Summary: Motion regarding appointments for Scott Arnold and Robert Bush.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “The appointment of Scott Arnold to the Police Pension Fund Board, effective through April 30th of 2028. Appointment of Scott Arnold to the Firefighters Pension Board Fund Board, effective through April 30th, 2029. Reappointment of Robert Bush to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, effective through April 30th of 2029. And with approval, we’d do this in one motion.”
  • Source timestamp: 11:28

• Appointment Package Approval — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the package of appointments.
  • Attribution: Klemm, N/A
  • Evidence: “Motion by Klemm, second by Sellers. Is any discussion?”
  • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And that motion passes seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 12:07

• Adoption of 2025 Zoning Map

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the 2025 official zoning map.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “So move. Second?”

• Ordinance 2026-12 Adoption Vote

  • Summary: Roll call vote on the adoption of the 2025 zoning map.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you take the roll? I missed the second time, sorry. This is actually second reading up, so there’d actually be a motion to second. You’re right, thank you. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? You’re just going to abstain for that one? Okay Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:14

• Second reading vote on zoning map — Passed

  • Summary: Vote results for the adoption of the 2025 official zoning map.
  • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? You’re just going to abstain for that one? Okay Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. And the ordinance passes 7-0. With one abstention.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:32

• Moving Ordinance 2026-13 to second reading

  • Summary: Motion to move Ordinance 2026-13 forward to a second reading.
  • Evidence: “staff recommends moving this forward to a second reading. So move.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Have a motion by Sellers, second by Johnson, Ohm.”
  • Evidence: “staff recommends moving forward to second reading. So move.”
  • Evidence: “Motion by seller, second by Parker.”
  • Evidence: “Staff recommends moving this to second reading. I need a motion and a second.”
  • Evidence: “So moved. Motion by Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:04

• Moving to second reading on ordinance amendments regarding sanitary sewer connections and illicit discharge

  • Summary: Motion to move the discussion item to second reading.
  • Evidence: “Staff recommends moving this to second reading. I need a motion and a second. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Motion by Sellers. Second. Seconded by Johnson.”
  • Source timestamp: 19:00

• Moving on Ordinance amending Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1040, Utilities Generally, Section 1040-07A and Section 1040-07B, Connection Required Aligning with New Julie Laws

  • Summary: Motion to approve the ordinance amendment.
  • Evidence: “I have a motion to approve. So move.”
  • Evidence: “Motion by Johnson, second by Sellers,”
  • Source timestamp: 27:12

• Moving to second reading of ordinance 202617

  • Summary: Motion to move on to second reading.
  • Evidence: “And staff recommends moving this on to second reading. Thank you. I have a motion to approve. So move.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:12

• Motion to Move Forward

  • Summary: A motion was made to move forward with the item.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “We have a motion to move this on. So move.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion by Sellers, second by Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:30

• Acceptance of aviation fuel tax grant — Approved

  • Summary: Motion to accept the aviation fuel tax grant.
  • Attribution: Klemm
  • Evidence: “staff requests moving forward with resolution to accept the aviation fuel tax grant. Motion approved.”
  • Evidence: “Motion by Klemm, second by Johnson.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:29

• Roll call vote on resolution adoption — Passed

  • Summary: Roll call results for a resolution, with Parker voting Aye, Stacy voting No, Shadle voting Aye, Sanders voting No, Sellers voting Aye, Klemm voting Aye, Johnson voting Aye, and Simmons voting Aye.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, can you take the roll? Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:46

• Joint Participation Agreement for rock salt contract

  • Summary: Motion to move forward with the joint participation agreement, moved by Sellers and seconded by Klemm.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Motion by Sellers, second by Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:24

• Adoption of resolution R-2026-33: Extension and renewal of purchase of service agreement with Stephenson County Senior Center — Adopted

  • Summary: The motion to approve an extension and renewal of the purchase of service agreement was voted upon.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”

• Extension of Purchase of Service Contract with Senior Resource Center

  • Summary: Motion to approve the extension of the purchase of service contract between the City of Leapwood and Senior Resource Center for the operation of Precious City Area Transit.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Harker.”
  • Evidence: “Motion by Seller, second by Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:46

• Extension of purchase of service contract for Precious City Area Transit operation — Adopted

  • Summary: Motion to approve the extension of the purchase of service contract between the City of Leapwood and Senior Resource Center for the operation of Precious City Area Transit.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Harker. Motion by Seller, second by Klemm.”
  • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders is absent, Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The resolution is adopted seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:46

• Special Warranty for Public Transportation Funding

  • Summary: Motion regarding the special warranty for public transportation funding.
  • Evidence: “We have a motion. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion by Klemm. Second. Second by Parker. Any discussion? Madam Clerk? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:45

• Special warranty for public transportation funding (Number three) — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the special warranty for public transportation funding.
  • Evidence: “For this one we are really focusing on number three which is the special warranty for public transportation funding which affirms Thank you. We have a motion. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:45

• Application for Federal 5311 Grant (R-2026-36) — Adopted

  • Summary: Motion to approve resolution authorizing an application to be made to the office of Intermodal Project Implication IDOT for financial assistance grant under section 5311.
  • Evidence: “Do we have a motion? So move. Second. Motion by Johnson. Second by Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:20

• Agreement with Fehr Graham for Bridge Inspections

  • Summary: City Council move to move forward with the agreement with Fehr Graham for the bridge inspections for 2026.
  • Evidence: “City Council move to move forward with the agreement with Fehr Graham for the bridge inspections for 2026. Do I have a motion? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion by Klemm, second by Johnson.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:16:32

• Approval to purchase message board equipment using grant funds

  • Summary: Motion to approve the purchase of two message boards.
  • Evidence: “Motion to approve. So moved. Motion by Klemm.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Second by Johnson.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:21:32

• Confirmation of presence for various council members

  • Summary: A confirmation was sought from multiple council members regarding their participation or agreement on the matter discussed.
  • Evidence: “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:21

• Adoption of resolution R-202638: Purchase of portable handheld police radios from Motorola Solutions — Adopted

  • Summary: Resolution authorizing the purchase of portable handheld police radios from Motorola Solutions was adopted.
  • Evidence: “That resolution is adopted eight to zero. Thank you. Adoption of resolution R-202638. Resolution authorizing the purchase of portable handheld police radios from Motorola Solutions.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:32

• Adoption of resolution R-2026-39: Purchase of sewer and storm system manhole replacement castings and materials — Adopted

  • Summary: Resolution approving a quote from J&R Supply for the purchase of sewer and storm system manhole replacement castings and materials was adopted.
  • Evidence: “It is adopted 8-0 as well. Thank you. Adoption of resolution R-2026-39. Approving a quote from J&R Supply for the purchase of sewer and storm system manhole replacement castings and materials.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:38

• Purchase of sewer and storm system manhole replacement castings and materials — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to move forward with the material purchase for sewer and storm system manhole replacement castings and materials.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Motion by Klemm. Second by Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted eight to zero. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:20

• Inclusion of water box replacements during road work — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution regarding the inclusion of water boxes when repairing or replacing defective water mains was adopted.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted eight to zero. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:53

• Resolution adoption — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted eight to zero.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:53

Procedural Actions

• Meeting Call to Order Status

  • Summary: Mayor Miller is absent tonight.
  • Evidence: “Mayor Miller is absent tonight.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38

• Consent Agenda Items Consideration

  • Summary: All items on the consent agenda are considered routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion.
  • Evidence: “Go to the consent agenda, all items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:28

• Adoption of 2025 official zoning map

  • Summary: Staff recommends the adoption of the 2025 official zoning map.
  • Evidence: “And then we have two inaccuracies that were identified this year. We staff recommends the adoption of the 2025 official zoning map. So move.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:02

• Second reading vote on zoning map

  • Summary: The motion to second was called for the zoning map.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you take the roll? I missed the second time, sorry. This is actually second reading up, so there’d actually be a motion to second.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:14

• Moving to Second Reading

  • Summary: Staff recommended moving on to a second reading.
  • Evidence: “And with that, staff recommends moving on to a second reading.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:14

• Acceptance of IDOT Aviation Fuel Tax Grant

  • Summary: Grant funds are to be used for local governments for airport related purposes, and the city will submit invoices and proof of payment of airport management expenses to receive the grant funds.
  • Evidence: “Grant funds are to be used for local governments for airport related purposes. In the case of the city of Freeport, we’ve utilized the funds as reimbursement for expended airport management expenses. So the city of Freeport has received a notice for the grant for 2025 Ferts, and the city will submit invoices and proof of payment of airport management expenses in order to receive the grant funds.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:32

• Motion for adjournment

  • Summary: A motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
  • Evidence: “Anyone else? I would take a motion for adjournment. So move. Second. Motion by Sellers, second by Johnson.”

Ordinances and Resolutions

• Ordinance 2026-13: Amending Chapter 1448, Erosion Control Permits

  • Summary: First reading of Ordinance 2026-13 amending Chapter 1448 regarding MS4 Stormwater Erosion Control Permits.
  • Evidence: “Item Room Number 8 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-13. Ordinance amending Chapter 1448, Erosion Control Permits.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:53

• Ordinance 2026-14: Amending Chapter 660 (General Offenses)

  • Summary: First reading of Ordinance 2026-14 amending various sections within Chapter 660.
  • Evidence: “Item nine, first reading of ordinance 2026-14, Madam Clerk. One second. Ordinance Amending Part 6, General Offenses, Chapter 660, Additional Hazardous Materials, Section 660.02, Definitions, 660.05, Prohibition, and Adding Sections, 660.09, Injunctive Relief and Administrative Hearing, 660.10, Access to Premises, 660.11, Notification of Discharge, 660.12, Notice of Violation, 660.13, Suspension of Activities, and 660.14, Abatement Costs.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:03

• Ordinance 2026-15: Amending Chapter 1046 and Chapter 1050 (Utilities)

  • Summary: First reading of Ordinance 2026-15 amending sections related to sanitary sewer discharge and illicit discharge.
  • Evidence: “Item 10, which is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-15. Ordinance amending Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1046, Sewers Generally, Section 1046.59, Discharge of Storms, Surface, or Groundwater into Sanitary Sewers, and amending Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services, Title IV, Utilities, Chapter 1050, Storm Sewers, Section 1050.08, Illicit Discharge.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:43

• Ordinance approving a special use permit for adult use cannabis dispensing facility at 2725 Illinois Route 26, Unit A

  • Summary: First reading of ordinance 202617 regarding a special use permit.
  • Evidence: “We’ll move to item 12. First reading of ordinance 202617. Ordinance approving a special use permit to allow adult use cannabis dispensing facility at 2725 Illinois Route 26, Unit A.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:41

• Certificate of Authority for Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement with the State of Illinois

  • Summary: Resolution approving a Certificate of Authority to vote regarding the Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement with the State of Illinois.
  • Evidence: “Item 14, adoption of resolution R-2026-32. Madam Clerk. Resolution approving a Certificate of Authority to vote regarding Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement with the State of Illinois.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:10

• Adoption of resolution R-2026-30: Accepting Special Warranty for 5311 Grant Application Regarding Pretzel City Transit

  • Summary: The adoption of resolution R-2026-30, accepting special warranty for the 5311 Grant Application regarding Pretzel City Transit.
  • Evidence: “Adoption of resolution R-2026-30. Resolution Accepting Special Warranty for 5311 Grant Application Regarding Pretzel City Transit”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:46

• Authorizing application for financial assistance grant (Section 5311)

  • Summary: Resolution authorizing an application to be made to the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation, IDOT, for a financial assistance grant under Section 5311 for a physical year of 2026.
  • Evidence: “A resolution authorizing an application to be made to the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation, IDOT, for a financial assistance grant under Section 5311 for a physical year of 2026 for the purpose of offsetting a portion of the Public Transportation Program operating deficiencies of the City of Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:46

• Accepting special warranty for public transportation funding

  • Summary: Resolution accepting the special warranty for public transportation funding, affirming that transit employees will be treated fairly under the terms of the warranty.
  • Evidence: “A resolution accepting the special warranty for public transportation funding which affirms the transit employees will be treated fairly under the terms of the warranty”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:15

• City participation in grant programs and local matching funds

  • Summary: Resolution accepting that the City of Freeport is participating in said grant programs and will provide local and matching funds.
  • Evidence: “and resolution accepting the City of Report is participating in said grant programs and will provide local and matching funds which are obtained through service contracts, grant funding, allocations from Senior Resource Center, and donations.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:15

• Prior approval for grant participation items — Approved

  • Summary: Items 2 and 3 regarding the grant application were approved by City Council on June 17, 2024.
  • Evidence: “The City of Report does not provide local matching funds to these operations. In the 1, 2, 3, 4 list above. It was approved by City Council on June 17, 2024, ordinance 2024-32.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:15

• Adoption of Resolution R-2026-35

  • Summary: Resolution authorizing execution and amendment of Federal 5311 Grant Agreement for Fiscal year, 2027.
  • Evidence: “Adoption of Resolution R-2026-35. Resolution authorizing execution and amendment of Federal 5311 Grant Agreement for Fiscal year, 2027.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:25

• Adoption of Resolution R-2026-36

  • Summary: Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide bridge inspection services for the city bridges located on Hancock Avenue and on Van Buren Avenue.
  • Evidence: “Adoption of resolution R-2026-36. Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide bridge inspection services for the city bridges located on Hancock Avenue and on Van Buren Avenue.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:39

• Acceptance of safety grant funds for message boards

  • Summary: Adoption of resolution R-202637 accepting a safety grant from the Illinois Public Risk Fund and authorizing the use of grant funds to purchase portable message boards from road safe traffic systems.
  • Evidence: “Adoption of resolution R-202637. Resolution accepting a safety grant from the Illinois Public Risk Fund and authorizing the use of grant funds to purchase portable message boards from road safe traffic systems.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:06

Financial and Contract Events

• Approval of Finance Bills Payable (Packet 8081-8086) — Approved

  • Summary: Total amount for finance bills payable packet 8081, 8083, 8085, and 8086.
  • Evidence: “Approval of the Finance Bills Payable, packet 8081, 8083, 8085, and 8086 and unnamed or unnumbered packet invoices to be approved for payment Register February 26th of 2026 through March 12th of 2026 Totalling $1,387,372.98”
  • Source timestamp: 06:52

• Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending March 7th, 2026

  • Summary: Total payroll amount including fringe benefit payments.
  • Evidence: “Approval of payroll for pay period ending March 7th, 2026 In the amount of $569,813.98 with fringe benefit payments in the amount of one hundred and forty thousand four hundred and twenty four dollars and twenty eight cents for a total of seven hundred and ten thousand two hundred and thirty eight dollars and twenty six cents”
  • Source timestamp: 06:52

• Extension and renewal of Purchase of Service Agreement for Pretzel City Transit program

  • Summary: The contract allows for an option to extend and renew the purchase of service agreement between the city and SRC, covering July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027.
  • Evidence: “The purchase of service contract between the city and SRC is affected from July 1st, 2024 through July 30th, 2026 with the option to extend and renew for one additional year beginning on July 1st, 2026 and ending on June 30th, 2027.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:08:13

Presentations and Reports

• Fire Department Promotions and Commission Appointment

  • Summary: Presentation regarding the City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission appointing Travis Holtz as Lieutenant.
  • Evidence: “The City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all whom these present chair, Travis Holtz, have been duly appointed to the position of Lieutenant in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stephenson and the State of Illinois for the term from from the 16th day of March, 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:12

• Travis Holtz Qualifications

  • Summary: Details regarding Travis Holtz’s qualifications.
  • Evidence: “Be safe. Travis was hired August 24th 2012. He’s an advanced certified firefighter, paramedic, instructor to fire apparatus engineer, company fire officer, and hazardous materials technician. He’s also trained in rope operations and vehicle machinery. He’s got an associate’s degree in fire science at Rock Valley College. He received a life-saving award for the fire 202 and a half West Main Street. He previously ran the department’s fire explorer program and adopt a hydrant programs. He’s been member of the foreign fire board for four years. He’s a lifelong Freeport resident, graduated from Freeport High School. He’s married to Desi and this is their son Trey.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:58

• Minutes Approval

  • Summary: Approval to receive and place on file minutes for multiple committees and reports.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “And it consists of approval to receive and place on file minutes of the committee board and commission meetings of Art and Culture Commission, January 8th, 2026, Liquor Commission, December 11th, 2025 and February 12th, 2026, Fire Department Report, February 2026, Building Permit Report, February 2026, CDBG Housing Rehab Grant Invoices, February 26, 2026, March 12, 2026 Approval of the Finance Bills Payable, packet 8081, 8083, 8085, and 8086 and unnamed or unnumbered packet invoices to be approved for payment Register February 26th of 2026 through March 12th of 2026 Totalling $1,387,372.98 Approval of payroll for pay period ending March 7th, 2026 In the amount of $569,813.98 with fringe benefit payments in the amount of one hundred and forty thousand four hundred and twenty four dollars and twenty eight cents for a total of seven hundred and ten thousand two hundred and thirty eight dollars and twenty six cents”
  • Source timestamp: 06:52

• Ordinance 2026-12 Zoning Map Adoption

  • Summary: Presentation on the second reading of Ordinance adopting zoning map.
  • Attribution: Director Heimerdinger
  • Evidence: “And that leads us to the second reading of ordinance 2026-12 if you could. Ordinance adopting zoning map. By Director Heimerdinger please. Thank you. The Illinois compiled statues requires a map to be We show this in our first reading, where we have five amendments that went through Zoning Board of Appeals and also Planning Commission, and then were approved by council. And then we have two inaccuracies that were identified this year. We staff recommends the adoption of the 2025 official zoning map.”
  • Source timestamp: 12:17

• Ordinance 2026-13: Amendments to Chapter 1448

  • Summary: The proposed amendments establish clear permit classifications based on project size and type of land use disturbance, strengthen erosion and sediment control plans, clarify inspections, reporting, and documentation standards, and expand enforcement authority.
  • Evidence: “Last meeting on March 9th, staff was available. We went over the amendments to Chapter 1448, MS4 Stormwater Erosion Control Permits. As mentioned during that time, the proposed amendments establish clear permit classifications based on project size and type of land use disturbance. The ordinance strengthens erosion and sediment control plans and requires requirements to ensure appropriate best management practices are designed and implemented. The amendments also clarify inspections, reporting, and documentation standards for regulated sites. In addition, the ordinance expands enforcement authority, including the issuance of stop Park orders when necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:39

• Ordinance 2026-14: Proposed amendments to Chapter 660

  • Summary: The proposed amendments revise specific provisions within Chapter 660, declare five regulatory sections, remove outdated or conflicting provisions, strengthen enforcement authority, and ensure alignment with current state regulations.
  • Evidence: “Thank you, Alderman Shadle. The proposed amendments revise specific provisions within Chapter 660, Declare five regulatory So I’ll move. Second. In the code and remove outdated or conflicting provisions. The amendments also strengthen enforcement authority where necessary and ensure alignment with current state regulations and city practices.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:03

• Ordinance 2026-15: Proposed changes to sewer and stormwater regulations

  • Summary: The proposed changes clarify prohibited connections to the sanitary sewer and strengthen the City’s authority to require corrective action. Amendments update the definition of illicit discharge and reinforce the City’s authority to investigate and enforce violations.
  • Evidence: “Thank you, Alderman Shadle. The proposed changes to Section 1046.59 clarify prohibited connections to the sanitary sewer and strengthens the City’s authority to require corrective action. The amendments in Section 1050.08 update the definition of illicit discharge and reinforce the City’s authority to investigate and enforce violations.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:30

• Ordinance amending Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1040, Utilities Generally, Section 1040-07A and Section 1040-07B, Connection Required Aligning with New Julie Laws

  • Summary: The ordinance amends the city code to require tracer wire or approved locating technology for applicable water and sewer service lines due to state law changes.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Item 11. First reading of Ordinance 2026-16. Ordinance amending Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1040, Utilities Generally, Section 1040-07A and Section 1040-07B, Connection Required Aligning with New Julie Laws. … The proposed ordinance amends and updates the city code to reflect the state requirements.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:36

• Special use permit application for adult use cannabis dispensary at 2725 Illinois Route 26, Unit A

  • Summary: Presentation regarding the special use permit application from Botavi Wellness LLC.
  • Attribution: Director Heimerdinger
  • Evidence: “Staff received a special use permit application on February 10th, 2026 from Botavi Wellness LLC to allow an adult use cannabis dispensary organization at 2725 Illinois Route 26, Unit A here in Freeport, Illinois. The property is within the B3 Commercial and Wholesale Business District, Section 1252.05B4 of the City Freeport Zoning Code states that adult use cannabis dispensing organizations require a special use permit.”
  • Source timestamp: 28:04

• Special use permit details for cannabis dispensary

  • Summary: Details regarding the proposed location, traffic impact, and compliance requirements for the new dispensary.
  • Attribution: Director Heimerdinger
  • Evidence: “The petitioner would like to open an adult use cannabis dispensary organization, which would be the first dispensary in Freeport and the only dispensary in Stephenson County. … Adequate parking exists in this location to accommodate expected occupancy. Traffic to the main corridors is not expected to be significantly impacted, Pacted, as even at peak, traffic flow to this type of business is small compared to the traffic already handled at this location for the big box retailers, which is Walmart and Menards, who currently operate there.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:19

• Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation for cannabis dispensary permit

  • Summary: The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval.
  • Evidence: “On March 5th in 2026, the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended the approval by a vote of five yeas, one nay, and zero abstentions.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:22

• Planning Commission recommendation for cannabis dispensary permit

  • Summary: The Planning Commission recommended approval.
  • Evidence: “On March 12th, the Planning Commission recommended approval for a vote of six yeas and zero nays.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:04

• Appendix A compliance outline

  • Summary: Outline detailing the petitioner’s ability to comply with Chapter 1274.
  • Evidence: “The first one, Appendix A, which is not on the screen yet, but this outlines the petitioner’s ability to comply with Chapter 1274, which was adopted by the City of Freeport in 2019, which outlines how a cannabis dispensing organization should sit within the City of Freeport and outlines its compliance within those restrictions.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:11

• Appendix B security features summary

  • Summary: Summary of stringent state security rules for cannabis businesses, including monitoring access.
  • Evidence: “And then we go to Appendix B, which is a summary of security features for these types of businesses. They have very stringent rules by the state. As you can see there on the very first one, the colored floor plan up above, you can see that they enter that green, um, that’s a check-in room. Uh, you have to be 21 to enter this facility. If you are, if you enter and you’re not 21, they will immediately escort you out and you will be asked to leave.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:50

• Facility Security and Inventory Procedures

  • Summary: The facility is fully monitored with the Illinois State Police having access to the camera system at all times without a warrant or permission.
  • Evidence: “So every square inch of this place is monitored. And in fact, the Illinois State Police has access to the camera system at all times without a warrant or permission. So people, everything is monitored.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:43

• Facility Inventory Procedures

  • Summary: The facility requires daily inventory checks; if inventory is off, they must immediately shut down and have 24 hours to resolve the issue.
  • Evidence: “They have to do inventory every single day. If inventory is off, they have to immediately shut down and they have 24 hours to figure and so forth.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:14

• Building Changes for Signage

  • Summary: The biggest change in the building is that the sign will be updated to the name; otherwise, there are no other changes.
  • Evidence: “the elevations show that the biggest change of the building is just that the sign will be updated to the name. But from other than that, there’s, there’s nothing else.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:53

• Presentation by young man regarding business proposal

  • Summary: A council member noted that a ‘young man’ gave an excellent presentation and answered all questions, despite few citizens attending.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “I did come to the meeting that they did, excuse me, do the presentation. The young people, the young people, the young people, the young people, the young people, the young people, the young people, the young people, the young people, Youngman did an excellent presentation. He answered all the questions.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:26

• Cannabis Dispensary Regulations and Facts

  • Summary: Presentation detailing that permits are regulated by state law, requiring large bonds with Illinois, noting two available licenses in Stephenson County, and outlining security requirements (24/7 guard, scan-in only).
  • Evidence: “So um, the permits are regulated by the state. The company would have to file a very large bond, millions of dollars with the state of Illinois to be approved for a facility like this in Freeport. There are two licenses, I believe, available for Stephenson County. So choosing no here would probably allow it to go to another town in our, in our region.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:28

• Cannabis Dispensary Tax Contributions

  • Summary: Information regarding tax contributions from cannabis sales, including a state safety tax going to the police department and a city tax that is much larger than other percentages of taxes.
  • Evidence: “There is a safety, uh, tax to this, uh, uh, cannabis purchase that goes directly to the police department to, uh, help increase standards for the police department and not standards, but funding for the police department. There’s also a city tax that comes from the cannabis that is much larger than our other percentages of taxes”
  • Source timestamp: 52:25

• Available Locations for Dispensary

  • Summary: Identification of three available locations in Freeport based on current zoning: north of town, south of town, or downtown.
  • Evidence: “I believe it was presented at the planning commission that there is really three pockets in Freeport that would be available for this. It’s either north of town, south of town, or somewhere in the downtown. Those are the only three available based on our zoning right now that that are available for this type of facility.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:39

• Grant funds usage for Freeport airport management expenses

  • Summary: The city of Freeport received a notice for the 2025 Ferts grant and must submit invoices and proof of payment for airport management expenses to receive the funds.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So the city of Freeport has received a notice for the grant for 2025 Ferts, and the city will submit invoices and proof of payment of airport management expenses in order to receive the grant funds.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:32

• Rock Salt Program procedural requirement

  • Summary: The City must submit its Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement by April 7th with City Council resolution approval because the State of Illinois has made a procedural requirement for municipalities to be included in the Rock Salt Program.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “The State of Illinois has made a procedural requirement for municipalities to be included in the Rock Salt Program. The City must submit its Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement by April 7th with City Council resolution approval.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:36

• Requirements for State of Illinois 5311 Transportation Program and DOAP application

  • Summary: The City of Freeport is required to have Council approval for several items related to the annual transportation grant application.
  • Evidence: “As part of our annual transportation grant application to the State of Illinois under the 5311 Transportation Program and Downstate Operating Assistance Program, DOAP, the City of Freeport is required to have the Council approval for the following.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:31

• Federal 5311 Grant Application Information

  • Summary: Information regarding the application to the office of Intermodal Project Implication IDOT for financial assistance grant under section 5311.
  • Evidence: “This is number 2 of what I was just discussing. It has the same memo attached. And this is for resolution authorizing an application to be made to the office of Intermodal Project Implication IDOT for financial assistance grant under section 5311 for physical year of Piquette, Precious City Area Transit offered 49,846 trips covering 250,000 miles within Stephenson County. Of those trips, approximately 21,000 were for employment, 9,600 for medical visits, and 8,200 for shopping in the area.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:35

• Source well quote for message board units

  • Summary: City staff received a source well procurement quote for two IDOT approved message Bridge Board units, totaling $32,750. The quote includes the trailer, controller, chargers, solar panel, and generator power.
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Alderman Shadle. City staff received a source well procurement quote for two IDOT approved message Bridge Board. So those are the toe behind. So those are the tow behind boards we set up that say you know river level is this high or you know construction in this area till such and such a date. We had one at recently the motherboard some of the electronics burned out on it rendering it useless. So this quote is from the road safe traffic systems and includes a message board trailer controller chargers solar panel solar Miller Panel Generator Power to run the unit completely. The purchase of the two units is $32,750, delivered to Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:06

• Illinois Public Risk Fund grant details

  • Summary: The Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) grant award will be $16,244. The remaining funds of $16,506 were budgeted in the street department budget this year for the 2026 planned purchase.
  • Evidence: “The IPRF grant award will be $16,244 and the remaining funds of $16,506 were budgeted in the street department budget this year, including water and sewer for the 2026 planned purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:21:06

• Freeport Police Department radio replacement plan

  • Summary: The Freeport Police Department is in its fifth year of a five-year plan to replace portable handheld Motorola radios; the department received a quote to replace 10 radios and accessories for $63,596.10.
  • Attribution: Lieutenant Weichel
  • Evidence: “So, the Freeport Police Department is currently in the fifth year of a five-year plan to replace the portable handheld Motorola radios currently being utilized by all sworn police officers. Their main radios in circulation still function, however, they have reached end of life. Currently, Motorola is the only supplier of portable handheld police radios. The police department has received a quote to replace 10 Motorola handheld police radios and accessories at a total cost of $63,596.10. Funding for the 10 portable handheld Motorola radios and accessories is provided in fiscal year 2026, police department capital budget 331-302-7000, where $65,000 was budgeted for this purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:54

• Sewer and storm utility material purchase recommendation

  • Summary: City staff received quotes for 109 castings and lids from a supplier; the total cost is $43,648, which is about 50% of normal project bid costs. Staff recommends using sewer and storm utility CIP funds to purchase this material due to an eight to 10-week lead time.
  • Evidence: “So the city staff has received quotes from our sewer castings and lid material supplier for the knee-high representative. The utility staff requested a large order for most of the 2026 material in single purchase this year to achieve further cost savings. So the quote is for 109 castings and lids, and the total cost of the material and components is $43,648. There’s an eight to 10-week lead time for the production. The final cost is Settlers, about 50% of what they normally cost on a project bid, so staff will use sewer and storm utility CIP funds to purchase these items and staff recommends moving forward with the material purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:28:33

• Community development report on snow removal

  • Summary: A reminder was given that sidewalks should be shoveled so children and those needing to walk can get to school or work the next morning.
  • Attribution: Community development
  • Evidence: “Hi. I just wanted to remind everybody it snowed a lot today. I hope that you are safe, but keep in mind that we do want sidewalks shoveled so that kids can get to school and anybody who needs to walk on the sidewalk can get to work tomorrow morning.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:50

• Community development report on snow removal

  • Summary: Reminder for residents to shovel sidewalks so children and those needing to walk can get to school or work.
  • Attribution: Community development
  • Evidence: “Hi. I just wanted to remind everybody it snowed a lot today. I hope that you are safe, but keep in mind that we do want sidewalks shoveled so that kids can get to school and anybody who needs to walk on the sidewalk can get to work tomorrow morning. So please help your neighbors out and get those sidewalks shoveled so that everybody can get where they need to go safely.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:50

• Public Works snow removal update

  • Summary: Public Works crews worked Sunday night salting and started plowing streets this morning around three o’clock, continuing until the afternoon. The city will not continue major plowbacks as temperatures are expected to reach the fifties by Thursday.
  • Evidence: “I’d really like to thank our Public Works crews for starting around, actually, they work Sunday night salting and they started this morning around three o’clock plowing streets and didn’t finish up till this afternoon. Appreciate their dedication to getting it done. I want to let everybody know that we’re not going to continue to haul snow out over the next few days. We’re not going to do major plowbacks. It’s going to be up in the fifties by Thursday. So a lot of this is going to melt away quickly. So we don’t want to waste city fuel and manpower hauling snow away that’s going to melt.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:24

• Public Works/Ordinance update (MS4)

  • Summary: Randy Kolbauer showed interest in helping rewrite ordinances for the MS4 and erosion stuff. The 1719 Main Street demo has slowed due to weather, but action is hoped for next week.
  • Evidence: “I’d like to thank Randy Kolbauer who came to this meeting and the last meeting shows her interest in the department and helping us rewrite the ordinances for the MS4 and the erosion and the Julie stuff. She didn’t have have to come, but she’s been at the last two meetings. The 1719 Main Street demo, uh, obviously with the weather, it’s slowed down a little bit. So as the snow melts away, we hope to see some action there next week.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:24

• City Manager report on blizzard conditions

  • Summary: The public works team performed well during a significant late season winter storm with hazardous conditions including accumulating snow, blowing and drifting snow, and wind gusts up to 40 to 45 miles per hour. Snow removal was completed without property damage or employee injuries.
  • Attribution: City manager
  • Evidence: “Over the last 24 hours Freeport and Stephenson County experienced a significant late season winter storm with the National Weather Service placing our area under a blizzard warning and reporting hazardous conditions that included accumulating snow, blowing and drifting snow, and wind gusts up to 40 to 45 miles per hour. Official snow fall reporting in Illinois Show’s 24-hour total is topping over 9 inches in parts of the border storm area, and locally this was made more challenging by reduced visibility, bitter cold, and difficult travel conditions. In that environment, our public works team performed very well. At this time, it is my understanding that we completed snow removal operations without any property damage or employee injuries, which reflect a safe, disciplined, and highly professional response”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:23

• Neighborhood Watch meeting announcement (Johnson)

  • Summary: A neighborhood watch meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 PM at 3002 Farmedale Lane.
  • Attribution: Hollerman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Yes, we have a neighborhood watch meeting this Thursday at 6:30 PM at 3002 Farmedale Lane. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:02

• Street crews snow removal praise (Simmons)

  • Summary: Alderman Simmons praised the street crews for their excellent work moving around despite heavy snow.
  • Attribution: Hollerman Simmons
  • Evidence: “I don’t have anything. Well, I do want to say That the street crews did an awesome job. It was a lot of snow, and by the afternoon we were all able to get out and move around like it never happened. It was pretty awesome. Good job, guys. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:10

• Neighborhood Watch meeting announcement (Parker)

  • Summary: The next Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for the fourth Monday of the month.
  • Attribution: Hollerman Parker
  • Evidence: “Just our Neighborhood Watch meeting is next Monday night, the fourth Monday of the month. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:26

• Fifth Ward neighborhood watch and Zoning Board meeting notice (Stacey)

  • Summary: A Fifth Ward neighborhood watch meeting is tomorrow at the church on Carroll and Empire at six o’clock. Additionally, a town hall for the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the JCWiFi tower will be held on April 2nd.
  • Attribution: Hallerman Stacey
  • Evidence: “Yes, I would like to announce my Fifth Ward neighborhood watch tomorrow at the church on the corner of Carroll and Empire at six o’clock and also I believe Alderman Johnson, if you You can help me with this. That there’s a public forum meeting this week. What are you talking about? Are you talking about for the tower? Yes. I believe that’s April 2nd, isn’t it? So the Zoning Board of Appeals for the JCWiFi tower will be on April 2nd. They are hosting a, JCWiFi is going to host a town hall here at City Hall.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:34

• Senior citizen assistance program recommendation

  • Summary: A request was made to create a city program to assist senior citizens who cannot leave their homes due to massive snow events.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “One request and recommendation that I’d like to propose to council that we get behind senior citizens within our city and create a program that will allow us or them if they’re a certain age can’t get before they get out of their house because of massive snow like we have today.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:44

Discussion

• Unnumbered Packet Invoices

  • Summary: Discussion regarding unnumbered packets of invoices.
  • Attribution: N/A
  • Evidence: “What are the unnumbered packets? What do they consist of? Unnumbered packets? Would you be able to answer that, Director Rickman?”
  • Source timestamp: 08:47

• Unnumbered Packet Invoices Explanation

  • Summary: Explanation that unnumbered invoices are those not yet assigned a packet number because they have not been paid.
  • Attribution: Director Rickman
  • Evidence: “So, unnumbered means we haven’t run them yet. So the invoices that are in your packet, there’s a report of the largest packet, the million dollar one. There’s a list of every invoice that’s going to be paid there and with your approval tonight I’ll be able to run those tomorrow. And what if it exceeds what was approved? The amounts are set, they’re in your packet. The amount of the invoices are set, they’re in the packet. There’s a listing of every single invoice that I would like to pay and with the consent agenda being passed tonight. Then I will run them tomorrow.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:58

• Discussion regarding MS4 ordinances changes

  • Summary: A discussion occurred noting that changes were made to the alternating MS4 ordinances based on comments from Ms. Johnson.
  • Evidence: “I just wanted to mention that, uh, uh, we had a comments from, uh, Ms. Johnson and, uh, we took those into advisement and, and changes were made to the alternating MS4 ordinances that are on tonight based on her comments.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:46

• Cannabis dispensary siting regulations and requirements

  • Summary: Discussion on local authority, state law compliance, and specific distance/zoning requirements for cannabis dispensaries.
  • Evidence: “The state of Illinois has expressively predicted local authority, including home law authority, as to the licensing and operations of cannabis businesses. The state has, however, allowed local municipalities to regulate the siting of these businesses. The City of Freeport in 2019 exercised this authority and enacted Chapter 1274, adult use cannabis, in their codified ordinances. Specifically, the City of Freeport requires 1,500 feet between a dispensary and any school, Nursery or a licensed daycare facility and 300 feet from any residential district.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:11

• Community Input on Zoning Board Hearing

  • Summary: A public hearing regarding this matter was held at the Zoning Board of Appeals on March 5th.
  • Evidence: “Yes there was a Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing on March 5th that the community was always able to come in and voice their concerns or support. And when was this and at what time? This was at the Zoning Board of Appeals that was March 5th at 5.30 here at City Hall in Council Chambers.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:54

• Traffic Concerns Regarding New Business Location

  • Summary: A concern was raised regarding potential major traffic jams due to the expected influx of 200 to 500 customers daily into an already busy area.
  • Evidence: “I’m not supportive of it for one reason, because of if you stop to figure one of the things he brought up in his presentation was the fact that they’re We’re going to have between 200 and 500 customers a day. You add 200 and 500 customers a day to a place that already has over 1,000 over here and has 1,000 here and you’ve got all the other five stores up here and you’ve got one road coming into it and it splits off and either goes to Walmart or it goes to Menard so you’ve got all this traffic coming into there. I think you’ve got the major traffic jam of the century.”
  • Source timestamp: 37:59

• Traffic Flow Mitigation for New Business Location

  • Summary: The city can make suggestions to help move traffic in a way that keeps it less chaotic, but the area is private property.
  • Evidence: “The city can make suggestions to help kind of move traffic in a way that keeps it less chaotic. But above all, it is private. So at any point, anything could move into that facility, and you could have the same traffic issues.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:47

• Jurisdictional Concerns Regarding State Permitting

  • Summary: A concern was raised about forfeiting legal rights to prohibit a business if the state permits it without local authority.
  • Evidence: “I’ve been studying this to the point where we’re saying that the state allows this to happen without the authority of the city of Freeport, county of Freeport, nor home rule has no jurisdiction in these matters. So what are we saying that we’re forfeiting our legal rights to prohibit them from starting up a business?”
  • Source timestamp: 42:12

• Jurisdiction over cannabis business operations in Freeport

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether the state of Illinois or the city of Freeport has jurisdiction to regulate cannabis businesses, with clarification that the city can restrict location.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “So what are we saying that we’re forfeiting our legal rights to prohibit them from starting up a business? Are we complaining that what the state is permitting that the city wants to put a hold on this issue because we have not received the proper regulation, the security, all of and all these provisions that need to be put in place before such an event even be considered. But what I’m asking is, who is preempting this according to the discussion log that I’m reading? It sounds like it’s the state of Illinois or is codified that’s permitting such an event to take place in the city of Freeport saying, if I understand this right, saying that Freeport has no jurisdiction, or does our homeroom has any jurisdiction?”
  • Source timestamp: 42:44

• City restrictions on cannabis business location

  • Summary: A representative clarified that while the state makes cannabis legal, the city retains jurisdiction over where the business is located, referencing Chapter 1274 which set restrictions like 1500 feet from daycares and 300 feet from residential districts.
  • Attribution: Doerr
  • Evidence: “What the state has made a rule is that cannabis is legal in the state of Illinois. They are able to set up businesses. What the city has jurisdiction over is where does that business go within the city? And so the city in 2019 set up chapter 1274 which outlines where the counselor at the time thought was reasonable restrictions on where it could go and so in that way they did 1500 feet from any daycare, nursery, childcare facilities and then an additional 300 feet from any residential district. And that was the statues that were in place that the city could impose. So what the state did was say cannabis is legal, businesses can operate to sell cannabis, cities have the jurisdiction to indicate in what locations and put restrictions on it.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:05

• Safeguards for new business operations

  • Summary: Concerns were raised regarding who regulates securities and whether the Illinois State Police have 24-7 access to facility cameras without warrants.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “And who is regulating those securities? The state. The state regulates. Oh, so they’re going to come in here and do the regulations and set up all safeguards and. Yes. And if, in my presentation, the Illinois State Police has access to the cameras within the facility 24-7 without permission or without warrants, so they are looking into that.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:02

• Council vigilance regarding state mandates

  • Summary: A council member urged fellow members to remain vigilant and challenge state impositions to maintain the city’s respect and autonomy.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “And so I think we need to be, as council members, to be more vigilant in studying that as well as what the state is imposing upon the city of Freeport. It’s not one of those things that we’re just going to be happy and just go along with it without challenging it.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:07

• Meeting criteria compliance for business location

  • Summary: A council member stated that if a proposed location meets the established 2019 criteria, they must agree to it.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “My job is to make sure that where they want to put it, maybe it might not be where I like, but if it meets the criteria of what we said, where they need to be at in places, I have to agree with it because it does meet those standards. If it was something that, I don’t know, but it’s not. It’s where we said they have to be in order to have it.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:18

• Council authority on special use approval

  • Summary: A council member questioned if the council has the right to approve a special use for cannabis, and another confirmed that voting down the measure would prevent it from happening.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “Okay. I believe that we the council have say so in allowing this to happen. Am I wrong in thinking that? You have the right to approve a special use for the cannabis. So if we voted down, then it don’t come. Am I correct? If you chose to do that? Yes. Okay. So we do have right under this home rule or whatever you’re saying, Mr. Sanders, because if it’s voted down, then it won’t happen.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:13

• Cannabis Dispensary Approval and Regulations

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the city council’s authority to approve a special use for cannabis, including state regulations like required bonds, security guards, scan-in entry, and tax contributions.
  • Evidence: “So that’s why I would have to say yes, because they did meet the qualifications that we did ask them to meet. Stacey. Okay. I believe that we the council have say so in allowing this to happen. Am I wrong in thinking that? You have the right to approve a special use for the cannabis. So if we voted down, then it don’t come. Am I correct?”
  • Source timestamp: 50:05

• Cannabis Dispensary Approval and Regulations

  • Summary: Confirmation that voting down the measure means the dispensary will not happen.
  • Evidence: “So we do have right under this home rule or whatever you’re saying, Mr. Sanders, because if it’s voted down, then it won’t happen. And if we didn’t have a choice in the matter, it wouldn’t be on the floor.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:43

• Cannabis Dispensary Traffic Impact

  • Summary: Concern raised about potential traffic increase due to the dispensary, especially given its location near the Wisconsin border.
  • Evidence: “It is going to drive traffic. And this is an area that already sees plenty of traffic.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:28

• Cannabis Dispensary Customer Volume Concern

  • Summary: Concern raised regarding the projected customer volume of 200 to 500 customers a day and its impact on parking lot size.
  • Evidence: “the thing that threw the red flag up to me was 200 to 500 customers a day. Just knowing the area, just knowing what’s going on”
  • Source timestamp: 54:08

• Dispensary Lease Status

  • Summary: Question regarding whether the proposed dispensary will purchase or rent its location.
  • Evidence: “I would like to also know that is this if they purchase that or are they renting those places? It’s a lease.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:45

• City Tax Percentage from Cannabis

  • Summary: Clarification provided on the city tax percentage derived from cannabis sales and where those funds go.
  • Evidence: “Attorney zito so the amount of tax that goes directly to the city is a three percent tax that is a city ordinance that we were allowed to adopt back when the cannabis laws were first uh are when they first when the state first”
  • Source timestamp: 56:34

• Aviation fuel grant purpose and regulation

  • Summary: Discussion regarding who is presenting the aviation fuel grant, whether it is an annual obligation for the city, or if its use is restricted to the airport.
  • Evidence: “Who is presenting that to the city? Is that something that the city is regulated to do each year or at any point in time that we are obligated to to buy a few for what purpose or how has it been used throughout the city? Is it for city purposes or just the airport or how is that presented to the city of Freeport?”
  • Source timestamp: 58:54

• Alternative to rock salt for snow removal

  • Summary: Discussion on alternatives to using rock salt due to its diminishing effect on new asphalt roads, considering cost and environmental impact.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer, do we have any other option other than using rock salt because of the consequences of the New Roads that it can affect putting down a new road and using rock salt really diminishes the new asphalt that is being put, that we’re putting out now as new streets and whatever roads or whatever.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:24

• Feasibility of snow melt products

  • Summary: Discussion on other snow melt products, noting that liquid application from state trucks is very expensive and requires equipment not possessed by the city.
  • Evidence: “Some of the state trucks use liquid application, it’s very expensive, it’s really probably not in the affordable range, uh, for us. And we don’t have equipment to spread it either, but it’s a liquid applied.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:12

• Cost-effective snow and ice mitigation options for Northern Illinois municipalities

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the high cost of state liquid application salt and the lack of local equipment to spread it. Concerns were raised about alternatives to overspreading salt, especially given expected temperature fluctuations.
  • Evidence: “I would like Director Steekle input on that matter and what’s out there or what isn’t out there that could help save the new asphalt on our streets. Some of the state trucks use liquid application, it’s very expensive, it’s really probably not in the affordable range, uh, for us. And we don’t have equipment to spread it either, but it’s a liquid applied. Um, and then they still sometimes have to spread salt on days like today that we have, you know, far too much snow than what can melt fast enough. Um, so unfortunately in Northern Illinois, um, there’s not a lot of options that are cost effective for municipalities.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:02:45

• Salt usage and environmental concerns

  • Summary: Discussion covered the practice of using sand-salt mixes, noting that sand washes into storm sewers and rivers. Concerns were raised about rationing salt due to worries about saltwater entering storm basins.
  • Evidence: “So on a day like today, we tried to spread as little salt as possible, just enough to get by, um, uh, because we have, you know, 60, 50, 60 degree Temps coming towards the end of this week. So we wanted to have safe travel, but we don’t want to overspread it. So we were very light on salt over the next two days. And that’s kind of been a practice, um, 10 years ago, seven years ago, we, we did the sand salt mix to try to stretch our sand salt, but what Rob said is exactly right, the sand never goes away. It gets swept into the storm sewers. Then it floats out to the rivers and, or we have to clean all the storms, um, if if it doesn’t, and it really created a lot of extra work.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:00

• Sand removal vs. road resurfacing costs

  • Summary: A discussion questioned whether cleaning out sand is cheaper than repeatedly overlaying or re-fixing roads damaged by salt and water.
  • Evidence: “Isn’t it cheaper to clean out the sand than it is to keep trying to overlay, redo, refix all these roads? Um, yes and no, uh, yes, it costs money to, uh, take the sand out. And we used to do that and try to reuse the sand, you know, take it out and we would recycle it, take it back down to the plant, what we could, and try to filter it back in the next year without buying more, um, the issue is that sand is not a melt, melting product, so it doesn’t work by itself, it just sits there, so if we don’t put salt with it, it doesn’t do anything.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:21

• Storm basin cleaning requirements and capacity

  • Summary: A discussion addressed EPA MS4 requirements mandating that 20 to 25% of storm basins and storm systems must be cleaned annually. The city plans to clean 20% of catch basins and 20% of piping annually.
  • Evidence: “Part of our EPA MS4 requirements is that about 20 to 25% of our storm basins and storm system have to be cleaned annually. We’ve always tried to clean them. We have gotten behind in the last several years. […] And, uh, again, we’ll be planning on cleaning 20% of the catch basins and 20% of the piping annually.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:57

• Voting focus for current resolutions

  • Summary: The council is focusing on number three (special warranty) as it will be required in conjunction with the ordinance to complete the application.
  • Evidence: “For this one we are really focusing on number three which is the special warranty for public transportation funding which affirms”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:45

• Bridge Inspection Agreement Details

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the necessity and scope of annual bridge inspections by Fehr Graham.
  • Evidence: “The city owns two bridges, Hancock and Van Buren. They have to be inspected annually. And Fehr Graham is the city’s bridge engineer, so we have a team with certified licensed personnel for especially inspection work. All inspections must be completed and finalized within reporting to the state of Illinois.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:59

• Bridge inspection frequency and status

  • Summary: The Hancock Bridge used to require inspections every 10 years but was recently reduced by IDOT requiring it every year due to guardrail and deck condition. The Van Buren Bridge is believed to be inspected every two years.
  • Evidence: “The Hancock Bridge, I believe it used to be every 10 years. And recently that was reduced by IDOT requiring it every year due to the guardrail and the deck condition. And the Van Buren Bridge, I believe that’s every two years.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:28

• Railroad trussle structure near sewer

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding an abandoned railroad type trussle located over a city sewer by the Peckotonic River behind the treatment plant.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Do you guys have knowledge of a trussle or some form of apparatus behind this city sewer located over there? I know it’s abandoned, but it’s a railroad type trussle. And that’s been removed and what’s coming of it. You guys recall any of that? It’s over by the Peckotonic River by in back of the treatment plant. You guys have any recollection of that?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:58

• Traffic control requirements for IDOT corridors

  • Summary: Boards are technically required when working on any of the IDOT corridors doing hot patching as part of traffic control requirements, and renting them is very expensive.
  • Evidence: “I should mention too, that these boards are technically required whenever we work on any of the IDOT corridors doing our hot patching, our work, those are part of and the traffic control requirements. And so renting these are very expensive to bring in for a day. They’re, they’re, they’re upwards of $3,000 a day to rent.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:34

• Motorola radio supplier exclusivity and alternatives

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding whether Motorola is the only supplier for radios, with a suggestion that other competitors’ standards could be used.
  • Evidence: “The radios, the Motorola’s, they’re not the only competitors on the market because they can be integrated with Motorola or replacement of Motorola at very cheap prices, am I correct? Not from the information I was given today by Lieutenant Weichel. He said Motorola was the only supplier. I understand being the only supplier, but they don’t hold Monopoly on competitors’ radios that could be standards also for replacement of Motorola’s for a better option. Have we inspected that option as well?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:38

• Starcom radio availability

  • Summary: It was stated that Starcom radios are not available on the open market and are specific for law enforcement.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders, these are Starcom radios, so they’re not available on the open market. They’re specific for law enforcement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:27

• Water boxes for water mains repair

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding the inclusion of adequate water boxes when repairing or replacing defective water mains, especially on new roads.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, there’s one item probably, maybe not at all important, but what about the water boxes to the water mains when they are defective and need to be repaired and replaced. And need to be repaired and replaced, especially on the new main roads, the new highways, the new whatever that we are installing right now. Those have to have the, at the first initial installment of that road, they should have the adequate water boxes when they install that where they don’t have to come back and make repairs to it tearing up the street on a second time around on the very same street to replace water boxes I just I was just curious are we adding that in that we including those items yes in the we’re replacing that stuff as we go nothing further?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:26

• Water box installation for roads

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the inclusion of adequate water boxes when installing new road infrastructure to prevent future street repairs.
  • Evidence: “Those have to have the, at the first initial installment of that road, they should have the adequate water boxes when they install that where they don’t have to come back and make repairs to it tearing up the street on a second time around on the very same street to replace water boxes I just I was just curious are we adding that in that we including those items”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:53

• Water box inclusion confirmation

  • Summary: Confirmation from multiple speakers regarding the inclusion of water boxes.
  • Evidence: “yes in the we’re replacing that stuff as we go nothing further? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. And Simmons? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:53

• Public notice requirement for zoning meetings

  • Summary: A request was made that future community meetings of this nature be announced at the council meeting, in addition to being posted on the website.
  • Attribution: Hallerman Stacey
  • Evidence: “What I would like to see happen is when we have a meeting of that nature coming up that the community have say so, that it’s announced so that we know what is coming up. It’s always publicly noticed on the website. Okay, I understand that, but I’m just asking that they be announced here at the council.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:36:25

• Senior citizen assistance program for emergencies

  • Summary: A request was made to create a city program allowing senior citizens who cannot leave their homes due to severe snow (emergencies) to call in and receive help.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? One request and recommendation that I’d like to propose to council that we get behind senior citizens within our city and create a program that will allow us or them if they’re a certain age can’t get before they get out of their house because of massive snow like we have today. I don’t know if they have a sign-up program where they can call in and say that they need to get out because in the case of emergencies, you have elderly stuck in the home. They can’t get out on the sidewalks and things of that nature, even onto the vehicles. I was just wondering if there’s a program that we can put together that will allow them to call in or because you have to be a certain age that you can’t get out and physically get and I. I was out there in the snow like today was. You know, I saw older people out trying to mask that snow, trying to get as much as they can out. But you know how snow is, it can affect their health in trying to remove snow. So I was just wondering if we can make, we can adopt something, put something together to allow them to be able to call in and ask for a little help. That’s all I have to say.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:44

Public Comment

• Concerns regarding police conduct and justice system fairness
  • Summary: A resident detailed an incident where they felt threatened while removing snow, alleging misconduct by a police officer. The commenter expressed general distrust in the Freeport police department, citing perceived targeting and lack of appropriate action following the alleged assault.
  • Attribution: Marcus Signer
  • Evidence: “My name is Marcus Signer. I’ve been here my whole life. A lot of things have changed. I had a question. Something happened today and I have a real real concern on it. I was wondering on it. Um, I was wondering, you’re a lieutenant and everything is, what’s your schedule working at the police station? They can’t answer questions. This is comments only. Okay. So I can’t ask Stacy a question because I feel she was the only one who will actually answer the question. Well, this is not a forum for questions. This is a forum. Well, all I have to say is today I got threatened for my life. Uh, individual got a shovel while I was on a property, um, removing snow, called the police. Police came. Basically, the guy, police officer was a straight mean person to me. I had other witnesses there that said they seen this individual hit my truck with a shovel. I showed the officer the trail of my truck where I wasn’t going towards him. I was going the opposite way so he can’t try to say that was the excuse for hitting my vehicle. So, I had one of his officers there, basically went up to the guy, basically, hey, put in no trespassing on him. So then he can’t even do the property that he has a contract on. When I was the victim today, there wasn’t no arrest, there was nothing done. What they do with me, if someone was assaulting me, they wouldn’t even be arrested that day. I have a problem with Freeport police, like they target me. When I call them, they won’t help me. All they would do is say, we’ll do a police report, we’ll send it to Carl Larson. Carl Larson is friends with also Steve Stovall who said he was going to harm me and when he sees me on a four wheeler he was going to harm me. So Carl Larson I feel is really close to certain individuals. That’s why we’re not getting the right justice here. If I was to threaten somebody today, I would be arrested like this. There wouldn’t be no can we send the paperwork to Carl Larson to see if there’s enough evidence. Like, what is it gonna take? And then all that happens is if I call the police and say someone did something to me, the police will write it up like he wants to press charges on me for something I never did just for calling for help. That’s crazy to me. And Carl Larson is number one in charge, and he’s friends with Steve Stovall, who threatened me. Of course he ain’t gonna like me. He still affiliates with them. And I come here to say, too. My worry right now is if Thurman gets in there, I’m definitely screwed. They will put me under the bus and put false stuff on me. Thurman is real, real close to Steve Stovall. So if they are colleagues together, you think I have a shot at real justice? No. It’s a setup. And I learned in this city, we can all come to about safety and all this. How can we do safety when law enforcement is threatening us? They’re the one who’s supposed to serve and protect. We can’t do nothing because it’s up to Carl Larson, and Carl Larson will not do a damn thing about it if it has something with law enforcement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:14

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Public Works crew performance
  • Summary: Alderman Klemm recognized the good job done by Public Works crews for salting main thoroughfares.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Okay we have a neighborhood watch coming up next week on 423 at Schwartz Funeral Home and also I want to echo the good job that the Public Works done. I did see him out last night, probably about seven o’clock, putting salt down on all the main thoroughfares and stuff. So they really did do a good job and we’re by this morning. So thank you guys.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:23

Follow-ups

• Street project bid openings
  • Summary: Aldermen were reminded that three bid openings for street projects (Package A, B, and C) will be on the next agenda to start construction earlier.
  • Evidence: “And then just a reminder to all the Aldermen that at the next meeting, uh, we will have had three bid openings for street projects, uh, for this year. So be package A, B, and C that’ll be on the next agenda to move forward so we can start the construction process earlier this year hopefully.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:48