Source

Original public meeting recording on YouTube

Meeting Signals

Source transcript: flqwqdlakdi.city_council_meeting_1-21-25.txt

Generated from normalized transcript text using deterministic pattern matching.

This document surfaces candidate evidence lines only. It does not prove absence, verify claims, resolve disputes, interpret intent, or produce the final civic record.

Public-comment content is not extracted in this deterministic signal pass because comment boundaries are transcript-dependent and better handled by the downstream record-generation pass.

Use these signals as review scaffolding for a later record-generation pass, not as authoritative meeting minutes.

Motion / Vote Signals

SignalEvidenceNearby ResultConfidence
Approval SignalSo we will move on to item number one, which is the approval of the agenda.All those in favor, signal.detected
Motion / Vote SignalWith that, is there a motion to approve?All those in favor, signal.detected
Approval SignalItem number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on January 6th, 2025.That motion passes.detected
Motion / Vote SignalIs there a motion to approve?That motion passes.detected
Motion / Vote SignalOkay, so are you making a motion to task him to do this?No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalIf there’s no further discussion on that, is there a motion?No nearby result line detecteddetected
Claims / Payment SignalApproval of the finance bills payable in the total of $4,995,298.61.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Approval SignalAnd the approval of payroll for pay period ending July 11, 2025 in the total of $706,602.71.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalAlso is the Finance Report, the Cash and Investment Reports for November 2024, and the adoption of Resolution 2025-11 for resolution requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual Memorial Day Parade.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalIs there a motion to approve the consent agenda?No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalWe’ll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-02.We have pretty much covered the cost of all city buildings, but we have included the library in this particular agreement to move forward that will provide us with decades of gas for heat at no cos…detected
Ordinance Action SignalWe have pretty much covered the cost of all city buildings, but we have included the library in this particular agreement to move forward that will provide us with decades of gas for heat at no cost to the city so sta…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalIs there a motion to move this forward?No nearby result line detecteddetected
Action-Like SignalWhat I’m presenting to council, what I presented in the committee the whole last week and what What I’m also now putting for first reading is the reasoning behind why staff presented to our building commission raising…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalAnd I said, well, the proper way to ask for a larger permit fee is to present it to council and the committee as a whole, explain our reasoning, and then ultimately now this is the first reading of the ordinance and n…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalSo I think that’s all they’re I understand that, but to go from 50 to 150, I feel it’s a bit much And certainly, as Director Duckman said, this is before the council right now for your guys’ consideration, so certainl…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Action-Like SignalThis is only first reading.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalSo you want to make a motion to make the increase $50 increase taking it to $100 to make it a flat $100.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalSo we will, you’ve already exceeded your, again, you have exceeded, you’ve already spoken I just need some clarity okay so this is going to move to the next the next City Council meeting the way it stands okay so what…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Approval SignalAnd it was an application to sell alcoholic beverages at 219 E. Stephenson Street and staff brought this petition to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd and it was recommended for approval of a vote of 5-0 with…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalItem 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-06.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalMotion to move it forward.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalMotion to suspend the rules, Mayor.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalWe have a motion to spend the rules by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalItem number 12 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-07.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalWhich is item number 13, the first reading of ordinance 2020-508.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalOther outdated sections of the code have been adjusted or removed to match observed needs of the license holder and actual circumstances throughout the city and staff request you to move this forward to second reading.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Ordinance Action SignalMove on to item number 14, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-09.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Agreement Action SignalThe agreement generates $165 per month in revenue to the city, and staff recommends approval of the lease.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalMake a motion for suspension.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalWe have a motion to suspend the rules, made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalWe’ll move on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Approval SignalAs previously discussed at the Committee of the Whole, staffs identified the need for a stair step, Grade 15, to allow individuals from within the City utility to be able to apply for a future position within the main…No nearby result line detecteddetected
Motion / Vote SignalIs there a motion to adopt?No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalMotion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker for the Adoption of Resolution 2025-01.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalItem number 16 is the adoption of Resolution 20-2504.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalAt the last council meeting we did have a motion to adopt this resolution made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker, so we don’t need to do that again.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalItem number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2020,505.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalStaff recommends approval of the resolution to remit payment to NICAM construction for the emergency board up services at 1300 South Street.No nearby result line detecteddetected
Resolution Action SignalItem number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202507.No nearby result line detecteddetected

Roll Call Signals

Roll Call Signal 1: And I just wanted to make it clear that just to throw that out there like that, there has not been a study for the council to even make that distinction of what we used to have and what we’re trying to do today or whe…

NameVote
ShadleNo
SandersNo
SellersAye

Nearby result line: That motion fails.

Roll Call Signal 2: Aye. Simmons? Parker?

NameVote
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye
SandersAye
SellersAye

Nearby result line: The ordinance passes 8-0.

Roll Call Signal 3: Again, must pass by a two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the suspension only? Klemm?

NameVote
KlemmAye
MonroeAye
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye
SandersAye
SellersAye

Nearby result line: The suspension of the rules passes 8-0.

Roll Call Signal 4: Any further discussion? And Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm?

NameVote
KlemmAye
MonroeAye
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye
SandersAye
SellersAye

Roll Call Signal 5: There’s no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm?

NameVote
KlemmAye
MonroeNo
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyNo
ShadleAye
SandersNo
SellersAye

Roll Call Signal 6: So is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm?

NameVote
KlemmAye
MonroeAye
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye
SandersAye
SellersAye

Nearby result line: The resolution is adopted 8 to 0.

Roll Call Signal 7: Okay. If there’s no further discussion, then please take the roll. Klemm?

NameVote
KlemmAye
MonroeAye
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye

Nearby result line: The resolution is adopted 7 to 0.

Roll Call Signal 8: Yes. So if there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role. Klemm?

NameVote
KlemmAye
MonroeNo
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye
SandersNo
SellersAye

Nearby result line: The resolution is adopted 6-2.

Roll Call Signal 9: I think the role has been very avid changes to both parties and I’m living Freeport, I love Freeport and I work hard for Freeport every day and if you don’t believe me, you can ask any other directors of the other dep…

NameVote
Aye MonroeNo
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye
SandersNo
SellersAye

Nearby result line: The resolution is adopted, 6 to 2.

Roll Call Signal 10: Monroe? Staying. Simmons?

NameVote
SimmonsAye
ParkerAye
StacyAye
ShadleAye

Nearby result line: Sanders is absent Sellers aye the resolution is adopted 601 item number 24 is update of the city’s goals for the Social Justice Committee presented by manager Boyer thank you honor and in the inter…

Money Signals

AmountContext
$15 millionBut that is a big number. A lot of that has to do with the surf internet project that is providing low cost internet around the city of Freeport that’s being built out. That’s a $15 million infrastructure project.
$120,000,A new fire engine was delivered and is now stationed near Adams Avenue. And the Emergency Telephone Systems Board approved the purchase of a complete VHF radio network replacement. This project would have a total cost…
$4,995,298.61The building permit reports, the police department reports, the fire department reports dated December 2024. Also is a semi-annual report to the City Manager from July to December 2024. Approval of the finance bills p…
$706,602.71Also is a semi-annual report to the City Manager from July to December 2024. Approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $4,995,298.61. And the approval of payroll for pay period ending July 11, 2025 in the…
$50Last COW that we had, the Committee of the Whole meeting in January, we talked about part of this ordinance. And that part of the ordinance discussed the plumbing permit fees. So just to kind of for a refresher here,…
$100And that part of the ordinance discussed the plumbing permit fees. So just to kind of for a refresher here, we talked about how water and sewer service installs would be go from $50 to 150. So from 50 to 150, which is…
$50Absolutely. Now, what City staff is saying here, and the benefit we’re talking about, right now the The benefit costs $50 to the homeowner, and what staff is saying is we believe the price should be increased to $150….
$100Alderman, Stacy, you had your hand up. Yes. Last week, we spoke about $100 going from 50 to $100 fee.
$10010 Years later now. And so every so often, whether it’s, you know, permit fees or the cost of a hamburger, when you go to the store, things get more expensive because, you know, inflation. So I think that’s all they’r…
$150We have to coordinate with him to say, okay, we have a plumbing permit for a sewer, you need to send your people out and inspect it. And the reason why I would say the hourly rate, a little bit out of my department, i…
$44,000,So, I’m going to come back to it. There’s a lot, the average salary or the average income per family in this city is less than $50,000 a year. So, right around $44,000, $45,000, I think, last time I checked.
$45,000,So, I’m going to come back to it. There’s a lot, the average salary or the average income per family in this city is less than $50,000 a year. So, right around $44,000, $45,000, I think, last time I checked.
$100Thank you. You can get some of your money back, but some of that should be and I hope was included in the budget for the year that the cost of going out and inspecting for a permit. So I’m totally for the $100.
$50If it went to 150, what are we talking about, an increase of $100, it’s $3,700, right? So again, we did the math and the study of what it cost. The city at the $50 rate currently on the inspections, we don’t break eve…
$165By the way, staff is requesting suspension of the rules on this one. Kelsey Excavating is interested in leasing hangar M4 at Alberta’s airport. The agreement generates $165 per month in revenue to the city, and staff…
$13,863OK, so it’s already boarded up right now. It’s been boarded up. But the total cost to board it up was $13,863.
$50 millionWe invest in the community. We also donate to the community and we have been a great partner to the City of Freeport. I just added this up and we have personally, our firm has brought in over $50 million worth of fund…
$100,000These are all engineering and project management services that require an expert level of knowledge and experience. The Public Works Master Service Agreement provides a team of local engineer experts for the city reso…
$130,000The total cost of these services is $100,000 on a time and material basis and is billed as needed as the City Manager or Department Directors require. So this contract represents cost savings to the city. A Public Wor…
$100,000I don’t know the exact number. Michelle could probably get it. There’s probably over $100,000 in permit and civil review fees that get returned to the city for the work that we do every day through contractors, trucki…
$5,000Alberta’s airport requires its own stormwater permit. So this is essentially an agreement with Fehr Graham to process a stormwater permit. The total amount budgeted for this item is about $5,000.

Civic Object Signals

TypeEvidence
Executive Session ReferenceWe normally have the executive session just as a standing in case something comes up, but there wasn’t anything that was discussed, so I just put that out there for removal, just to keep things clean.
Grant / Program ReferenceThe team also distributed $19,251 through the Facade Improvement Grant, including $15,000 to the Freeport Art Museum for their move downtown, 765 building permits were issued in 2024, 5,144 code enforcement activities were completed, as well as 23 new chronic and others.
Grant / Program ReferenceLike this year we created an urban fiction section with grant money and we were able to purchase about 250 books for that, specifically for that collection.
Compliance ReferenceAs far as the website goes, we continue to find ways to be more ADA compliant and part of ADA compliance includes making things on the website bilingual.
Resolution ReferenceAlso is the Finance Report, the Cash and Investment Reports for November 2024, and the adoption of Resolution 2025-11 for resolution requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual Memorial Day Parade.
Ordinance ReferenceWe’ll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-02.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceAs discussed at the Committee of the Whole in the last meeting, NICOR has brought forth a request to renew the agreement with the City of Freeport in past years.
Ordinance ReferenceWe have pretty much covered the cost of all city buildings, but we have included the library in this particular agreement to move forward that will provide us with decades of gas for heat at no cost to the city so staff requests council move forward with this with this agreeme…
Compliance ReferenceWell, the only reason I’m saying I’m going to go to our Public Works team on this one is so and to give you some background is we will get a plumbing permit for a sewer service, my department will and we’ll say okay that’s $50 and then what Attorney Stiegel is saying is hey yo…
Ordinance ReferenceSo we will, you’ve already exceeded your, again, you have exceeded, you’ve already spoken I just need some clarity okay so this is going to move to the next the next City Council meeting the way it stands okay so what if the ones that said yes to the hundred now say no to no c…
Ordinance ReferenceItem 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-06.
Ordinance ReferenceOrdinance Approving Special Use Permit Application at 219 E. Stephenson Street, submitted by Michelle Davis, and Jeff Schultz to examine the special use of a B-2-2 limited service business district zone property to allow restaurants with outdoor serving areas, Section B-10.
Ordinance ReferenceSanders and Sellers aye the suspension passes seven to zero so then now before you counsel is the final passage of ordinance 20 2506 if there’s no further discussion ma’am clerk please take the role Klemm Monroe aye Simmons well she’s still absent Parker aye Stacy aye Shadle S…
Ordinance ReferenceItem number 12 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-07.
Ordinance ReferenceOrdinance Approving Variance Application at 207 West Empire Street submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe to seek relief from 1252.05 F1 to allow a front yard of less than 25 feet.
Ordinance ReferenceWhich is item number 13, the first reading of ordinance 2020-508.
Ordinance ReferenceOrdinance amending chapters 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code.
Ordinance ReferenceMove on to item number 14, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-09.
Ordinance ReferenceOrdinance approving airport hangar M2 lease with Kelsey Excavating.
Ordinance ReferenceOkay, then, now before you, Council is the final passage for Ordinance 2025-09.
Resolution ReferenceWe’ll move on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceResolution, approving memorandum of agreement between the City and AFSCME to create the position of Instrument and Control Technician slash Electrician 1.
Resolution ReferenceMotion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker for the Adoption of Resolution 2025-01.
Procurement ReferenceAnd I. I just feel that this position should have stayed at the level 17 as it was and the person that was bidding on the position should have been given the education or the training or whatever it needed at that level because even the person before the level was empty was no…
Resolution ReferenceItem number 16 is the adoption of Resolution 20-2504.
Resolution ReferenceResolution approving Memorandum of Understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police regarding Post-Employment Health Plan, or PEP?
Contract / Agreement ReferenceI’m not going to read the entire memo, but basically what it says is during the negotiations with the FOP during this last contract, three officers were either at 20 years for years of retirement or will be at 20 years during the duration of this contract.
Resolution ReferenceItem number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2020,505.
Resolution ReferenceResolution ratifying emergency board up of 1300 East South Street by NYCAM Construction.
Procurement ReferenceDue to immediate health and safety concern, I solicited bids from three contractors in accordance with our codified ordinances to board up all entrances into the building with half-inch OSB.
Procurement ReferenceThe three bids were provided below to you in the memorandum and they came in as NICAM construction bid $13,863.
Procurement ReferenceWinter construction bid $15,000 and CMM and Associates bid $23,076.
Resolution ReferenceItem number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202507.
Resolution ReferenceResolution approving purchase of ENCODE module for accounts payable automation.
Resolution ReferenceItem number 20 is the adoption of resolution 202508.
Resolution ReferenceResolution approving Fehr Graham master service contract for 2025.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceSo this would be a contract that’s related back to the time and material needed by staff and Jeff at various times throughout the year during the construction phases.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceThis contract allows general engineering requirements not related to a specific contract to be performed on a day-to-day need basis.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceThey have always delivered at or below cost and when they have had a problem where they’ve had a cost overrun we didn’t see a change order they just took care of it they took care of it internally because Freeport is an important customer to this to their organization however…
Procurement ReferenceBut I wanted to make one last point, which was in the relationship that we have with Fehr Graham, the only difference you would do in other ways Mays, like for instance, if you had another project and you were interested in pursuing other help or other engineering services con…
Contract / Agreement ReferenceWhen their contract is up and take a couple days to approve their contract and we just need to see this information before it runs out in advance.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceI would like to state that this is the exact same contract, the exact same everything for the last three years.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceIt’s an annual contract and it is a time and material estimation contract if you read it.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceWe’ve got the Public Works Director signing off on a contract with Fehr Graham to the City of Freeport that is then countersigned and sent back to the City Manager.
Contract / Agreement ReferenceAnd you know what we know what’s gonna happen it’s gonna pass but it’s not gonna pass because I say yes but people should start questioning people should start looking at what’s going on in this building and asking questions not enough people are involved and they should be bu…

Question Signals

  • Public comments?
  • Is there any public comments?
  • Are there any public comments?
  • So until I do, I’m just trying to find out whether or not what you’re saying is is relevant at this point and who gave you, what department are you in, first of all, who is your supervisor, manager, or you’re just a director?
  • Director Bridge?
  • So how many positions does he, that he holds within the city?
  • Actually she The 15,221 tons of HMA laid, did that include the program with Avery Harrell?
  • Do you need that to even do water or sewer?
  • With the amount of duels that we’ve been getting, it usually takes two to three of our staff members to be able to go out and locate and mark Julie’s out it’s not every day we try to concentrate it into segments but it does eclipse a lot of time because you…
  • Madam Mayor, is it possible to get the IT department to display the board?
  • How effective are we collecting data on these particular registries?
  • And I think the question is, if we are going to be responsible for all technology that is acquired by the city, who is responsible for those kinds of tasks?
  • Alderman Sanders Are we set up for comments from the general public and not only the general public, but the city staff and people of that nature?
  • And when all we have left to choose from are people who want to pull us down to their level, where does this leave the City?
  • Is that going to cover the cost of having the superintendents and others go out there?
  • I want to ask you, Mr. President, what are the increases for the inspection for these homes when there is new water or sewer services?
  • Who is putting this in place, and how do we come up with the fees and the cost, and why is it put in place?
  • How did we get into the business of charging folks for hooking up water services and inspections and things of this nature?
  • Is there a program in place where it helps the homeowners to offset these types of increases and bills and others that are going to be due coming to them is their program to help those individuals who are struggling as already struggling to be able to go to…
  • Is there a program that will allow homeowners to offset these types of costs?
  • It 100 I mean 100% considered now if that’s the motion you’d like to make you know staff staffs recommending 150 but certainly you could recommend $100 okay these duties that we’re saying we need more money for it’s nothing that’s been added to this job tit…
  • It’s been 50 dollars for the for the inspection permit fee, right?
  • Well, over the course of time, inflation, this, that the cost of everything, whether people get raises over time, you know, cost of paper costs more, cost of ink costs more, whatever it is cost more, right?
  • How many of these do you do per year, and what’s the average hourly rate of the people that are going out to do these inspections?
  • But how long does it take to do the permit?
  • And what department, I know you say public works, but who’s losing?
  • Does the city lose anything?
  • Okay, so we’re back to the original of moving this forward, so are we ready to move this on to the next City Council meeting?
  • Any discussion on the ordinance?
  • Okay, is that, is that the going classification rate for that position?

Low-Confidence Transcript Lines

  • With the amount of duels that we’ve been getting, it usually takes two to three of our staff members to be able to go out and locate and mark Julie’s out it’s not every day we try to concentrate it into segments but it does eclipse a lot of time because you…
  • And John, John, John, John, John, John, John, It says for tree removal and trash cleanup.
  • It mines the data from different sources and is for example one excellent item that it does is it’s going to take essentially let’s just say from a tax assessor it’s going to look through all the properties in the city of Freeport and then it’s going to say…
  • Is there a program in place where it helps the homeowners to offset these types of increases and bills and others that are going to be due coming to them is their program to help those individuals who are struggling as already struggling to be able to go to…
  • But the benefit is that when you do go through this and you have raw sewage in your basement, you have a house without water, is that you have a public works employee who’s coming Miller, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor and I have seen jobs repeated because of p…
  • It 100 I mean 100% considered now if that’s the motion you’d like to make you know staff staffs recommending 150 but certainly you could recommend $100 okay these duties that we’re saying we need more money for it’s nothing that’s been added to this job tit…
  • Yes, I’m concerned that it took us four years to realize this isn’t giving us what we need or really want, and we’re willing to buy a second piece of the same ENCODE, Tyler ENCODE Company, is that the route we need to go, or do we need to look at something…
  • And this is this is the Illinois law a conflict of interest occurs when a person’s personal interests could compromise their judgment decisions or actions this includes financial interest family relationships friendships or social factors this is a state of…
  • I think the role has been very avid changes to both parties and I’m living Freeport, I love Freeport and I work hard for Freeport every day and if you don’t believe me, you can ask any other directors of the other departments that I work with every day from…

Internal Extraction Counts

These counts are included for QA and pipeline observability. They should not be read as proof that a category was absent from the meeting.

CategoryCount
Action-like signals40
Roll-call blocks10
Money references21
Civic object references45
Question lines30
Possible people detected internally40
Low-confidence lines9

Extraction Notes

  • This artifact is intentionally generic across public meeting types.
  • It may miss actions, votes, speakers, topics, or context.
  • It may include false positives caused by transcription errors.
  • Empty sections mean no matching lines were detected, not that the event did not happen.
  • Money references are transcript-derived and should not be treated as verified amounts.
  • Important claims should be verified against the original recording and official meeting records.