Meeting Events

Meeting: hazzowtf5ew.city_council_meeting_5-5-2025

Meeting date: 2025-05-05

Meeting type: city_council

This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact.

Decisions and Votes

• Approval of Agenda — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the agenda, which includes executive session on C1.
  • Evidence: “Item number one is approval of the agenda and which will also include executive session on C1. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:56

• Approval of Minutes from April 21st, 2024 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on April 21st, 2024.
  • Evidence: “Item number two is approval from the minutes from the regular meeting on April 21st, 2024. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:14

• Consent agenda scope clarification — Passed

  • Summary: The speaker clarified that reports do not necessarily have to be passed on the current night.
  • Evidence: “Well, these reports don’t have to be passed tonight.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:29

• Approval of consent agenda

  • Summary: The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved and seconded.
  • Evidence: “So is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?”
  • Evidence: “No, moved. Second.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:21

• Consent agenda approval

  • Summary: Motion to approve the consent agenda.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion?”
  • Source timestamp: 17:29

• Consent agenda minus A2 (finance department report for March) — Passed

  • Summary: Vote on the consent agenda minus A2, which is the finance department report for March.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Sanders. What are we voting on? The consent agenda minus A2, which is the finance department report for March. Everything else we’re voting on. Yes. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. And Shadle? Aye. The consent agenda is approved 7 to 1.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:53

• Discussion regarding removal of Joshua Atkinson from Planning Commission

  • Summary: The council discussed placing the explanation of a removal of Joshua Atkinson from the Planning Commission on the floor for discussion.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “And with that, we move on to item number six, which is the explanation of a removal of Joshua Atkinson from the Planning Commission. Is there a motion to place on the floor for discussion?”
  • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
  • Source timestamp: 30:06

• Discussion placement for agenda item six

  • Summary: A motion was made regarding placing the discussion item on the floor.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to place on the floor for discussion? I make a motion.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:21

• Placing item six on the floor for discussion

  • Summary: A motion was made to put the item on the floor for discussion.
  • Evidence: “Motion is to put it on the floor. Just to have it right. Just to bring it on the floor for discussion.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:51

• Table item six indefinitely

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Shadle to table the item indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “I would make a motion to table this indefinitely. Second. So we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker to table indefinitely.”
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker to table indefinitely.”
  • Evidence: “Okay, so the motion on the floor is to table indefinitely. If there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. We have a tie at four to four.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:25

• Agreement with motion to table item six indefinitely — Passed

  • Summary: A council member agreed with Alderman Shadle’s motion.
  • Evidence: “To finish that, I would have to agree with Alderman Shadle, his motion of this has been discussed multiple times. And so with that, I agree with that motion.”
  • Evidence: “And the motion passes 5-4.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:51

• Placing item on floor for discussion/tabling — Tabled

  • Summary: Motion to place an item on the floor for discussion or table it again.
  • Evidence: “Planning commission and is there a motion to place this on the floor for discussion? So it can just be tabled again? Is there a motion to place this on the floor for discussion? A motion to place it on the floor.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:24

• Tabling item indefinitely — Tabled

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Stacey, seconded by Alderman Simmons, to table an item indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Stacey, seconded by Alderman Simmons. Madam Mayor. Alderman Shadle. This having been discussed before I would make a motion to table indefinitely.”
  • Evidence: “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker to table indefinitely.”
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion on tabling indefinitely. Madam Clerk, please, Alderman Sanders. Yeah, what are you considering to table again? But no, what I want to do is get at the, the ruts of this this motion to reconsider and we’re not on that item oh you’re not on that item you can only speak on being tabled okay so we must will take the vote all right madam clerk please take the role on tabling indefinitely”
  • Source timestamp: 35:28

• Motion to table indefinitely

  • Summary: Vote on the motion to table indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “Sanders no Sellers Klemm Monroe no Simmons no Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. We’re tied at four to four.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:19

• Motion to table indefinitely — Passed

  • Summary: Final vote on the motion to table indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “My vote is aye. Good job. The motion passes for tabling five to four.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:19

• Reconsideration of appointment (Dustin Wilkinson)

  • Summary: Motion to reconsider the motion regarding the appointment of Dustin Wilkinson to the Planning Commission.
  • Evidence: “Item number eight is a motion to reconsider the motion to resent advice and consent of the council to the appointment of Dustin Wilkinson to the Planning Commission. Is there a motion to place this on this motion, right? On the floor this motion right a motion to reconsider to reconsider is there a motion to reconsider attorney zero”
  • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
  • Source timestamp: 39:34

• Motion to rescind the advice and consent — Failed

  • Summary: The motion to rescind the advice and consent failed.
  • Evidence: “So on the original, at the last council meeting, the motion to rescind was made and it was seconded. So a motion to rescind the advice and consent. And those that voted yes were Monroe, Stacey, and Sanders. Those that voted no were Klemm, Parker, Shadle, and Sellers. Therefore, the motion failed.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:52

• Motion to allow further discussion

  • Summary: Vote taken on allowing additional discussion.
  • Evidence: “Could you state either aye, nay, or abstain?”
  • Source timestamp: 55:07

• Ordinance 2025-25 for special-use permit for family dollar

  • Summary: Vote taken on Ordinance 2025-25.
  • Evidence: “Would you like to cast your vote?”
  • Source timestamp: 55:07

• Entering Executive Session — Passed

  • Summary: A motion was made to enter into executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C1, concerning appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please read this for the record? Oh, okay. Cecelia Stacy, Fifth Ward. … Madam Clerk, could you please take the role Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacey, and Shadle. The motion passes eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:15

• Entering Executive Session — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to enter into executive session.
  • Evidence: “is there a motion to enter into executive session I make a motion to enter into executive session”
  • Evidence: “second well seeing that the motion fails oh you did okay seconded by Alderman Simmons madam clerk could you please take the role Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacey, and Shadle. The motion passes eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:15

Procedural Actions

• Calling meeting to order

  • Summary: The meeting was officially called to order.
  • Evidence: “Debbie, we will now officially call this meeting to order.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:03

• Pledge of Allegiance

  • Summary: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Sanders.
  • Evidence: “If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Sanders. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:27

• Timekeeping observation during roll call

  • Summary: A request was made for the Clerk to reflect on the time when Alderman Simmons arrived and when Alderman Stacy arrived.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please reflect on the time that 608 Alderman Simmons arrived and I couldn’t see the clock when Alderman Stacy arrived. I hope you caught that.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:10

• Consent agenda consideration

  • Summary: The consent agenda was considered to be routine in nature and acted on by one motion unless a member wished to remove items for further discussion.
  • Evidence: “So we’ll move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless a member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:33

• Confirmation of agenda hyperlink source

  • Summary: It was confirmed that the hyperlink to the agenda is the consent agenda containing all pages with numbering in the upper right-hand corner.
  • Evidence: “Attorney Zito? So hyperlink to the agenda is the consent agenda that has all the pages that Clerk Anderson is referencing that has all the page numbering up in the upper right-hand corner. So it’s a hyperlink to your agenda.”
  • Source timestamp: 11:08

• Final action on consent agenda report

  • Summary: The final action was stated as only approval to receive and place on file a report.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk. And this is only approval to receive and place on file a report.”
  • Source timestamp: 12:14

• Consent agenda items listed for placement on file

  • Summary: The consent agenda included receiving and placing on file minutes from several boards and commissions, as well as specific reports.
  • Evidence: “Okay, so then the consent agenda is to receive and place on file the minutes from the Boards and Commissions for Planning Commission dated July 11th, October 10th, November 14th, December 12th, 2024, for January 9th, February 13th, March 13th, 2025. The Zoning Board of Appeals, October 3rd, November 7th, December 5th, 2024, January 2nd, February 6th, and March 6th, 2025. And the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, March 5th and 25th for 2025. Also is the Cash and Investment Report and the Building Permit Report for March 2025. The Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report”
  • Source timestamp: 15:47

• Motion to place item on agenda for discussion

  • Summary: A procedural action was taken regarding placing an item on the agenda for conversation.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “To Robert’s rules, I think a motion would would be in order here just to get it on the floor for discussion. State the Robert’s rule that that falls under. Well, I think that’s any like any of our. Any two alter persons may place anything on the agenda for a conversation.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:28

• Moving to item number six on the agenda

  • Summary: The council moved to item number six, which concerns the explanation of a removal from the Planning Commission.
  • Evidence: “And with that, we move on to item number six, which is the explanation of a removal of Joshua Atkinson from the Planning Commission.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:06

• Discussion placement procedure clarification

  • Summary: A procedural discussion occurred regarding whether a formal motion was required to discuss the item.
  • Evidence: “To Robert’s rules, I think a motion would would be in order here just to get it on the floor for discussion. State the Robert’s rule that that falls under.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:28

• Motion to reconsider vote outcome

  • Summary: A motion to reconsider must be made by a party that was on the prevailing side of the last vote.
  • Evidence: “So a motion to reconsider is have to be made by some a party that was on the prevailing side in in this particular case, the prevailing side was the no vote. So someone who was on that prevailing side that voted no has to make the motion to reconsider.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:50

• Motion to allow further discussion

  • Summary: A motion was made on behalf of Alderman Sanders to take a vote allowing additional discussion.
  • Evidence: “on behalf of Alderman Sanders Could we please take the vote on? Allowing additional discussion past the twice spoken Sanders”
  • Source timestamp: 54:47

• Ordinance 2025-25 for special-use permit for family dollar

  • Summary: A vote was taken on Ordinance 2025-25 allowing the special-use permit for Family Dollar.
  • Evidence: “Sanders. What are we voting for? Ordinance 2025-25 for allowing the special-use permit for family dollar.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:07

Ordinances and Resolutions

• Ordinance approving special use permit application at 1601-1645 Southwest Avenue
  • Summary: Second reading of ordinance approving special use permit application for Family Dollar LLC for a packaged liquor store selling alcoholic beverages.
  • Evidence: “We’re here for the second reading of this ordinance. The first reading was done April 21st. I’ve received a special use permit application from Family Dollar LLC for a packaged liquor store selling alcoholic beverages at 1601-1645 Southwest Avenue.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:55

Financial and Contract Events

• Airport Spending in General Fund

  • Summary: The city is spending $654,000 on the airport.
  • Evidence: “One of the things I called into question, which I wish you would too, is that we are spending $654,000 on the airport.”
  • Source timestamp: 05:51

• Greater Freeport Partnership Fund Sources

  • Summary: The Greater Freeport Partnership Fund receives money from five TIF funds for an amount of 234,000, from the hotel motel tax for 280,000, and from a grant from the state of Illinois for 144,000.
  • Evidence: “You have to dig and find out what they’re getting paid. So their money is coming from five TIF funds for an amount of 234,000, from the hotel motel tax for 280,000, and from a grant from the state of Illinois for 144,000.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:13

• Funding sources for unspecified expenditure

  • Summary: The funding comes from five TIF funds for $234,000, the hotel motel tax for $280,000, and a state of Illinois grant for $144,000, totaling over $600,000.
  • Evidence: “So their money is coming from five TIF funds for an amount of 234,000, from the hotel motel tax for 280,000, and from a grant from the state of Illinois for 144,000. That’s over 600,000.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:13

• EV chargers budget allocation

  • Summary: The amount budgeted for EV chargers is $500,000, contrasting with a previous discussion of spending $90,000 on a survey.
  • Evidence: “There’s two more things on the budget I wish you would question. The EV chargers, you have budgeted $500,000 for EV chargers. When I came to the meeting, you were talking about spending 90,000 on a survey. Now you’re going about to approve $500,000.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:51

• Safe streets study budget allocation

  • Summary: The amount budgeted for the safe streets study is $450,000.
  • Evidence: “And for safe streets, another bogus study that was done to look at traffic accidents and figure out how you could get a grant to fix stop signs and intersections, you are budgeting $450,000 on that.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:04

Presentations and Reports

• United Way of Northwest Illinois’ 75th Anniversary Recognition

  • Summary: Connie Kraft expressed gratitude for the proclamation recognizing the 75th anniversary and highlighted United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing community power.
  • Attribution: Connie Kraft
  • Evidence: “On behalf of United Way of Northwest Illinois, I’m Connie Kraft, United Way of Northwest Illinois Executive Director. I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for this evening’s proclamation recognizing our 75th anniversary. It’s an honor to be acknowledged by the City of Freeport as we celebrate this milestone.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:49

• World Migratory Bird Day Event Details

  • Summary: The Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance, Freeport Park District, and University of Illinois extension will host the fifth annual World Migratory Bird Day event on May 10th from 10 AM to 1 PM at Oakdale Nature Preserve. The theme is shared spaces creating bird friendly cities and communities.
  • Attribution: Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance
  • Evidence: “You want to say a few things that would be great you don’t have to thank you mayor the Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance in partnership with the Freeport Park District and University of Illinois extension will host the fifth annual world migratory bird day event from 10 AM to 1 PM on May 10th at Oakdale Nature Preserve the theme for this year’s event is shared spaces creating bird friendly cities and communities”
  • Source timestamp: 28:06

• Special Use Permit Application Recommendations (Family Dollar)

  • Summary: The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval by seven yeas, zero nays, zero abstentions on April 3rd, 2025, and the Planning Commission recommended approval by eight yeas, zero nays, and zero abstentions on April 10th.
  • Evidence: “On April 3rd, 2025, the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval of the vote by seven yeas, zero nays, zero abstentions. And on April 10th, the Planning Commission recommended approval of this ordinance by a vote of eight yeas, zero nays, and zero abstentions.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:46

• Public Works Department report

  • Summary: The Public Works department reported that the 2025 Streets program and the 2025 Water Main project are out to bid, with bid openings scheduled before the next full council meeting.
  • Evidence: “Parks. Just one thing, the 2025 Streets program is out to bid, the 2025 Water Main project’s out to bid, and we will have bid openings before the next full council meeting with results for the council.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:42

• Water Main Project details

  • Summary: The speaker clarified that the 2025 Water Main refers to this year’s water main project, listing Blackhawk and Willow as projects out to bid.
  • Evidence: “You said 2025 Water Main. What Water Main is that? It’s the Water Main Streets for this year, so it’d be Blackhawk is the number one project, Willow, and Carrolls out to bid as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:58

• Department Head Reports Summary

  • Summary: Chief Miller reported nothing for the evening; Chief Shenberger had no report.
  • Evidence: “Harvey? Yes. Chief Miller? Nothing this evening. Thank you, Chief Shenberger? I have no report. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:26

• Community Building Event Information

  • Summary: A reminder was given about an upcoming memorial peace march on June 7th at 11 AM at the Madonna on Walnut.
  • Evidence: “I just wanted to remind the Council and the viewing audience of an upcoming event for community building. It is a memorial peace march that is set for June 7th at 11 AM It’s a Saturday, the first Saturday of June. The location is at the Madonna on Walnut, and it will be the kickoff event for the 40 Days of Peace on Community Building.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:50

• National Travel and Tourism Week Recognition

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm thanked Jeff Johnson, Anderson, and all involved groups for bringing bowlers to town during National Travel and Tourism Week.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm? Yes I’d just like to pass on to go along with the National Travel and Tourism Week that we had. I’d like to thank Jeff Johnson and the Anderson and all the groups involved in bowling. The last few weeks we have had hundreds of bowlers here in town and have spent thousands of dollars at hotels motels and food places around and big hats off for them. It was the Illinois State Tournament which they’ve held for quite a few years and it does bring a lot of money into Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:34

Metrics

• General Fund City Revenue Spending

  • Summary: The city revenue spent on the general fund is only about 26 million.
  • Evidence: “First the good things, the city revenue that the city spends on the general fund is only about 26 million”
  • Source timestamp: 05:05

• General Fund Property Tax Revenue

  • Summary: Only like three million comes from property taxes.
  • Evidence: “And so what we do spend has to be very thoughtful and very productive and we need to be setting our priorities. So what I noticed was that very little of our budget comes from property taxes, only like three million.”
  • Source timestamp: 05:19

• General Fund State Tax Revenue

  • Summary: Sixteen million comes from state taxes.
  • Evidence: “Sixteen million comes from state taxes,”
  • Source timestamp: 05:33

• General Fund Local Tax Revenue

  • Summary: Local taxes about 2.8 million.
  • Evidence: “local taxes about 2.8 million.”
  • Source timestamp: 05:33

Discussion

• Budget transparency concerns

  • Summary: The speaker stated that spending should be a budget line item so the public can see it and questioned how money is being secretly pulled out to pay for certain items.
  • Evidence: “Once again, I’ve said this before, we get no return on what we spend on them, and that should be something that you ask about. Why that isn’t a budget line item on the budget, the public cannot see what we are spending and you have to dig around to figure out how the money is secretly being pulled out to pay them.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:31

• Items to remove from consent agenda for discussion

  • Summary: Alderman Stacy requested pulling out items related to the city street improvement budget, airport chargers, safe street study, late minutes, and GFP budget report.
  • Evidence: “I would. Alderman Stacy? Yes, I would like to pull out a couple of things to have further. Discussion on the city street improvement budget, the airport, the chargers, the safe street study, the minutes being six or seven months behind and the GFP budget report.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:48

• Clarity regarding consent agenda items

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding whether council members knew what specific items were listed on the consent agenda and their corresponding department reports or page numbers.
  • Evidence: “Attorney Zio. Ollerman, Stacy, do you know which item, so on the agenda, the consent agenda has, you know, certain items listed on it. Do you know your items, what they fall under? No, I don’t. And the pages weren’t numbered, so I can’t even give you page numbers.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:26

• Budget approval scope

  • Summary: The discussion clarified that the current item is only for ‘approval to receive and place on file a report’ and does not constitute approval of any dollar expenditures or budget.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk. And this is only approval to receive and place on file a report. You’re not approving a budget. You’re not approving any dollar expenditures.”
  • Source timestamp: 12:14

• Report status

  • Summary: The finance department report being discussed is from March and pertains to past history.
  • Evidence: “It’s a report from the finance department from March. So it’s all past history that we’re just placing a report on file.”
  • Source timestamp: 12:43

• Nature of consent agenda items

  • Summary: The speaker differentiated between types of approvals: A is approval to receive and place on file, B is a proclamation, and C and D are approvals.
  • Evidence: “No, it’s all going to be done if it’s March. You kind of, so like A is approval to receive and place on file, B is a proclamation, C is an approval of finance bills. So C and D are approvals.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:12

• Agenda item discussion necessity

  • Summary: A suggestion was made that items could be pulled for further discussion at a later time rather than requiring immediate action on the consent agenda.
  • Evidence: “I’m not sure that it’s vital that it has to be on this consent agenda anyway. It could be on the next one if you wanted to ask the finance director in depth on those questions since we don’t even know what you’re asking.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:04

• Postponement of agenda

  • Summary: A request was made to postpone the current agenda for that night.
  • Evidence: “Well, can we just postpone this agenda for tonight?”
  • Source timestamp: 14:18

• Item 482 review

  • Summary: A council member requested pulling item A2 for further discussion with the finance director.
  • Evidence: “So Alderman Stacey, would you just like to pull item A2 until you can have a chance to speak with the finance director?”
  • Source timestamp: 15:08

• Ordinance regarding discussion without vote

  • Summary: It was stated that council ordinance allows any council member to discuss an item without necessarily requiring a vote.
  • Evidence: “Sure. OK, so our ordinance says that any council member can have some discussion there without a vote, necessarily.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:17

• Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report inquiry

  • Summary: A council member questioned the Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report, which was clarified not to fall under the budget report.
  • Evidence: “The Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report I have questions about that one. For five, I have questions pertaining to. Now, if that falls under the budget report, then okay. It does not.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:32

• GFP line item inquiry

  • Summary: A council member questioned the absence of a line item for GFP in the budget report.
  • Evidence: “Okay, and Tommy, I’m sorry, you may not know this, but I’m trying to figure out why is there no line item for GFP?”
  • Source timestamp: 17:29

• Finance Department report line item for GFP

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the absence of a line item for GFP in the finance department report.
  • Evidence: “Okay, and Tommy, I’m sorry, you may not know this, but I’m trying to figure out why is there no line item for GFP? Okay, so is that under the heading of Finance Department report? Budget reports. Right, so I took that off, so that’s not on there.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:29

• Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report questions

  • Summary: Clarification regarding questions about the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report.
  • Attribution: Cecelia Stacy
  • Evidence: “Alderman Stacey, the item that you, when we came down and she read Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, you said you had questions on that. So that’s on the report that has enough on their monthly report to the city, not necessarily the question that you just asked them was about why is there no whatever, that topic because under the finance report, which was taken off there.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:16

• Motion to table item six indefinitely

  • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding the motion to table the item indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “Discussion discussion on the motion to table. I put this on the agenda and so I don’t know and John. I’m not sure if you know what right do any other older person have just to take it off.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:25

• Motion outcome disagreement

  • Summary: A council member disputed the motion’s history and convenience.
  • Evidence: “It has not been discussed multiple times. It was on the agenda for the first time the last Monday of April and how convenient that you weren’t here to answer the question then and even more convenient deGrasse, and Jeremy, all of the students.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:09

• Item six previous appearances on agenda

  • Summary: A council member clarified when item six was previously on the agenda.
  • Evidence: “Well, let me just clarify what you just said. It was on the agenda for April 14th. It was on the agenda for April 21st, so this would make it the third time.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:55

• Agenda item timing and process

  • Summary: Discussion regarding when an agenda item was presented, with references to specific dates (April 14th, April 21st) and the possibility of tabling.
  • Evidence: “It was on the agenda for the first time the last Monday of April and how convenient that you weren’t here to answer the question then and even more convenient deGrasse, and Jeremy, all of the students. We have worked hard to bring this together, to begin, to table it forever. ≫ Well, let me just clarify what you just said. It was on the agenda for April 14th. It was on the agenda for April 21st, so this would make it the third time.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:09

• Need for resolutions

  • Summary: Discussion emphasizing the need for formal resolutions rather than just conversations.
  • Evidence: “And there was no resolution in addition to all of the conversations we’ve been having. So we do need resolutions.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:52

• Motion to reconsider requirements

  • Summary: The motion to reconsider must be made by a party who was on the prevailing side.
  • Evidence: “So on a motion to reconsider now the motion to reconsider has to be made by a party that was on the prevailing side.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:05

• Family Dollar liquor store zoning parameters

  • Summary: The location is in the correct zoning and special use permits make it the correct zoning.
  • Evidence: “It is definitely in the proper location of the zone to do a look or so. It is proper. It is in the correct zoning. The special use that we’re here for that makes it the correct zoning.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:58

• Liquor license requirements for businesses

  • Summary: Confirmed that individual businesses must have their own license and permit for liquor sales.
  • Evidence: “For liquor sales, yes. So liquor licenses are handled by the clerk’s office and they all require a license.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:38

• Zoning permission for liquor sales at convenience stores

  • Summary: The discussion clarified that the current matter relates to allowing two coolers (one for beer, one for wine) in a package liquor store, which requires zoning permission.
  • Evidence: “so this is for the package yeah so this is for the package liquor store so that would be they’re just basically they’re adding two coolers for beer one for beer so this is allowing for the zoning to give them permission to sell that liquor”
  • Source timestamp: 45:57

• Concerns regarding alcohol sales and theft in western part of city

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern about alcohol-related issues, including theft and robbery, particularly in the western parts of the city.
  • Evidence: “In the western part of the city, we have several stores that shut down certain doors, certain parts of their business, so they don’t have theft, they don’t have smashing grabs, they they don’t have those types of things.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:39

• Concerns regarding alcohol sales and public safety

  • Summary: A speaker stated that the threat of theft and robbery from alcohol sales puts both store employees and the general public at risk.
  • Evidence: “And if you don’t have the staffing to truly watch it and protect it, you really create an issue where that business, if they have one, maybe two people working at a time, and others, and we have a lot of information that that threat of theft and robbery, those types of things can occur, and it puts not just the store employees at risk, it puts the general public at risk as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:07

• Opposition to alcohol sales in Family Dollar store

  • Summary: A speaker argued that allowing alcohol sales at a Family Dollar store is an attempt to generate more money for local businesses and questioned the necessity of having alcohol there.
  • Evidence: “Huffines. This is one that probably, in my opinion, is just a grab to try to get more money out of businesses locally. It doesn’t really bring anything to the city of Freeport. It’s something that we should not vote yes on. We should look at this as it stands and, you know, Family Dollar does sell a lot of great things. Do we really need to have alcohol in a Family Dollar store?”
  • Source timestamp: 47:49

• Concerns about crime rates and alcohol’s role

  • Summary: A speaker noted that the west side of town has increasing crime, including incidents like shots fired, and highlighted that alcohol plays a major role in issues such as domestic violence.
  • Evidence: “We’ve already got enough crime on the west side of town that’s been very rapidly moving in. We had a shots incident today. This is becoming a big problem in Freeport. And others. It’s not just liquor, it’s drugs, it’s domestic violence, it’s all of those things and alcohol plays a major role and I’m sure the chief of police would be willing to say alcohol is a major contributing factor to domestic violence in this community.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:14

• Clarification of location for proposed liquor sales

  • Summary: A speaker clarified that the discussion regarding additional alcohol sales was specifically about a Family Dollar store located on West Avenue, across from Cubs.
  • Evidence: “I just want to clarify this is for Family Dollar. This is on West Avenue. So this is across the street from Cubs.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:10

• Argument regarding competition with nearby liquor sales

  • Summary: A speaker argued that Family Dollar should not lose sales because Cub Food, located across the street, already sells alcohol.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker. I just wanted to say that why should Family Dollar have to lose sales because Cub food across the street sells it. Give their customers or in their Bion, the opportunity.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:28

• Protocol and security concerns for liquor sales

  • Summary: A speaker emphasized the need for established protocols regarding security and protection from theft when allowing alcohol sales at various businesses.
  • Evidence: “Well, the thing that bothers me is the protocol for security. And I, and I’m going to talk about the protocol for security and protection from theft and of any nature, whether it’s cup food, whether it’s family dollar, protocol, protection, security, and all of these things are in place to make sure that they’re minimizing any possibility of children or mid and John.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:46

• Request for assessment on safety protocols before allowing liquor sales

  • Summary: A speaker requested an examination to ensure safeguards are in place before allowing stores to manage their own liquor sales, citing the heightened risk.
  • Evidence: “So I think we need to do something about creating theft because without all of the mechanisms in place, have we done an examination to make that happen, to make sure that either of those safeguards are put in place, then I don’t think we should allow some store or business or whatever that can’t govern their own store when it comes to liquor, because liquor is is a whole different category.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:17

• Concerns about risk and danger from alcohol sales

  • Summary: A speaker reiterated the need for thorough vetting of safety measures before allowing liquor sales due to the potential for creating risk and danger in the community.
  • Evidence: “I think we need to be able to help anyone being able to create risk and danger when it comes to buying liquor from a small convenience store.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:27

• Store measures taken against theft of medicine

  • Summary: A speaker mentioned that the specific store in question had to take measures, such as locking down cold and cough medicine (like NyQuil), because it was being stolen by people with alcohol issues.
  • Evidence: “This store has had to take measures with locking down their cold and cough medicine, their cough syrup, their NyQuil because it was being stolen and people with alcohol issues were going in buying it”
  • Source timestamp: 52:27

• Challenge to regulating private business operations

  • Summary: A speaker expressed disagreement with the council’s perceived authority to dictate how a private business should operate.
  • Evidence: “Parker. I know it’s my second time, but I don’t know how we can, we feel we can go in and tell a private business how to run their business.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:56

• Assurance of measures for City of Freeport confidence

  • Summary: The speaker discussed the need to ensure that venues have all necessary precautions in place to assure the confidence of the City of Freeport.
  • Evidence: “So that’s one of the things that I like to talk about in the future and as an ongoing thing because if we hear these reports of any kind of problems from these types of venues, then we need to make sure that they have all of their I know their eyes cross and their T’s, their I’s are dotted and their T’s are crossed, but that’s what I think we should be doing in order to assure the confidence of the City of Freeport that these measures have been put, has been put in place. That’s what I have to say on that.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:49

• Private business regulation regarding medicine sales

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern about regulating private businesses, citing an example where a store locked down cough syrup due to theft by people with alcohol issues.
  • Evidence: “This store has had to take measures with locking down their cold and cough medicine, their cough syrup, their NyQuil because it was being stolen and people with alcohol issues were going in buying it and so I think it would be a negative.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:27

• Authority over private business operations

  • Summary: A speaker argued that the council should not dictate how a private business operates, stating that handling the business is their responsibility.
  • Evidence: “I don’t know how we can, we feel we can go in and tell a private business how to run their business. That is their business. It’s their responsibility. We give them the permit to sell it. How they handle it is their business, not ours.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:56

• Difficulty regulating large retailers selling alcohol

  • Summary: A speaker expressed difficulty in preventing restrictions on large businesses like Family Dollar from selling alcohol.
  • Evidence: “I just can’t see how we would stop a big business like Family Dollar and we got gas stations around them. We have cubs. We have, you know, All these different places that sell alcohol, but then we stop with Family Dollar, I just, to me I just can’t see saying no to Family Dollar.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:33

• Comparison of retail types and liquor sales

  • Summary: A speaker argued that comparing a clothing store like Family Dollar to a place selling liquor is illogical.
  • Evidence: “So that’s like you going to Marshall’s and buying liquor. It just don’t make sense. Like it doesn’t make sense to do that.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:26

• Alderman Sanders concerns regarding council ethics

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders expressed feeling perturbed and stated his desire to ensure that ethical matters are addressed by the council.
  • Evidence: “I am perturbed right now. But we just don’t have enough time and I don’t want nobody to be upset with the things that I possibly would bring out here in this council tonight but anyway I do have things I like to discuss and I just want to make sure that that certain people are put on notice and I want our council to know that they’re going to be put ethical things that we do or the things that we do or not doing here in this city.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:24

• Ethics and Council Conduct

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders expressed concern about ethics within the council and the pattern of conduct.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. I am perturbed right now. But we just don’t have enough time and I don’t want nobody to be upset with the things that I possibly would bring out here in this council tonight but anyway I do have things I like to discuss and I just want to make sure that that certain people are put on notice and I want our council to know that they’re going to be put ethical things that we do or the things that we do or not doing here in this city. But anyway, ethics has a lot to do with a lot of things that we’re doing in our council. So I just want the people to be very cognizant about all of these things that are going forward and the things that are and how we’re how this council sets a pattern on how we do things and and I think we need an overhaul in taking out the never mind I just want to move on thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:24

• Promotion of Freeport Attractions

  • Summary: A speaker urged capitalizing on Freeport’s historical aspects, such as its connection to bootlegging and Al Capone, for tourism.
  • Evidence: “Mayor, look at me. Okay. True crime is huge, huge. And we had Al Capone coming in on the train off of Winnipeg street because the Capones lived down there. So this is something that we could capitalize on. No, it’s a dark side of Freeport but it’s a side of Freeport as was bootlegging, as was all kinds of things. And we could capitalize on this.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:13

• Concerns Regarding Victim Consideration in Promotions

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern about the lack of compassion regarding a man’s promotion despite him having choked somebody.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “Yes. I want to say there is no compassion. I don’t know if one of you guys have ever thought about the victim, that you guys are slapping in the face by allowing this man to get promoted and get good deeds done while he choked somebody.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:07

• Allegations regarding city operations and personnel

  • Summary: The speaker alleged that the recipient was involved in asking a former employee to file a fraudulent complaint against a 43-year employee of Freeport, citing evidence like receipts and TIF district money. The speaker also cited population decrease from over 50,000 to under 23,000 in Freeport.
  • Evidence: “And I’ve got the proof I’ve got the receipts the TIF district money everything else we are looking into it the fact that you asked a former employee of the city of Freeport to file a fraudulent complaint against a 43-year employee of the city of Freeport that’s coming to light. And why did you do it? To appoint your neighbor to the position who still doesn’t have the licenses to operate in that position, who’s also been given pay raises in that position. So the day’s coming. I spent four years sitting in that seat. My fighting for this city doesn’t stop when I walk out of office. I have contacted everybody I can at the state, at the federal, and any other organization that will listen. And I have provided them with receipts that I talk about tonight. And I’m going to ask something be done. Because what has happened to Freeport, the decrease in the population from over 50,000 and a couple other people in the county, when I was a kid, to now being under 23,000 in the city of Freeport is unbelievable.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:44

Public Comment

• Annual Budget Report Review and Questions

  • Summary: A public commenter requested that the annual budget report be removed from the consent agenda to ask questions regarding spending priorities.
  • Evidence: “Good evening. Tonight I’m here to address the council. I read over the annual budget report that was in the consent agenda, and I am asking you respectfully if you could remove that from the consent agenda and ask some questions.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:48

• Concerns regarding appointment process and conduct of appointed individual

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern over appointing someone who allegedly behaves erratically (drunk strangling women) and questioned the oath of council members who voted for it.
  • Attribution: Ikea Sanders
  • Evidence: “I wanted to talk about number seven. Coming from a person that is frequently judged or ridiculed for whatever thing I do, the fact that we have to appoint somebody that’s riding around drunk strangling women and have a domestic now that he is fighting, we don’t know if he’s going to go to prison.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:14

• Water Bill Charges Concern

  • Summary: Zandra Bright, a business owner, presented a petition urging the city to reconsider excessive charges on water bills due to the burden on fixed-income seniors.
  • Attribution: Zandra Bright
  • Evidence: “Hello, my name is Zandra Bright. I’m a business owner here in town. I serve on many boards and many organizations. Huffines, I care about our city and I care about the people of our city, especially our elderly population. I started a petition about two weeks ago. The petition is to mandate our city to reconsider the excessive charges on our water bills. It’s getting to be outrageous. As a senior living predominantly on disability like countless others in this community, unreasonable high water charges are at alarming burden.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:42

• Local Tourism Promotion and Infrastructure Needs

  • Summary: Sue Cook thanked Alderman Monroe, highlighted local tourist draws like the Douglas Fireball Observatory and Crate Park, and advocated for promoting Freeport’s architecture and history to draw tourism.
  • Attribution: Sue Cook
  • Evidence: “Hi, my name is Sue Cook and I am on Winchester Drive. First, I wanna thank Alderman Monroe for being our alderman for the four years. You’re a fighter. Thank you very much. […] The observatory has in our ward, in second ward has an event coming up May 17th. That deep space telescope is amazing. You need to check that out. But we also need to get that out to Chicago. We need to get that out as a tourist draw. We need to get the Coteau House up and running because that’s a draw.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:26

• Need for architectural focus downtown

  • Summary: Speaker suggested pointing out the architecture when discussing improvements near the Stewart building.
  • Evidence: “And if you’re gonna put chargers over here by the Stewart building, so they come through here, you’re gonna need to give them something because downtown isn’t it. We need to start pointing at the architecture.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:49

• Concerns regarding promotion and misconduct

  • Summary: Speaker expressed concern that allowing a man who choked somebody (described as almost murder) to get promoted is wrong.
  • Evidence: “I want to say there is no compassion. I don’t know if one of you guys have ever thought about the victim, that you guys are slapping in the face by allowing this man to get promoted and get good deeds done while he choked somebody. That’s like almost murder to strangle somebody, but that’s that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:07

• Concerns regarding council relationships and financial dealings

  • Summary: Speaker criticized the pattern of intertwining with male figures leading to Freeport suffering financially, comparing it to past issues with Mahoney and Mike Meade.
  • Evidence: “I want to say every time Mayor Miller intertwines with any male figure, whatever it is, friendship, business, or whatever, Freeport suffers from it in a ways that Mahoney, he still ain’t paid his loan back. Mike Meade, he took a long time to pay his due diligence to downtown.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:36

• Council inaction on Family Dollar liquor service

  • Summary: Speaker noted the council failed to discuss whether the police chief thought about Family Dollar serving liquor.
  • Evidence: “Not one of our eight older people nor our mayor asked the police chief what he thought about Family Dollar serving liquor.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:49

• Council accountability and representation

  • Summary: Speaker stated that council members work for the people of Freeport, not Andrew Chesney, and demanded an explanation regarding the removal of involvement from the Planning Commission.
  • Evidence: “You guys work for us. You guys, the election is over. You do not work for Andrew Chesney anymore. You work for the people of Freeport… The mayor made herself perfectly clear. She does not want my involvement. That is fine. But the replacement. And now the people of Freeport want an explanation.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:07

• Procedural fairness regarding housing warnings

  • Summary: Speaker stated that warnings should be sent before taking action, referencing a ‘kangaroo court’ feeling.
  • Evidence: “You guys served me no warnings for my one house. Automatically, I got an issue, got up here before this little, well, people call it the kangaroo court. You’re supposed to send warnings before you do anything.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:04

• Allegations against Mayor Miller and council members

  • Summary: Speaker accused Mayor Miller of being heavily involved in wrongdoing and suggested she enjoyed a meal out with Dustin.
  • Evidence: “Mayor, you’re probably the biggest one involved. I mean, hope you enjoyed your meal out with Dustin.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:30

• City decline and lack of future for Freeport

  • Summary: Speaker noted that population has gone down, streets are poor, there are no jobs, and no new jobs coming into Freeport.
  • Evidence: “Population has gone down. Streets are crap. No jobs. No new jobs coming in. No future for Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:46

• Ordinance regarding city employee residency

  • Summary: Speaker advocated for getting rid of the old ordinance requiring certain city employees to live within a specific parameter of the city, citing modern technology.
  • Evidence: “I’d like to share my thoughts on the old ordinance about certain city employees living in a certain parameter of the city. I say, get rid of it.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:33

• Support for overturning council members

  • Summary: Speaker stated support for overturning many council members due to perceived sellout behavior and fraud.
  • Evidence: “I just want to say I support overturning many of you on this council. I support that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:00

• Allegations against Mayor Miller and Rob Boyer regarding business blocking

  • Summary: Speaker alleged that Mayor Miller and Rob Boyer blocked a local business owner from investing three and a half million dollars in Freeport without council approval.
  • Evidence: “I found out in the last couple of weeks that this man, Rob Boyer, this mayor, Jodi Miller, had an opportunity to help a local business owner grow their business invest three and a half million dollars in the city of Freeport and they blocked it. No council approval. No council information.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:40

• Allegations regarding fraudulent complaint filing

  • Summary: Speaker stated that evidence is emerging about asking a former employee to file a fraudulent complaint against a 43-year city employee.
  • Evidence: “the fact that you asked a former employee of the city of Freeport to file a fraudulent complaint against a 43-year employee of the city of Freeport that’s coming to light.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:44

• Opening prayer for the meeting

  • Summary: The speaker offered a prayer thanking God and asking for guidance for the city of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Cecelia Stacy
  • Evidence: “Cecelia Stacy, Fifth Ward. As I said at the last meeting in April, we start this city with prayer. We start these meetings with prayer. We can end them with prayer. So with that being said, Father God, in the name of Jesus, we come to you thanking you for this day, for this is the day that you have made. Before we ask you for anything, we say thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:07

Proclamations and Recognitions

• National Travel and Tourism Week Declaration

  • Summary: Mayor Jodi Miller declared May 4th through the 10th, 2025 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport declare May 4th through the 10th, 2025 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Freeport and urge our residents to join in recognizing the essential role this industry plays in our economy.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:32

• United Way of Northwest Illinois’ 75th Anniversary Day Declaration

  • Summary: Mayor Jodi Miller declared May 5th, 2025 as the United Way of Northwest Illinois’ 75th Anniversary Day in the city of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Now therefore I, Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport, to hereby declare May 5th, 2025 as the United Way of Northwest Illinois’ 75th Anniversary Day in the city of Freeport and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of the United Way of Northwest Illinois in our community over the past 75 years.”
  • Source timestamp: 23:30

• World Migratory Bird Day

  • Summary: Jodi Miller declared May 10th, 2025 as World Migratory Bird Day in the city of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “So now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, Mayor of the city of Freeport do hereby declare May 10th, 2025 as World Migratory Bird Day in the city of Freeport. And I urge all of our citizens support efforts to protect these migratory birds and their habitats in our community.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:50

Follow-ups

• Late minutes submission
  • Summary: The minutes from the Community Development Commission and the Zone Commission are six months late and require an answer.
  • Evidence: “There’s also a very minor thing, but the minutes from the Community Development Commission and the Zone Commission are six months late. That deserves an answer, too.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:44

Attendance

• Roll Call Attendance
  • Summary: Attendance recorded for the council members.
  • Evidence: “Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Absent, Parker, Stacy, Absent, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:10