Meeting Events

Meeting: irfny1wi54y.city_council_meeting_6-2-2025

Meeting date: 2025-06-02

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

• Allow Alderman Stacy to remote in — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to allow Alderman Stacy to participate remotely.
  • Attribution: Alderman Miller
  • Evidence: “And if I would allow Alderman Stacy to remote in. I’ll make the motion. Second.”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 7-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:01

• Approval of Agenda — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the agenda.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “So with that, is there a motion to approve the agenda? So moved. Second.”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:32

• Approval of minutes from May 19th, 2025 meeting — Approved

  • Summary: The minutes from the May 19th, 2025 meeting were moved to be approved.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Okay, we will move on to item number two which is the approval of the The minutes from the May 19th, 2025 meeting. Is there such a motion? So moved. Second.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:58

• Approval of minutes from May 19th, 2025 meeting — Passed

  • Summary: The motion to approve the minutes was voted on.
  • Attribution: Board
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Abstain. Think she said abstain. Abstain. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers. Aye. The minutes are approved 2, 4, 5, to 1, to 1.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:55

• Approval of Consent Agenda Items — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve consent agenda items including finance bills and payroll.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes six to two.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:46

• Approval of Appointments for Housing Authority — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve appointments for Bestegene Bush and Bobby Yount to the Housing Authority.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Moving motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Alderperson, Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:31

• Suspend the rules for ordinance passage — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules was made by Alderman Parker.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker, Council
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker? Motion to suspend the rules. Second. We have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The suspension passes 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:16

• Final passage for ordinance — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance was adopted by a vote of 8 to 0.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. And the ordinance is adopted 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:28

• Move to advance the debt ordinance for well 12 project

  • Summary: Motion made to move the ordinance forward.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:22

• Suspend the rules on the ordinance

  • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker. No, just motion to suspend the rules. Second.”
  • Evidence: “A motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:38

• Suspension of the rules on the ordinance

  • Summary: Vote taken to suspend the rules.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. We do have two thirds, six to two.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:52

• Final passage of the ordinance

  • Summary: Vote taken on the final passage of the ordinance.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:52

• Ordinance passage for garbage fees adjustment — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance passed six to two.
  • Evidence: “And Sellers? Aye. We do have two thirds, six to two. So now before you is the final passage of this ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:07

• Moving to advance garbage rate ordinance

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “So moved. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”

• Ordinance passage

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”

• Table item indefinitely

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Simmons to table the current item indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “with that being said, I would like to make a motion to table this indefinitely. Is there a second?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:53

• Table ordinance indefinitely — Failed

  • Summary: Motion to table the current item indefinitely.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons, Council
  • Evidence: “Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Sanders, to table this indefinitely.”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? No. Johnson? No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? No. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? I say no. Johnson. One, two, three in favor of tabling. It has failed.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:22

• Amend section 13 item number 29 to remove ‘majority’ and add ’to older persons’

  • Summary: Motion by Alderman Johnson to amend section 13 item number 29.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Johnson to amend section 13 item number 29 to remove the word majority and add the word to older persons and accompanying the agenda item must also be a memo.”
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion made by Johnson, seconded by Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:05

• Amendment to Alderman Johnson’s motion

  • Summary: Motion by Simmons to lay the amendment of Alderman Johnson’s to the COW.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons to lay the amendment of Alderman Johnson’s to the Cow.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:26

• Laying over amendment for further discussion — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to lay the amendment over to the COW.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons, Council
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons to lay the amendment of Alderman Johnson’s to the Cow.”
  • Evidence: “The motion passes five to three.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:26

• Amendment to Alderman Johnson’s amendment regarding the Cow — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Simmons to lay the amendment of Alderman Johnson’s to the Cow.
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons to lay the amendment of Alderman Johnson’s to the Cow. Is there a second to that?”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Yes. Johnson? No. Simmons? Yes. Parker? No. Stacy? Yeah. Shadle? No. Sanders? Yes. Sellers? Yes. The motion passes five to three.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:26

• Ordinance 2025 38 (Hanger Leases) — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to move the ordinance forward.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm to move this ordinance forward.”
  • Evidence: “A request for suspension of the rules. So move. There will be a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers for suspension of the rules.”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Alder person Stacy, are you still with us? How do you vote on the suspension of rules for the hanger leases? I’ll come back to you. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Is absent. And Sellers? Aye. The suspension pass is seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:32

• Final passage of Ordinance 2025 38 (Hanger Leases) — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance passed 7 to 0.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, and Sellers. And the ordinance passes 7 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:32

• Adoption of ADA assessment and transition plan — Adopted

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Klemm to adopt the ADA assessment and transition plan.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adapted 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:10

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye.”

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Johnson voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Johnson? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:24

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Simmons voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Simmons? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:24

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Parker voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Parker? Aye.”

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Stacy voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye.”

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Shadle? Aye.”

• Roll Call Vote on Resolution 2025-59

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders voted Aye.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Aye.”

• Adoption of IDOT Street Maintenance Agreement — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the intergovernmental agreement with IDOT.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, Council Body
  • Evidence: “So I’ll move. I second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”
  • Evidence: “That resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Thank you 7 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:26

• Adoption of resolution entering into agreement with Eric Dragney

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? Is there a second?”
  • Evidence: “Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:47

• Adoption of agreement supporting and committing to the Ten Shared Principles of Community Policing — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted with a vote tally of 5-3.
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the adoption of this agreement? Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 5-3.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:22

• Adoption of Resolution Supporting and Committing to the Ten Shared Principles of Community Policing

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Shadle to adopt the resolution.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:44:03

• Adoption of Honorary Street Name Resolution for Allison Way — Adopted

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution designating Allison Way as an honorary street name.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers, Council Member (unspecified)
  • Evidence: “So move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers. Seconded by Alderman Shaddle.”
  • Evidence: “And I put it forward to you. So if you feel it’s in the best interest of the people, then I would suggest voting for it. And if not, I’d understand that’s obviously your duty to make that decision as well. »”
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted seven to zero. Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2025-63.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:50:39

• Roll Call Vote for Resolution 2025-64 — Adopted

  • Summary: The roll call was taken for the adoption of resolution 2025-64.
  • Evidence: “Madame Clerk, please take the roll. Parker, Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:10

• Acquisition of Five Parcels from Stephenson County

  • Summary: Motion to move forward with the acquisition of the five parcels due to no financial impact.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Becker, Jodi, So staff’s recommendation is to move forward with the acquisition of the five parcels. There is no financial impact. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:05:35

• Adoption of resolution 2025-66 (Item number 20) — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution imposing censure on three council members was adopted.
  • Evidence: “Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:08:46

• Move item regarding censure resolution

  • Summary: A motion was made to move the item to the next regularly scheduled meeting with discussion in between.
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion to move this item to the next regularly scheduled meeting with discussion in between.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:10:36

• Table censure resolution indefinitely

  • Summary: Alderman Simmons moved to table the matter indefinitely, stating it was a witch hunt.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Simmons? I have another motion to table this indefinitely. Nobody else has to show or prove why they were not here.”
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion of tabling indefinitely by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Sanders.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:11:58

• Motion to table discussion until next meeting — Tabled

  • Summary: A motion was made by Simmons and seconded by Sellers to table the current item indefinitely.
  • Evidence: “All right. So the motion is tabled indefinitely by Simmons and and Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:16:15

• Tabling of item — Failed

  • Summary: The vote on tabling the item resulted in a failure, three to five.
  • Evidence: “Just roll my thought out the window. Klemm? No. Monroe? Oh, goodness. Old sheet. Johnson? No. Simmons? Yes. Parker? No. Stacy? Yes. Shadle? No. Sanders? And Sellers. No. Oh my, one, two, three, it fails, three to five.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:16:32

• Motion to table item (Second attempt) — Passed

  • Summary: The vote on tabling the item passed five to three.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Yes. Johnson? Yes. Simmons? No. Parker? Yes. Stacy? No. Shadle? Yes. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Yes. One, two, three. It passes five to three.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:27

• Approval of Test Well Bid — Passed

  • Summary: The vote on approving the test well bid passed 6-1.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion Settler. The motion to approve the bid as stated.”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 6-1.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:22:55

• Approval of Production Well Bid (Peerless) — Passed

  • Summary: The vote on approving the production well bid passed six to one.
  • Evidence: “Staff would request approval of this resolution moving forward with Peerless. I’m sorry, with this bid with Peerless. Is there a motion to approve?”
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Trying to reconnect Stacy or no Shadle Sanders no and Sellers aye the motion is approved six to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:24:09

• Approval of Well House Bid (IHC)

  • Summary: Motion to move forward with IHC Construction for the well house bid.
  • Evidence: “move second but made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Sellers”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:14

• Roll call vote on previous motion — Approved

  • Summary: Vote tally for a motion.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. And Sellers. Aye. The motion is approved, six to one.”

• Approval of bid for Wellhouse number 12 water main and sewer main extensions — Approved

  • Summary: Motion to approve the bid for the wellhouse number 12 water main and sewer main extensions.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Motion made by Shadle, seconded by Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the role for the bid. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. Sellers. The motion is approved six to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:26:44

• Approval of bid for demolition of seven residential properties — Approved

  • Summary: Motion to approve issuing a contract to Klechner Excavating for the demolition of seven properties.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll Klemm Johnson aye Simmons Parker aye Shadle aye Sanders no and Sellers aye the motion is approved six to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:12

• Adoption of resolution regarding water improvement projects — Passed

  • Summary: A motion was made to move forward with the agreement for the water improvement projects.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer, Alderman Shadle, City Council
  • Evidence: “I enthusiastically recommend moving forward with this resolution. Is there a motion to adopt? I make a motion.”
  • Evidence: “Second. The motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. And Sellers. Aye. The resolution is adopted six to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:32:24

• Motion to adjourn meeting — Passed

  • Summary: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Shadle and passed.
  • Evidence: “I will entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Motion made by Sellers, seconded by Shadle. All those in favor? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:16:26

Procedural Actions

• Call to Order and Roll Call

  • Summary: The meeting was called to order, followed by an initial roll call check.
  • Evidence: “Now we’ll call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Mayor Miller? Alderpersons, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy will be at marked absent at the moment. Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17

• Pledge of Allegiance

  • Summary: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Klemm.
  • Evidence: “If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Klemm. To the flag of the United States of America and the United States of America. One nation, one God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:29

• Agenda Item Sequencing Note

  • Summary: Note regarding the placement of Resolution 2025-67.
  • Evidence: “Item number two 6, which is resolution 2025-67. Just as a housekeeping rule, we normally have all the resolutions put together at one place, but this one is going to be at the end because it’s important that we have the approval of the bids for items number 21 through 24 first.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:14

• Swearing in John Kelly as firefighter

  • Summary: John Kelly swore to support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Illinois and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of firefighter.
  • Attribution: John Kelly
  • Evidence: “I, John Kelly, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of firefighter according to the best of my abilities.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:58

• Vote on resolution and ordinance changes

  • Summary: The speaker asked for a vote no on the resolution and consideration of changes to the ordinance.
  • Evidence: “Therefore, I ask you to vote no on the resolution and to consider changes to the ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:23

• Public comments conclusion

  • Summary: The chair directed speakers to wait until the end for general comments.
  • Evidence: “Larry, Larry, if you have something you want to say as general, you have to wait till the end. Okay. Then that concludes public comments.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:52

• Moving to consent agenda item number four

  • Summary: The council moved on to item number four, which is the consent agenda.
  • Evidence: “We move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda. I’m sorry. Is it an agenda item? Which one is removed yes so that way we can read it and be ready so if you’d like to speak on a topic on agenda items which number which one okay okay”
  • Source timestamp: 33:58

• Consent agenda consideration

  • Summary: The consent agenda was considered routine in nature for action by one motion.
  • Evidence: “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 there’s a member of the council would like to have something removed for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the police pension board, December 30th, 2024, January 29th, 2025. Historic Preservation Commission May 21st, 2024 and April 15th, 2025. Fire Pension Board, January 29th, 2025. The Board of Fire and Police Commission, April 22nd, 2025. Also reports from the Police Department, Cash and Investment and Finance Department for April 2025. The Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report for May 2025. The resolution of 2025-57, which requests temporary closure for streets for the Teddy Baker Fest Parade dated July 13th, 2025.”
  • Source timestamp: 37:20

• Consent Agenda Items

  • Summary: Approval to receive and place on file various board and commission minutes and reports.
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the police pension board, December 30th, 2024, January 29th, 2025. Historic Preservation Commission May 21st, 2024 and April 15th, 2025. Fire Pension Board, January 29th, 2025. The Board of Fire and Police Commission, April 22nd, 2025. Also reports from the Police Department, Cash and Investment and Finance Department for April 2025. The Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report for May 2025. The resolution of 2025-57, which requests temporary closure for streets for the Teddy Baker Fest Parade dated July 13th, 2025. Approval of the finance bills payable in a total of $2,520,550, I’m sorry, $585.78 and payroll for a pay period ending May 17th, 2025 in the total of $665,616.82.”

• Appointments for Housing Authority

  • Summary: Discussion of appointments for the Housing Authority.
  • Evidence: “Item number seven is appointments. When you’re caught up, can you read those? Bestegene Bush to the Housing Authority, effective through October 31st, 2028, and Bobby Yount to the Housing Authority effective through October 31st, 2030.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:15

• First reading of ordinance 2025-36

  • Summary: Ordinance amending chapter 1060 waste and recycling collection and disposal section 1060.04 regarding Garbage Fees.
  • Evidence: “Item number 10 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-36. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 1060 waste and recycling collection and disposal section 1060.04 regarding Garbage Fees.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:35

• Moving to next agenda item

  • Summary: The council moved on to item number 11.
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, we’ll move on to item number 11, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-37. Could you please read this?”
  • Source timestamp: 56:18

• First reading of ordinance 2025-37

  • Summary: Ordinance amending Chapter 220, Council Section 220.10, Rules of Council, and Section 220.11, Council Committees.
  • Evidence: “Yes, amending Chapter 220, Council Section 220.10, Rules of Council, and Section 220.11, Council Committees.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:26

• Seconding of motion to table

  • Summary: The motion to table was seconded by Alderman Sanders.
  • Evidence: “Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Sanders, to table this indefinitely.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:22

• Committee of the Whole item status

  • Summary: The only thing that is on the Committee of the Whole next week is this amendment that was just made and the second reading for the entire ordinance is on for the 16th.
  • Evidence: “Okay so just for clarity the only thing that is just for clarity the only thing that is on the Committee of the Whole next week is this amendment that was just made and the second reading for the entire ordinance is on for the 16th correct okay”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:37

• Roll Call Vote for Resolution Adoption

  • Summary: The roll call was taken, with Simmons noted as absent.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons is absent. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:48:06

• Discussion on Resolution imposing censure

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle requested to table the resolution imposing censure.
  • Evidence: “Resolution imposing censure on three council members who were willfully and deliberately absent from the May 19, 2025 council meeting. Alderman Shadle? Yes. I would actually like to table this.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:08:46

• Motion to table censure resolution until next meeting

  • Summary: A motion was made to table the item until the next council meeting, allowing two weeks for a decision.
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion to table this until the next council meeting. That would give two weeks time to decide if this should go forward or not.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:09:34

• Motion to move discussion to next meeting

  • Summary: A motion was proposed by the original Alderman Shadle and seconded by Alderman Klemm to move the item to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
  • Evidence: “OK so now I believe that the right order would be the original of Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm, to move this to the next regularly scheduled meeting.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:16:53

• Motion to table discussion until next meeting (Second attempt)

  • Summary: A motion was made to table the item for further discussion at the next council meeting.
  • Evidence: “So as long as Alderman Shadle’s position and the second is still to table this to the next meeting, allowing for whatever conversations to be had just to confirm the reasons for Alderman Simmons not being here, which I know she stated already there, but if to allow for whatever follow-up that may or may not need to take place on that there, then that’s what’s pending before.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:17:42

• Staff Recommendation for Bids Approval

  • Summary: Staff recommended that City Council approve the lowest responsive bidder for each contract listed.
  • Evidence: “So staff’s recommendation is City Council to approve the lowest responsive bidder for each contract as listed.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:01

Ordinances and Resolutions

• First Reading of Ordinance 2025-34

  • Summary: Ordinance amending part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1046, Sewers Generally, Section 1046.10, Specific Local Discharge Limits of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Freeport.
  • Evidence: “Item number 8 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-34. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1046, Sewers Generally, Section 1046.10, Specific Local Discharge Limits of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:05

• City of Freeport Court of Ordinance Sections 220.10 and 220.11

  • Summary: Sections 220.10 and 220.11 govern rules for City Council meetings, covering topics like calling meetings, quorum establishment, agenda procedures, speaking frequency, decorum, and penalties.
  • Evidence: “Attorney Zito. Thank you, Your Honor. So, City of Freeport, Court of Ordinance, Section 220.10 and 220.11 provide for various rules that govern how the City Council and its various committees, meetings are conducted.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:36

• Proposed changes to Sections 2.20.10 and 2.20.11

  • Summary: The ordinance proposes changes to increase efficiency, clarify ambiguities, and set forth procedures for placing items on the agenda.
  • Evidence: “The ordinance before the City Council for consideration proposes changes to Section 2.20. 10 And 2.20. 11 In effort to increase efficiency at meetings, clarify ambiguities that exist in the existing language, and then set forth procedures for having items placed on the agenda.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:02

• Penalty for willful absence from City Council meetings

  • Summary: The section proposes amending to provide for a hundred dollar fine upon conviction of city council members who are willfully absent without reasonable reason for such absence.
  • Evidence: “This section is being proposed to be amended also to provide for a hundred dollar fine upon conviction of city council members who are willfully absent without reasonable reason for such absence.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:37

• Definition of reasonable absence from City Council meetings

  • Summary: The ordinance provides an example that purposely missing a meeting to try to obstruct the conduct of city business is not considered to be a reasonable reason for being absent.
  • Evidence: “For the further, this section also goes on to provide an example that purposely missing a meeting to try to obstruct the conduct of city business is not considered to be a reasonable reason for being absent.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:51

• Speaking rights on agenda items (Multiple Speakers) — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance proposes changing the requirement for speaking more than twice from unanimous vote to just a majority vote.
  • Evidence: “Fourth, currently the rules provide that each member can speak twice on an agenda item, but that by unanimous vote of the council, a member can speak more than twice. This ordinance proposes to change the unanimous vote requirement to just the majority vote so that it would be allowed that you don’t, if you want to speak more than twice, that We didn’t no longer would need a unanimous vote of the council to speak an additional time. It would just be a majority vote to allow for that additional time.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:04

• Speaking time limit and extension

  • Summary: The proposed change limits each council member’s speaking turn to two minutes, extendable by a majority vote of the council.
  • Evidence: “Finally, the proposed change to this section would limit each turn that a council member is allowed to speak to two minutes in time. However, the two minutes can be extended then by a majority vote of the council to allow for additional time to speak.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:25

• Removal of disruptive members from meetings

  • Summary: A proposed change allows for removal by the police chief or designee if a person is deemed out of order or violating rules twice.
  • Evidence: “Regarding the quorum at meetings, a proposed change in this ordinance is that any person who’s deemed to be out of order or violating the rules of council twice can be removed by the police chief or their designee.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:43

• Penalty for rule violations (Specific Fine)

  • Summary: A $250 fine is provided for any member convicted.
  • Evidence: “Regarding penalties for violating rules, this provides a $250 fine for any member who’s convicted”
  • Source timestamp: 58:43

• Adding items to the meeting agenda

  • Summary: Items can be added by the mayor, city manager, or majority of the older persons.
  • Evidence: “A new rule is being proposed to govern meeting agendas. Items can be added to the agenda by the mayor, city manager, or majority of the older persons.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:19

• Removing items from the meeting agenda

  • Summary: Items can be removed by the person who originally requested that item be placed on the agenda.
  • Evidence: “And then it also provides that items can be removed by the persons who requested that the item be placed on the agenda originally.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:29

• Informational requests to City staff/contracted staff

  • Summary: City Council members can make reasonable informational requests to City or contracted staff.
  • Evidence: “Another new rule being proposed governs city council requests of city staff. This proposed change provides that members of the City Council can make reasonable informational requests to City staff or contracted staff.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:37

• Proposed ordinance changes regarding informational requests and committee structure

  • Summary: The proposed change allows City Council members to make reasonable informational requests to staff or contracted staff; requires staff to compile information within five business days, with the city manager having the right to extend this time frame; amends section 220-11 to allow committee meetings to be called by the Mayor, City Manager, or Majority of the City Council; allows agenda items to be removed by the person who requested them; and removes the Social Justice Committee provision from Section 220-11.
  • Evidence: “This proposed change provides that members of the City Council can make reasonable informational requests to City staff or contracted staff. Thank you. A request requires staff to compile information that staff will be given at least five business days to compile the information it further provides that the city manager has the right to extend this five business day time frame taking into consideration items like workload illness verification of staff members. The ordinance also makes a change to section 220-11 regarding the various committees of the city council to reflect that committee meetings can be called by the Mayor, City Manager or Majority of the City Council. It further provides that the agenda items can be removed by the person who requested the items be placed on the agenda originally. And finally, Section 220-11 is amended to remove the provisions of the Social Justice Committee as the committee was originally intended to be a temporary committee.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:37

• Ordinance approving hanger leases (2025 38)

  • Summary: First reading of ordinance 2025 38 approving hanger leases.
  • Evidence: “let’s move on to item number 12 which is the first reading of ordinance 2025 38 could you please read this ordinance approving hanger leases we have k-10 with Lynn peace and m-10 with Timothy Graydon.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:37

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-58 (ADA Transition Plan)

  • Summary: Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-58 approving ADA transition plan.
  • Evidence: “Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-58. Could you please read this? Resolution approving ADA transition plan.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:41

• Intergovernmental agreement with IDOT regarding street maintenance

  • Summary: Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, or IDOT, regarding street maintenance.
  • Evidence: “Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2025-59. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an intergovernmental Agreement approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, or IDOT, regarding street maintenance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:37

• Adoption of intergovernmental agreement with IDOT regarding street maintenance

  • Summary: Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, or IDOT, regarding street maintenance.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2025-59. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an intergovernmental Agreement approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, or IDOT, regarding street maintenance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:37

• Adoption of Next Level Strategic Vision and Goals Services Proposal

  • Summary: Resolution approving a proposal from next level for strategic vision and goals services.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Item number 15 is adoption of resolution 2025-60. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a proposal from next level for strategic vision and goals services.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:47

• Approval of resolution entering into agreement with Eric Dragney

  • Summary: Staff recommends approving the resolution entering into the agreement with Eric Dragney at next level.
  • Evidence: “Funding for this project is budgeted in the 2025 budget and staff recommends approving the resolution entering into the agreement with Eric Dragney at next level.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:36

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-63: Honorary Street Name for Allison Way

  • Summary: Resolution designating an honorary street name of Allison Way to the 800 block of Float Avenue.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2025-63. Could you please read this? Resolution designating an honorary street name of Allison Way to the 800 block of Float Avenue.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:48:25

• Adoption of redevelopment agreement for Culver’s parking lot expansion

  • Summary: Resolution approving redevelopment agreement with Sandra L. Smith, the developer for Culver’s parking lot expansion.
  • Evidence: “Item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2025-64. Could you please read this? Resolution approving redevelopment agreement with Sandra L. Smith, the developer for Culver’s parking lot expansion.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:27

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-65 for Property Conveyance

  • Summary: Approving the city to accept the conveyance of five properties from Stephenson County, Illinois.
  • Attribution: Procedural
  • Evidence: “Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 2025-65. Could you please read this? Approving the city to accept the conveyance of five properties commonly known as Charles Avenue, Lots 12 and 13, Block 7, South Mary Avenue, Lot 12, Block 5,931 East Jackson, and 1108 East Stephenson Street from Stephenson County, Illinois.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:04:37

Financial and Contract Events

• FCA Mission Monthly Budget

  • Summary: The mission’s monthly budget is roughly $7,150.
  • Evidence: “My mission’s monthly budget is in my paperwork. It is roughly $7,150.”
  • Source timestamp: 11:48

• Proposed contract amount for project

  • Summary: The proposed contract amount is $11,750.
  • Evidence: “And the proposed contract amount is $11,750.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:16

• Payment terms for agreement with Eric Dragney

  • Summary: Payment terms are 50% due on signing and 50% upon completion.
  • Evidence: “So the payment terms are 50% due on signing and 50% upon completion, as outlined in the attached agreement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:23

• Compensation structure for redevelopment agreement

  • Summary: The City of Freeport would pay $10,000 upon completion of the site improvements. The developer would receive 75% of the increased tax revenue for this parcel as compensation.
  • Evidence: “And what’s being proposed is that these site improvements, totaling $350,000, the City of Freeport, once these are completed, what’s being proposed is that the City of Freeport would pay $10,000 upon completion of these site improvements. These developments are also within our TIF district and what’s also being proposed is that as the taxes are increased, which is our typical redevelopment agreement, the developer would receive 75% of the increased tax revenue for this parcel.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:54:54

• Contract A: Test Well

  • Summary: Peerless Well and Pump was the lowest responsive bidder for Contract A, the test well at $831,960.
  • Evidence: “So peerless well and pump was the lowest responsive bidder on contract A, the test well at $831,960.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:26

• Contract A1: Production Well for Well 12

  • Summary: Peerless Well and Pump was the lowest responsive bidder for Contract A1, the production well for well 12, totaling $2,441,650.
  • Evidence: “Contract A1 is the production well for well 12, and that the lowest responsive bidder was also peerless well and pump at a total amount of $2,441,650.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:39

• Contract B: Well House Number 12 Site Work

  • Summary: IHC Construction Companies won Contract B for the well house number 12 and a seven acre site work for $21,966,000.
  • Evidence: “And Contract B was the well house, well house number 12 and a seven acre site work. The winning bidder was IHC Construction Companies and the winning amount was $21,966,000.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:53

• Contract C: Water and Sewer Main Connections

  • Summary: Kelsey Excavating out of Davis, Illinois won Contract C for water and sewer main connections for $1,729,906.
  • Evidence: “And Contract C was the water and sewer main connections and that was won by Kelsey Excavating out of Davis, Illinois for $1,729,906.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:01

• Total cost of well and well house infrastructure

  • Summary: The total cost of the well and the well house is $26,969,516.
  • Evidence: “So the total cost of the well and the well house is $26,969,516.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:01

• Funding secured for water infrastructure project

  • Summary: The city is receiving or has waiting for $13.2 million in funding through the Illinois EPA, plus $5 million from emerging contaminant money and forgivable loans, as well as some congressionally directed spending from Congressman Sorensen.
  • Evidence: “And this is, the city’s currently receiving or has pled, has waiting for our project to move forward, $13.2 million in funding through the Illinois EPA, as as well as the emerging contaminant money and forgivable loans of $5 million as well as some congressionally directed spending from Congressman Sorensen.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:01

Projects

• Well and Well House Construction Costs

  • Summary: The total cost for the well and the well house was calculated as $26,969,516.
  • Evidence: “So the total cost of the well and the well house is $26,969,516.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:01

• Production Well Number 12 Bid Approval

  • Summary: Approval of the bid for the production well number 12, including notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence.
  • Evidence: “Item number 22 is the approval of another bid. Could you please read this? Another bid opening on May 23rd for the production well number 12 bid approval, including notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:23:22

• Well House Number 12 Bid Approval

  • Summary: Approval of the bid for well house number 12, including notice of intent to award to IHC construction based on IEPA concurrence.
  • Evidence: “item 23 another bit approval could you please read this also on May 23rd well house number 12 including notice of intent to award to IHC construction based on I EPA concurrence”
  • Source timestamp: 02:24:21

Presentations and Reports

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Mission and Strategy

  • Summary: The FCA mission is to lead every coach and athlete to a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ and his church, using an E3 strategy: Engage, Equip, and Empower.
  • Evidence: “The mission is to lead every coach and athlete to a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ and his church. Our strategy is three-fold, we call it E3. Gold. We call it E3. Engage, equip, and empower.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:56

• Commissioner’s appearance on local level

  • Summary: The speaker addressed Commissioner regarding their presence and the themes of silence, suppression, and retribution in controlling power.
  • Evidence: “And Commissioner. It is our privilege to have you present and to make an appearance on the local level before our eyes tonight. Silence, suppress, enact further measures of retribution in order to control. Power and control blended with privilege does not always result in just actions. It does reveal the motivations of those behind these moves.”
  • Source timestamp: 23:36

• Item 20 (Censure)

  • Summary: Rachel Simmons stated that she has no record of saying she intended to disrupt a meeting.
  • Evidence: “I will first start with item 20 by saying you have nowhere on record of me saying that I had any intent to disrupt any meeting and no actions of mine disrupted that meeting.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:27

• Item 11 Ordinance Changes

  • Summary: Rachel Simmons noted changes in the ordinance regarding speaking limits, changing penalties from a maximum of $100 to $250 for speaking more than two minutes or twice on any issue.
  • Evidence: “However, with the changes in this ordinance, all the persons defined will be changed from a maximum of $100 to $250 if we speak more than two minutes or more than twice on any issue.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:18

• Council Authority Changes

  • Summary: Rachel Simmons noted that authority previously given to Alder Persons in the city ordinance is now replaced with ‘City Council’ wording, and Alder Persons will no longer automatically serve as chair for Committee of the Whole meetings.
  • Evidence: “All the authority that has been given to Alder Persons in the city ordinance is now replaced with the wording of City Council and Alder Persons has been crossed out. So Alder Persons will no longer also serve as chair for Committee of the Whole meetings as we have all taken turns using doing that responsibility.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:33

• Agenda Item Placement Restrictions

  • Summary: Rachel Simmons stated that the ordinance change prevents Alder Persons from placing items on the agenda without the consent of the majority.
  • Evidence: “In addition, this prevents Alder Persons from placing items on the agenda without the consent of the majority of everyone.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:52

• Budget Approval Voting Requirement Change

  • Summary: Rachel Simmons stated that voting concerning the approval of budgets no longer requires a majority vote of the older persons.
  • Evidence: “Voting concerning the approval of budgets no longer requires a majority vote of the older persons, the council, the people put in charge, the ones that are supposed to employ Mr.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:13

• NPDES Permit Renewal and Local Discharge Limits

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented on the renewal of the NPDES permit, noting that local limits require City Council review and approval.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Every four years or so, the City renews our National Discharge Permit. During the process, we do what’s called a streamline calculations to determine what’s allowed that industry can convey to the wastewater treatment plant. This is based on flow, it’s based on the chemical or the constituents involved this year we’re in the process of renewing our NPDES permit and the city the EPA requires that our local limits are viewed by the City Council and approved we have some adjustments here all well within the range of normal activity and staff recommends a suspension of the rules and to approve the local limits the new Settlers, and Alderman, Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:28

• Local waste acceptance limits for wastewater treatment plant

  • Summary: The local changes to waste acceptance are internal and do not relate to changing EPA limits or outfall to the stream; they allow commercial/industrial accounts less waste to be treated at their own location.
  • Evidence: “To reiterate what city manager said, this is nothing to do with the EPA limits. This is our internal city limits of what we can accept for waste to our treatment plant. It’s called a mass balance equation. And our lab technician and chief lab manager did these equations and got them approved by EPA prior to coming to council to revise our local limits.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:43

• Well 12 renovation status

  • Summary: The work on well 12 is the last piece to the renovation of source water capacity.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Thank you your honor. As everyone here is quite aware we’ve been working on well 12 which is the last piece to our renovation of our source water capacity.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:03

• Ordinance authorizing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency public water supply loan program and loan agreement for well number 12 entire four projects including construction project bid cost and all engineering costs.

  • Summary: The city needs a current city of Freeport authorizing debt ordinance for the water project funding because the EPA public water loan program requires it, regardless of forgiveness. The staff recommends passing the debt ordinance so the city can issue the loan.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Ordinance authorizing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency public water supply loan program and loan agreement for well number 12 entire four projects including construction project bid cost and all engineering costs. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. As everyone here is quite aware we’ve been working on well 12 which is the last piece to our renovation of our source water capacity. The city of Freeport recently had a bid opening for phase four or four phases of well 12 water improvement project. The EPA public water loan program requires a current city of Freeport authorizing debt ordinance for the water project funding. This is part of every IEPA funding project regardless of whether the community receives any forgiveness or not. The IEPA project management and as standard practice is requesting a well 12 project authorizing debt ordinance to be passed for this four-phase project. The IEPA requires this ordinance as part of the project every state revolving fund or SRF loan process. The staff is also asking for the suspension of the rules on this item tonight to expedite this to the EPA as we currently have 13.2 million dollars in outside grant and in outside funding for this project. The city requires this construction project to be completed in order to abandon our current Brick Street plant and eventual demo of that plant where the water facility will be permanently closed down Brown due to the fact that it has perfluorinated compounds. This project is funded through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency State Revolving Fund. C. State Revolving Fund, and this would be based on user rates with current $13.2 million in forgivable loans and congressionally directed spending to the city. So staff recommends council pass the debt ordinance so the city can issue the loan. The total for the debt ordinance is $32 million, which is the total cost of the project is coming in about $28 million, and so this 32 is to create a small buffer in case there there’s some unexpected aspects related to construction. So staff asks council to move forward with this dead ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:03

• Background on garbage rate adjustment for ordinance 2025-36

  • Summary: The city’s health and environment fund is an enterprise fund, and the proposed changes involve reducing rates by $3 effective July 1 of 2025, $1.75 for 2026, and $1.59 for 2027, to bring the fund balance down to a level of three months expenses in reserve.
  • Attribution: Director Richter
  • Evidence: “If you remember last year, we made an adjustment to the garbage rate. We actually kept it the same… So this is building on to what happened last year… The monthly rate charged to residents includes the hauler expense, bad debt expense, Billing and Collection Services and the Refresh Freeport Expenses… I would like to do similar and keep the rates a little bit lower than what’s in the ordinance. And if you would like me to read them off and we’re going to reduce the rate by $3 that would be in effect July 1 of 2025. We would reduce the rate $1.75 for 2026, $1.59 for 2027, and then $1.84 reduction from what the ordinance has.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:42

• Ordinance recommendation and impact statement

  • Summary: Staff recommends approval of the ordinance, stating there is no financial impact to the city budget related to these proposed ordinance changes, and that the ordinance aligns with the strategic plan.
  • Evidence: “There’s no financial impact to the city budget related to these proposed ordinance changes. Staff recommends approval of the ordinance and this ordinance is in line with the strategic plan”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:32

• City government structure (City Manager Form)

  • Summary: The speaker explained the roles: City Council is legislative (makes policy/adopts ordinances), and the City Manager handles day-to-day operations, hiring, firing, and recommendations.
  • Evidence: “Attorney Zito, would you politely tell us when the city voted in the city manager just exactly how city government works? This is in charge of who does what, so at a very high level they’re so obviously with the city manager form of government the City Council is a legislative body there you guys make the legislative decisions you guys make policy this isn’t so like you guys adopt ordinances you guys choose just like this ordinance is being brought before you to either vote yes or no on or to vote to make changes to this draft ordinance that That is the council’s role now in the city manager form of government. The city manager’s role then is to carry out the day-to-day operations of the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:57

• ADA Transition Plan Overview

  • Summary: The federal and state governments brought significantly more focused to the ADA access and mobility challenges for residents and populated communities.
  • Evidence: “The federal and state governments brought significantly more focused to the ADA access and mobility challenges for residents and populated communities.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:41

• ADA Transition Plan Requirements

  • Summary: IDOT notified the city staff in the fall of 23 that a city-wide ADA assessment, grievance policy, and transition plan is required for all local public authorities, with more than 50 employees in the state of Illinois.
  • Evidence: “The Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, notified the city staff in the fall of 23 that a city-wide ADA assessment, grievance policy, and transition plan is required for all local public authorities, with more than 50 employees in the state of Illinois.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:23:18

• ADA Transition Plan Details

  • Summary: The City of Freeport ADA assessment transition plan studies have been completed in a draft form for council approval.
  • Evidence: “The City of Freeport ADA assessment transition plan studies have been completed in a draft form for council approval.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:07

• ADA assessment and transition plan status

  • Summary: The City of Freeport ADA assessment transition plan studies are complete in draft form for council approval, following a mandatory public hearing on May 30th, 2025 at 5 PM.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “The City of Freeport ADA assessment transition plan studies have been completed in a draft form for council approval. A mandatory public hearing was held on May 30th, 2025 at 5 PM”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:07

• ADA assessment and transition plan adoption request

  • Summary: The city requests City Council adopt the ADA assessment and transition plan to move forward with selecting a grievance and advisory committee.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “At this time, we are requesting City Council adopt this ADA assessment and transition plan so we may move forward with selecting a grievance and advisory committee.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:20

• Financial implications of ADA plan adoption

  • Summary: Adoption requires a budget item in the 2026 fiscal year for potential ADA grievance construction repairs, but there is no immediate financial concern.
  • Evidence: “At this time there’s no financial aspect to be concerned about except how the adoption of this plan will require a budget item in the 20 in 2026 for potential ADA grievance construction repairs.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:42

• ADA ramp replacement scope and cost

  • Summary: Approximately 75 percent of current ADA ramps are not compliant, requiring an estimated $38 million in replacements over a 25-year plan.
  • Evidence: “Just a quick summary I believe we have about 75 percent of our ADA ramps right now are not compliant which we knew and over a 25 year plan of replacements based on the IDOT standard process they’re probably going to be close to 38 million dollars in replacements that have to be done as we do our roadways”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:56

• Grievance committee establishment

  • Summary: The plan involves creating a grievance policy and committee where residents can submit grievances via the website for evaluation.
  • Evidence: “the biggest is part of this plan or the most important, I think, because we all know that we have to replace the ramps and bring them up to standards is that we’re creating a committee that will be a grievance policy so people can go to the website, there’ll be a grievance form placed after it’s adopted, anybody can make a grievance, those grievances will go to the committee for evaluation and recommendation to the council for repair.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:56

• IDOT Street Maintenance Agreement Details

  • Summary: The city has a 10-year maintenance agreement with IDOT for West Street, South Street, and Galena regarding painting and minor maintenance. The current contract expires June 30th, and the new 10-year agreement runs from June 25, 2025 to June 30, 2035, costing $1,040,219.80.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “The City of Freeport has a 10-year maintenance agreement with IDOT corridors to maintain West Street, South Street, Galena, in terms of painting and some minor maintenance. The city’s paid annually for street service provided by our staff on Glena, Southwest, Clark, Douglas in Route 75. The current contract expires June 30th. IDOT has presented a report with a new maintenance contract from June 25, 2025 to June 30, 2035. This 10-year agreement is for $1,040,219.80.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:50

• Next Level Strategic Planning Services History and Cost

  • Summary: The City of Freeport has used Eric Dragney at next level since 2017 to guide four previous strategic plans (2017, 19, 21, and 23). The proposed contract amount is $11,750, covering facilitation, planning, document development, presentation, including travel and materials. Payment terms are 50% due on signing and 50% upon completion.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Since 2017 the City of Freeport has used Eric Dragney at next level to facilitate our strategic Erick has successfully guided the city through four previous strategic plans. That’s 2017, 19, 21, and 23. Align the city projects and operations to drive Freeport forward. Next levels ongoing partnership with Stephenson County and the Greater Freeport Partnership complement the city’s planning process by bringing valuable regional perspectives and creating an informed, being informed enough to enhance the planning of all levels. So the strategic planning has been a cornerstone of Freeport’s progress over the last eight years, providing clear direction, fostering internal and external alignment, and enabling proactive long-term planning. The financial impact in the past has been below $10,000. And in the past, it had been signed by the city manager. This year, it’s coming up a little bit above that. And the proposed contract amount is $11,750. This covers facilitation, planning, document development, presentation, including travel and materials. So the payment terms are 50% due on signing and 50% upon completion, as outlined in the attached agreement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:33

• Use of strategic plan in city operations

  • Summary: City Manager Boyer stated that they meet with him quarterly and use the strategic planning document as guidance.
  • Attribution: City Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer, did you want to add to that? No. Darren? I just wanted you guys to know that we meet with City Manager Boyer quarterly and we use the strategic planning document as our guidance to make sure that we’re moving forward.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:40:48

• Adoption of Resolution Supporting and Committing to the Ten Shared Principles of Community Policing

  • Summary: The Freeport Police Department formally adopts the Ten Shared Principles of Policing, which align with commitments to transparency, equity, and community engagement.
  • Evidence: “Resolution formally adopts the 10 shared principles which include valuing all human life, rejecting discrimination, endorsing procedural justice, supporting and supporting deescalation training. Adoption of these principles reflect practices already in place in Freeport and strengthens our commitment to community partnerships, mutual understanding, and public safety.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:43:24

• Junior Police Academy Scheduling

  • Summary: Chief Shenberger confirmed that the junior police academy starts at the end of June and runs for two weeks, attending only two days a week.
  • Evidence: “The exact dates, it starts at the end of June and it goes for I believe two weeks, but it’s only two days a week.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:02

• Ten Shared Principles History

  • Summary: A speaker noted that the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police affirmed the 10 shared principles with NAACP in Illinois on March 22nd, 2018.
  • Evidence: “Chief. Yeah, just to reiterate what was said earlier by Mr. Odendahl, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police affirmed the 10 shared principles with NAACP in Illinois on March 22nd, 2018.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:26

• Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police principles

  • Summary: The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police affirmed 10 shared principles with NAACP in Illinois on March 22nd, 2018.
  • Attribution: Mr. Odendahl
  • Evidence: “Any other, yeah, Chief. Yeah, just to reiterate what was said earlier by Mr. Odendahl, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police affirmed the 10 shared principles with NAACP in Illinois on March 22nd, 2018.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:26

• Honorary Street Program Details for Allison Way

  • Summary: The city’s honorary street program allows residents to honor leaders making significant contributions; the petition requests designating the 600 block of South Float as Allison Way, with signs at Float and Shawnee and Float and Wyandotte.
  • Attribution: Director Duckman
  • Evidence: “Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The city’s honorary street program allows residents the opportunity to honor those leaders that are steadfast in their endeavors, making significant contributions to the the city. Once approved, this sign will be displayed at the requested block commemorating that leaders dedication and hard work in the city of Freeport. The petitioner in this case is requesting the 600 block of South Float to be designated as honorary street titled Allison Way. So I’ll show here, I’ll just a second. As you can see, we have actually They request for two signs. One will be at Float and Shawnee, and the other would be at Float and Wyandotte. There’s two arrows there showing the locations of the honorary street sign. So the Allisons. Simmons. The Allison’s For whom this sign would be so named have been longtime residents of Freeport have lived in their homes Lived at their home on South Float for over 40 years Reverend Nathan Allison has served the community for over 25 years as a pastor of the Philippians Baptist Church They are celebrated for their work with the youth ministry holding many different groups at their church Church. Mrs. Gloria Allison is a familiar face assisting and volunteering her time at the Freeport Food Pantry. Although the Allisons are maturing, they still have a zeal for ministry and reach out to the community, guiding youth in the area. The Allisons’ service within the Minister’s Alliance and Baptist Ministry has been useful in bringing resources from Rockford to Freeport as well as making their good deeds well known both in and outside of Freeport, and with that being said, staff is recommending the passage of this resolution.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:49:32

• Site plan and redevelopment agreement details for Culver’s parking lot expansion

  • Summary: The site plan shows existing Culvers in the south portion, which will be expanded to a new parking area to the north, featuring a new entrance and drive-through area. The estimated cost for site improvements is $350,000.
  • Evidence: “Thank you madam mayor I’m gonna start right here with a map view of what we got going on here if you’re looking this is what would be a call the site plan uh what you have in the south portion here is the uh existing culvers um getting to my pointer out right now so I can kind of show what’s going on any of your culver fans out there I hope you’re excited um because I know the parking over and I’m excited to know that this existing parking lot will now be expanded to the north. So this is all going to be a new parking area, new drive-through area. If you remember now you’re coming in here and you’re making this tight turn. You’re now going to have a new entrance up here to the north that’s going to be coming up here and then you can come and have a nice easier driveway access. I mean, if anybody’s been here, they know Ben here. They know that there are some traffic concerns here. Just for everyone’s knowledge right now, this is being estimated $350,000 in site improvements.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:40

• Culver Restaurant Asset to City of Freeport

  • Summary: A presentation noting Culver as a great restaurant and an asset to the city.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “I had the pleasure of talking with Bob Smith this week about this and Culver is a great restaurant and does great business and really an asset to the city of Freeport. One of the largest things this will do Winslow.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:01:52

• Parking Hazard Mitigation Recommendation

  • Summary: A recommendation that parking on the street should be addressed as it becomes a hazard in wintertime.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “This should have been done in day one when the building was built. If you know, it’s been around a while, parking on that street in the wintertime becomes a great hazard because we had eliminate parking on one side so we could plow it and stuff, but it would completely be an asset to the whole situation the way it is and I highly recommend it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:02:46

• Flood Mitigation Grant Acquisition of Five Parcels

  • Summary: Manager Boyer confirmed that the five parcels are on the east side and fall within the flood mitigation grant area, and the county approached the city for acquisition.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Stephenson County has passed a resolution authorizing the transfer of these five parcels. These are all on the east side and fall within our flood mitigation grant area and the county has approached the city about us taking these parcels on and that would be, it is affirmative that we would like to have these for our flood mitigation grant. So the properties identified for transfer are, as I mentioned, part of the comprehensive flood mitigation strategy as part of FEMA’s grant requirements.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:05:03

• Bid opening for Test Well Number 12 phases

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented details on the public bid opening held on May 23rd for four phases related to a new 1,300 foot deep production water well and treatment facility for Freeport’s low zone.
  • Evidence: “Could you please read this approval of bid? Bid opening on May 23rd, test well number 12, including notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence. Manager Boyer? Sorry about that. Thank you Madam Mayor. The city held a public bid opening on May 23rd for the four phases of well 12.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:47

• Bid approval for Wellhouse number 12 water main and sewer main extensions

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented the bid approval for the water main and sewer main extensions, noting Kelsey Excavating was the lowest responsive bidder with a total amount of $1,729,906.
  • Evidence: “Item number 24, another bid approval. This is the last of the four phases on May 23rd. Wellhouse number 12 water main and sewer main extensions bid approval including notice of intent to award to Kelsey Excavating based on IEPA concurrence. Manager Boyer. Thank you Madam Mayor. Kelsey Excavating was the lowest responsive bidder. The total amount was $1,729,906 and I will also note that Kelsey has worked for us in the past.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:14

• Bid opening and recommendation for demolition of seven residential properties

  • Summary: Director Duckman presented details on the bid opening for the demolition and asbestos abatement of seven properties, noting Klechner Excavating was the lowest responsible bidder.
  • Evidence: “Item number 25 another bid this bid opening was on May 30th 2025 demolition of seven residential properties director Duckman thank you madam mayor city of Freeport published a notice for the demolition and asbestos abatement of seven properties in the Journal Dines, Scott, Debra, Cheryl, John, and the other members of the board of the board of trustees. So, this is our final, final standard on May 25th and held a bid opening on May 30th at 9 o’clock a. M. In City Hall. The city received bids from five contractors and the lowest responsible bidder was Klechner Excavating, who submitted the lowest Miller. We recommend issuing the contract in that amount for the demolition of seven properties, which is $85,000, as they are the lowest responsible bidder.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:27:02

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-67 for construction engineering contract

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented information regarding Resolution approving a construction engineering contract with Fehr Graham for the build of well and well house number 12.
  • Evidence: “item number 26 adoption of the resolution 2025-67. Could you please read this? Resolution approving construction engineering contract with Fehr Graham for project build of test well, well and well house number 12, and associated water main and sewer main extensions. Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. Fehr Graham design permitted and bid well 12 for four phases of water improvement projects.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:23

• Water improvement projects for city infrastructure

  • Summary: Fehr Graham is providing professional construction engineering services to manage four water improvement projects totaling $26,969,516 over an estimated 30-month schedule.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. Fehr Graham design permitted and bid well 12 for four phases of water improvement projects. The IEP funding requires professional construction engineering services for the four phases of the and other project improvements. The completion of WELT-12 project is in its entirety. Project is in its entirety is required to close the before we close the Brick Street the 1900,140 year old water treatment plant on Brick Street. Fehr Graham will provide professional construction, resident engineering services to manage the four projects on behalf of the city. Engineering services will consist of full-time engineering observation and inspection along with project management, contract management, loan, audit and closeout management, Monthly Quarterly Reporting, Construction Survey, Layout, Staking, Specification Assurance, among other listed items in the outline proposal, BABA compliance, and certification documentation for these projects, that’s the new Made in America requirements that are coming down from the federal government. These four construction projects consist of $26,969,516 in infrastructure improvements and will serve the city, residents, and businesses for the next 100 years with water production. These projects will require an estimated 30-month construction schedule to complete, and professional engineering services include construction engineering, staking, and full project management and the amount of $1,750,000, QAQC material testing services are third-party services needed only and resident construction engineering is part of the IEP loan process and is included by the state revolving fund program.”

• Fehr Graham’s oversight on well 11 project

  • Summary: Fehr Graham’s construction oversight on well 11 was invaluable, preventing the city from incurring costs due to an issue with the main clear well tank.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “I will mention to you during the process or during the construction process of well 11, their construction oversight has been invaluable saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars potentially more in change orders or lack thereof and ensuring that what we’re paying for is what we’re getting. Just one case in point was with well oven there was a an oversight as far as the the tank was of the main clear well was constructed. Fehr Graham was diligent about designing a work or a are a good solution to resolve the issue. And at the end of the day, the city did not incur any costs and the Clearwell was built to revise specifications that is actually, I think, better than the original design.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:30:33

• Attorney General’s finding letter closing file on allegation

  • Summary: The Assistant Attorney General read from a May 30th, 2025, finding letter stating that even if the newly elected Alderperson Johnson did not count towards a quorum at the first roll call, the four other aldermen and the mayor comprised a quorum, thus determining no further action was warranted.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “I just would like to read from the correspondence from the office of the Attorney General Kwame Raul. Same thing. Dated May 30th, 2025, in the finding letter signed by Katie Goldsmith, Assistant Attorney General, that even if the newly elected Alderperson Johnson did not count towards a quorum at the first roll call, however, the four other older persons and the mayor comprised a quorum. Because a quorum of the members of the council were present and answered the roll call during the meeting, this office has determined that no further action is warranted with respect to your allegation. This letter serves to close this file.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:43:48

• Public Works Department report status

  • Summary: The Public Works department reported nothing for the current meeting.
  • Evidence: “Public Works? Nothing tonight.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:43

• Fire Department report status

  • Summary: The Fire department reported nothing for the current meeting.
  • Evidence: “Fire? Nothing as well from fire. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:58

• Police Department report status

  • Summary: The Police department reported no report for the current meeting.
  • Evidence: “Police? I have no report tonight.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:58

• Library services kickoff event details

  • Summary: Summer reading kickoff is Monday, June 9th at 1 PM and will feature crafts, tattoos, touch a truck, and games. A drop-in craft for teens and adults making yarn fringe art is scheduled between 3 and 7 PM. The library is open starting Monday, June 9th at 3 PM.
  • Attribution: Huffines
  • Evidence: “Huffines. Summer reading kickoff is Monday, June 9th at 1 PM You can sign up for summer reading and we’ll have crafts, tattoos, touch a truck, and games. This year we’re also hosting a drop in craft for teens and adults to celebrate our kickoff. The drop in and make some yarn fringe art between 3 and 7 PM And all families unable to attend kickoff events are welcome to come in and sign up for summer reading anytime. We are open starting Monday, June 9th at 3 PM”
  • Source timestamp: 02:45:16

• Yield Program training details

  • Summary: The Yield Program is a 14-week training preparing individuals for building trades. It starts its next round on June 9th and requires participants to be age 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED. The program offers classroom training, on the job pay, supporting services (transportation/childcare), and assistance finding full-time work.
  • Evidence: “I just have two things. I’m sure everyone here is familiar with the Yield Program. The Yield Program is a 14-week training that helps prepare individuals for building trades. Huffines. They are in the process of getting ready for their next round, which starts June 9th. And so if you are age 18 or older and have a high school diploma or a GED, you are eligible. It gives classroom training on the job pay. It has supporting services in case you need them for transportation or childcare. And it also gives you the assistance in helping to find full-time work after the training is done. If it’s something you would like to be a part of, please contact the Boys and Girls Club.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:45:45

• Peace March event details

  • Summary: A reminder about the High Hope event for the Peace March, called End the Cycle, Stop Community Violence, taking place on Saturday at 11 o’clock at the Madonna Renewal Center near Walnut and Empire.
  • Evidence: “Also on Saturday, please mark your calendars for the High Hope event for the Peace March. It is called End the Cycle, Stop Community Violence. It is to stand in unity for the Memorial Peace March again on Saturday, which starts at 11 o’clock at the Madonna Renewal Center, which is near the intersection of Walnut and Empire.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:46:35

• Ward 2 water main flushing schedule and rust concerns

  • Summary: Alderman Johnson informed the people in Ward 2 that water mains flushing started on Laurel Street, Revere, Concord, Park Crest, Middlebury, Alamo, Bedford, Greenfield, and Sheffield. He also raised concern about rust found when turning on faucets.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Yes. I’d just like the people in Ward 2 to know that the flushing of the water mains in our ward started today with Laurel Street, Revere, Concord, Park Crest, Middlebury, Alamo, Bedford, Greenfield, and Sheffield. And also last week there was mention of some rust in water when people turned, a person turned on their faucet. That bothered me because I remember as a kid my grandma had terrible rust in her water and she’d put Kool-Aid in it and we’d still drink it and it still tasted terrible. So anyway, so I did ask some questions about that wanting to know what we could do about rust in the water.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:47:03

• Rust causes and home remedies for water quality

  • Summary: Miller stated that biofilm in older pipes made of ductile iron or cast iron creates a rusty buildup, necessitating annual flushing. He advised residents to flush the water at their house through a tub faucet or the lowest faucet without an aerator for a few minutes. For vigilance, Brita filters are available at Walmart or Farm and Fleet.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “Miller. So there’s lots of items that cause rust and water. One of the items is piping has what’s called biofilm in it. A lot of our older pipe is made of ductile iron or cast iron, which creates a kind of a rusty biofilm on the insides of the pipes. That’s why we do annual flushing programs to flush that out of the mains. You can see right now if we get a large fire, we can stir it up by shifting the way water flows through the pipes. We kind of scour it. Residents, we actually, I believe, put a tutorial on the city’s website today on what residents can do to be active at their houses. Generally speaking, you want to flush the water at your house through a tub faucet or the lowest faucet in your house that doesn’t have an aerator on it for a few minutes. And that usually flushes your pipe out.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:48:14

• City responsibility for residential piping rust issues

  • Summary: The city is not responsible for residential piping, but they help people investigate rusty water calls by directing them to 815-235-8210 Public Works.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “Some of the rust that gets stirred up is actually from the residential piping in your house, especially if you have an older home. The city is not responsible for residential piping, but we also help people investigate that. So if you have rusty water calls, please go to 815-235-8210 Public Works and our utility superintendent will follow up with you or environmental compliance officer and help you figure out whether it’s city water or if it’s actually your piping and we can do some testing, water testing like we do daily to figure that out.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:49:45

• Age of existing water mains in Freeport

  • Summary: The city of Freeport has about 81 miles of water main installed before 1970, and approximately 45 miles of that was installed before 1930.
  • Attribution: Public Commenter
  • Evidence: “the city of Freeport still has about 81 miles of water main that was installed before 1970. And about 45 miles of that was installed before 1930 that’s still in service.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:51:03

• Upcoming Neighborhood Watch Meeting Date Change

  • Summary: The July neighborhood watch meeting is being moved from the third to Thursday, July 10th.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Just wanna mention that we’re gonna move the July neighborhood watch meeting from the third being adjacent to the holiday. We’re gonna move it to Thursday, July 10th.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:52:13

• Proposal for city-wide water system assessment campaign

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders suggested starting a public campaign to assess the city’s water services at residents’ homes to determine potential contaminants like rust, regardless of current perceived water quality.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I’d like to make a suggestion to our public water works director that we start a campaign, because I like what you were saying, that I think every citizen in the city of Freeport. We’d love to get on board with this water rehabilitation systems for the residents. As far as the inspection is concerned or replacement of water services and things of that nature, we should start a campaign throughout the city because if there had been any problems at any point in time where the people of the residents don’t have the proper filters to To determine whether or not they’re getting any kind of rust contaminants or whatever the case may be, impurity or whatever, we should start a campaign to do an overview of assessment of our city water services to the residents’ homes and things of this nature.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:52:37

Metrics

• FCA Global Impact (2024)
  • Summary: The FCA recorded over 53,000 conversions to Christ and donated almost 220,000 Bibles with a staff of less than 3,000 people.
  • Evidence: “A snapshot of FCA’s global impact of 2024 is that we have recorded over 53,000 conversions to Christ and have donated almost 220,000 Bibles. Hall, with a staff of less than 3,000 people.”
  • Source timestamp: 11:01

Discussion

• City council power changes and disenfranchisement concerns

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern that proposed ordinance changes grant more power to the mayor and city while lessening the power of the council, citing potential for retribution and raising fines as examples of enfranchised versus disenfranchised status.
  • Evidence: “Tonight’s agenda for this council meeting is noteworthy in that there are ordinance changes coming into play to give more power to the mayor and the city and lessening some power of the council older persons. Steps of punishing retribution are being brought back again by the city to be considered tonight and voted upon. And John. The fines, some are being raised. If you have money to pay a fine, it doesn’t touch you as much. If you don’t, you’re stuck. An example of the enfranchised versus the disenfranchised in our community, a story as old as time itself.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:30

• Board of trustees agenda requirements

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern that the administration is making it harder to put items on the agenda for the board of trustees by requiring a majority vote instead of the previous two or three older persons required.
  • Evidence: “Also, this administration is seeking to make it harder to put things on the agenda or to bring certain items back and the rest of the board of trustees. I would like to return to the agenda by requiring a majority rather than the two or three older persons it once needed. I find these moves to be less democratic and a power grab.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:50

• Impact of majority requirement on agenda setting

  • Summary: The speaker argued that changing the requirement to a majority vote to place an item on the agenda would prevent elected officials from bringing issues to the council floor.
  • Evidence: “The proposed ordinance that changes the requirement for requiring at least two other persons to place an item on the agenda and changing that to where you need a majority of the city council’s Settlers. This ordinance, if passed, would prevent anyone sitting in the council seat today, a year from now, five years from now, or 10 years from now to bring items to the council floor that the people who elected them want to be addressed by the city council.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:58

• Comparison of agenda requirements

  • Summary: The speaker noted that a majority requirement is a very high bar for bringing an issue to the floor and stated this ordinance would silence citizens and elected officials.
  • Evidence: “A majority requirement is a very high bar to just bring something to the council floor as an agenda item. If the majority doesn’t want to even talk about an issue, it won’t make it to the floor. That issue won’t even see the light of day. This ordinance will only serve to silence the citizens of Freeport residents by silencing their elected auto person. And that’s just not right. That’s not democratic.”
  • Source timestamp: 26:44

• Precedent for agenda setting requirements

  • Summary: The speaker stated they had never been part of an organization requiring a majority approval to put an item on the meeting agenda, noting this is not required in US Congress or state legislature.
  • Evidence: “I have served on this city council, the Freeport School District Board, multiple boards of directors for local organizations, and I have never, never been part of an organization that required a majority of the group’s approval to put an item on the meeting agenda. This requirement doesn’t even exist in our United States Congress nor any of our state legislators.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:05

• Council operating procedures regarding agenda items

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the requirement for a majority of the group’s approval to put an item on the meeting agenda, noting this is not required in US Congress or state legislatures.
  • Evidence: “I have served on this city council, the Freeport School District Board, multiple boards of directors for local organizations, and I have never, never been part of an organization that required a majority of the group’s approval to put an item on the meeting agenda. This requirement doesn’t even exist in our United States Congress nor any of our state legislators.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:05

• Council operating procedures regarding voting rights

  • Summary: A speaker warned that a ’no’ vote might benefit someone who wishes to bring an issue to the agenda and deny the majority, while a ‘yes’ vote limits rights.
  • Evidence: “At the end of the day, your no vote may benefit you because you may want to bring an issue to the agenda and deny the majority of the council declined about that item. Voting yes limits your rights as an”
  • Source timestamp: 27:25

• Speaking time limit recommendation (Item 11)

  • Summary: A speaker cited Robert’s Rules of Order as recommending a ten-minute speaking time, not two minutes.
  • Evidence: “Robert’s Rules of Order, which governs and kind of guides these types of bodies on how to run an efficient, effective government, says it should be 10 minutes, not two.”
  • Source timestamp: 28:51

• Agenda item placement restrictions and voting authority

  • Summary: Discussion regarding limitations on Alder Persons placing items on the agenda without majority consent, and changes to budget approval requiring a majority vote of older persons.
  • Evidence: “In addition, this prevents Alder Persons from placing items on the agenda without the consent of the majority of everyone. So, if you have something that you want to bring that is an issue to your community, you cannot bring that unless we all agree to it. Why would we be so scared to have a discussion? You can vote no if you disagree. Voting concerning the approval of budgets no longer requires a majority vote of the older persons, the council, the people put in charge, the ones that are supposed to employ Mr. Boyer and the other department heads. We have no say so, we have a small say so in that now because that includes other votes, not just ours.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:02

• Social Justice Committee status

  • Summary: The Social Justice Committee has been removed without rewording.
  • Evidence: “The Social Justice Committee has been removed. There has been no rewording, it has just been removed.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:31

• Concerns regarding proposed changes in city governance authority

  • Summary: Speaker expressed concern that the shift in authority grants the mayor and city manager ultimate control over city governance, potentially silencing community voices.
  • Evidence: “I must express my concerns regarding these proposed changes. The shift in authority appears to be an abuse of power, effectively granting the mayor and city manager ultimate control over our city’s governance. All their persons are intended to be the voice of the people, yet this ordinance will not only silence them, but also strip away any checks on the actions of the city manager and mayor. If approved, this will mean that the city manager will answer solely to the mayor, leaving the voices of the community unheard.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:44

• Concerns regarding EPA data access for City Council decision-making

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders expressed concern that material from the IEPA is not provided to the council for discussion, limiting the ability to make sound decisions.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman, Sanders? Yes. I have concern about the way that we’re receiving any notification or information, and the other kind of Illinois statutes. What I’m having concerns with is that none of the material that is being brought up in these agendas does not give you full detail. I know we got it written in there, but it’s limited and it’s only discretionary whenever important information from the IEPA is trying, it has already declared what the policies and statutes are, but I’m trying to find out because of the fact that we’re not sitting here, reading what it is that has been handed down to us from the IEPA. That material has not made it to our council for discussion and to elaborate on what they’re suggesting or recommendation that we as a city, municipality, should follow. And so since we do not have We have that, it’s hard for us to make a good, sound, conscious decision on recommending or voting on any of the things that is being reported on the agenda. So if we’re limited to the information that probably sits at the EPA, then we are ignorant to what’s really going on with the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:31

• Need for public disclosure of city information

  • Summary: Concern that the council is making decisions based on incomplete information from sources like the EPA, and that detailed information should not be suppressed from the general public.
  • Evidence: “And so since we do not have We have that, it’s hard for us to make a good, sound, conscious decision on recommending or voting on any of the things that is being reported on the agenda. So if we’re limited to the information that probably sits at the EPA, then we are ignorant to what’s really going on with the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:17

• Need for public disclosure of city information

  • Summary: The speaker emphasized that nothing should be suppressed from the general public and that more disclosure is needed.
  • Evidence: “Nothing is to be suppressed from the general public, and I feel that sometimes we’re not being forthcoming. That’s my take on that one.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:33

• Water rate increase scope for garbage ordinance

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether the proposed reduction rates for garbage also apply to water utility rates.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Would that also make the improvements to the water increase? Has anything been modified as far as the water increase is concerned or has has it been addressed if we’re gonna do same reduction rates with garbage and other utility rates?”
  • Source timestamp: 54:33

• Scope of ordinance 2025-36

  • Summary: Director Richter clarified that the ordinance only pertains to garbage rates and not water rates.
  • Attribution: Director Richter
  • Evidence: “Director Richter. This only has to do with garbage rates. Yeah, I understand that. So no, I’m not proposing any changes with how the water structure is.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:14

• Meeting cancellation and special meeting calling authority

  • Summary: The changes include that the mayor, city manager, or a majority of the city council can cancel a meeting, and that the mayor, city manager, or majority of city council may call a special meeting.
  • Evidence: “In pertinent part, the changes, or in key parts, The changes include that the mayor, the city manager, or a majority of the city council can cancel a meeting, that the mayor, city manager, or majority of city council may call a special meeting of the city council,”
  • Source timestamp: 57:18

• Quorum establishment for City Council meetings

  • Summary: The quorum would be established based on a majority of the city council, defined as the older persons plus the mayor.
  • Evidence: “three, that quorum would be established based on a majority of the city council. City council is defined as the older persons plus the mayor.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:18

• Vote determination basis for Section 220-10

  • Summary: It is clarified that any vote requirement specified in section 220-10 is determined based on the membership of the city council (the older persons plus the mayor).
  • Evidence: “Throughout the entirety of section 220-10, where there are vote requirements specified, It’s been clarified that a vote is to be determined based on the membership in the city council, I. E. The older persons plus the mayor.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:43

• Clarification on agenda item number eight (Quorum/Agenda Addition)

  • Summary: Alderman Sellers requested clarification regarding section eight of the ordinance concerning quorum or a new rule for council meeting agendas.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sellers. Yes, could I get a better understanding of number eight that you just you just read? Please. You’re talking about section eight of the item or number eight of the of the Ordinance, regarding quorum, I’m sorry, or a new rule of council is being proposed to be added to gov, what memo number eight, oh memo number eight, I’m sorry, that’s okay, to go over meeting agenda, added to the agenda, oh 21029, got it, hang on one second, so the The proposed change would basically say that for agenda items, that agenda items for the city council meeting or any committee meetings can be added at the request of the mayor, the city manager, or a majority of the older persons can add an agenda item to the agenda.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:09

• Change in requirement for adding agenda items

  • Summary: Discussion noted that current procedure allows any two aldermen to add agenda items, and the proposed change would require a majority of aldermen.
  • Evidence: “And John. And I’m going to move on to agenda item. Currently right now, agenda items can be added by any two alder persons. So this would change it to a majority of the alder persons to add an item to the agenda for any council meeting or committee meeting.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:02:25

• Alderman Sanders’ objection regarding governance structure

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders objected to the proposed changes, arguing that aldermen are not the governing body and that authority should not be assumed by the mayor, city manager, or attorney.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. So, aldermen are not the governing body of the city any longer when you start imposing yourself, injecting yourself into the government structure as the attorney or the mayor. You guys cannot just assume that we will go along with that part of the item simply because you want to impose that on the city by your opinion and estimation that you have the right and John. I want you to have the right or want to have the right to assert yourself in the censorship of the governing body of the council. In other words, you are not elected to do these kinds of things for governing the city of Freeport. It was the aldermen, it’s the district people that is the people of the city of Freeport Howard are the ones who are making these decisions, but it’s not left up to the mayor, nor is it left up to the city manager or the attorney, Zito or Aaron as you might call it, because that is not what this is stipulating and when you bring it out like that, people don’t have and I have a full understanding of your motivational reasons for wanting to assert yourself into the government structure and policies of the city of Freeport. You weren’t elected. The people of Freeport, the citizens, taxpayers are the ones who elected the aldermen to make these kinds of proposals and things of this nature. You’re not the ones who are supposed to be able to do these kinds of things.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:30

• Council authority and ordinance imposition

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern that proposals are being imposed on the council and citizens without proper process.
  • Evidence: “I think it’s an injustice that you are doing these kinds of things and trying to blow it right through the council and impose an ordinance up on the citizens and the council, suppressing them from doing whatever it is that this ordinance is trying to annihilate them from doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:29

• Item eight consideration

  • Summary: The speaker questioned why item eight was being entertained since it had not yet happened.
  • Evidence: “So my thing is, why are we even entertaining item eight? We shouldn’t even be sitting here contemplating about something that is happening that has not happened yet.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:52

• Council decision-making process

  • Summary: The speaker urged the council to make educated decisions when voting on matters.
  • Evidence: “So I just wanted to bring that out because I just want this council to make a form in education, educated decision when voting on things of this nature,”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:36

• Item eight scrutiny

  • Summary: The speaker stated they had not scrutinized item eight and advised looking at it with a stronger view lens.
  • Evidence: “I have not scrutinized any of the things that are being imposed at this point in time, especially item eight. There’s probably others in there, but the thing about it is we need to look at that with a stronger view lens.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:36

• Council experience and agenda load

  • Summary: The speaker noted the council was new and expressed understanding of frustration with too many items on the agenda.
  • Evidence: “I know that I would have to say no right now because we have such a new council, you know, even though most of us only either two years or Linda just coming in.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:04

• Upholding council integrity

  • Summary: The speaker expressed a desire for further discussion on upholding the integrity of the council.
  • Evidence: “I definitely look forward to further discussions on how we can uphold the integrity of the John. We have discussions on how we can uphold the integrity of our council and better serve our community without tying the hands of our elected officials”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:37

• Meaning of ’table indefinitely’

  • Summary: Alderman Sellers questioned if ’table indefinitely’ meant the topic would never be discussed again.
  • Evidence: “So when you say just table it indefinitely, you don’t want to talk about it anymore? We can talk about to just try to.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:33

• Amendment to section 13 item number 29

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the proposed amendment, including questions about its passage and subsequent readings.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons
  • Evidence: “I just have a question for attorney Zito. So once these amendments are made, it’ll come back to council. For voting on sending it back to be amended to then come back for a vote, correct? … And so if the amendment passes, then because there was a motion to move it forward to for second reading there in between now and second reading, I’ll make that amendment because if the amendment passes right now, right? So then it’ll come back to you guys for second reading as amended. So why not come back as first a reading as amended you’re amending it because if you guys would or if the motion to amend passes right now then it’s passed and then you would the ordinance as a whole as amended them would still move forward for second reading so the the vote now would be just on the amendment right motion however it would still move this ordinance not yet reading to say it Right, it’s already been moved to the second reading. Right, it already has by Alderman, Shadle, and Klemm. Right, so they moved it forward, and now Alderman Johnson’s proposing to make an amendment to it.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:51

• Origin of ordinance proposal

  • Summary: Question regarding who originally brought the ordinance or adoption before the council for consideration.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “And my question is, who brought this to the council? I need someone to declare this particular ordinance or this particular adoption or who proposed it? Who brought it to the council for us to even be sitting here to even contemplate voting on this thing? And not only that having amendments done with it who brought this to us okay so what’s before you so and I like to know who authorized it to make that proposal made known unto the council let’s stay on track yeah this amendment is what we’re talking about that has nothing to do with the and the amendment. Is there any other discussion on the amendment?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:11

• ADA Transition Plan Public Hearing

  • Summary: A mandatory public hearing was held on May 30th, 2025 at 5 PM.
  • Evidence: “A mandatory public hearing was held on May 30th, 2025 at 5 PM”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:13

• Scope of IDOT Maintenance Agreement

  • Summary: Staff noted that the agreement primarily covers paint re-striping and minor pothole repairs, but they negotiated an understanding that IDOT would cover major project construction costs.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So what we came away from that meeting with is there is anything significant or anything more than just some normal pothole patching and paint work. They would be willing to take care of the cost of the construction of any major projects where that wasn’t that wasn’t exactly the the circumstance before. So I call that somewhat of a success in terms of being to negotiate a little bit more from iDOT on the iDOT right of ways.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:26

• Strategic planning process and grant requirements

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding whether the strategic plan has ever been required for any grants received.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons
  • Evidence: “Alderman Simmons so my question is Darren you can answer this to this strategic plan once we write it out and it’s all ready to go has that ever been used in any grant writing processes or anything like has it ever been required”
  • Source timestamp: 01:34:24

• Strategic planning utility for bonding and grants

  • Summary: Michelle stated that bond issuance requires strategic plans, similar to going to a bank.
  • Attribution: Michelle
  • Evidence: “I do have an answer, are bond people similar to grants? In order to be issued a bond, it’s just like going to the bank and seeing if you have the Kessler. It requires strategic plans. It requires looking and making sure you’re financially stable. And strategic plans add to our rating with standard imports.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:36:30

• Scope and results of strategic planning

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders questioned the benefit and measurable results derived from the strategic planning process for the city.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “And if it’s free to the city of Freeport, then I understand. If the city does not have to cough up a budget to have this put in place or to be considered on the city’s behalf to even work with this agency or whatever, we should know more about what it is that we’re buying before we are engaging ourself.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:00

• Need for documented results from previous strategic planning

  • Summary: A concern was raised that the council has not seen documentation of the achievements or objectives from past strategic plans.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “We don’t know what the last two results were from the last strategic planning when this agency came into place. We never got the results of it and what the achievement was and what the objectives and goals were.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:27

• Council understanding of strategic plan scope

  • Summary: A concern was voiced that if council members are not part of the full scope of planning, the process is irrelevant to them.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “if the councils are not part of the full scope of the planning and understanding what is going on within that, then it’s irrelevant to us because we’re going to get the same outcome that we got before if we have gotten anything”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:26

• Strategic Planning Scope and Documentation

  • Summary: Concern was raised that if the councils are not part of the full scope of planning, any efforts are irrelevant without documentation to prove what has been done.
  • Evidence: “because if the councils are not part of the full scope of the planning and understanding what is going on within that, then it’s irrelevant to us because we’re going to get the same outcome that we got before if we have gotten anything because I don’t recall any paper memorandum or anything that demonstrates to and the Council that we have that we have that before us and if we don’t if we have it then I would like for us to disclose it so we’ll know what that was and how the outcome of that planning came about so that would be part of my concern”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:26

• Strategic Plan Guidance

  • Summary: A representative stated they meet with City Manager Boyer quarterly using the strategic planning document as guidance, noting it holds them accountable.
  • Evidence: “I just wanted you guys to know that we meet with City Manager Boyer quarterly and we use the strategic planning document as our guidance to make sure that we’re moving forward. Ford, he holds us all accountable.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:40:48

• Strategic Plan Goals

  • Summary: The strategic plan includes stretch goals which are lofty but serve as goals for progression.
  • Evidence: “And I was going to say the same as the mayor, every memo that public works does has the strategic plan item that’s located that we’re filling those roles. You should remember the strategic plan is also stretch goals where we’re not made to make every one of them. It’s to make sure that we’re progressing and moving forward.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:04

• Ten Shared Principles - Citizen Education

  • Summary: A commenter highlighted Principle Eight regarding mutual responsibility and encouraged citizens to take the Citizens Police Academy course.
  • Evidence: “I just wanted to address number eight on ten shared principles. It says, we believe that the law enforcement and community leaders have a mutual responsibility to encourage all citizens to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the law to assist them in their interactions with law enforcement officers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:44:09

• Community engagement for police department activities

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding how the police department engages the community and promotes its activities to ensure public awareness and involvement.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, Chief, how engaged is the, from your perspective, and I have a question for you. How do you engage the community on the resolve of all of the things that are going on within the police department and what the connection is with the community, with the police department, and their involvement, and understanding specifically what you guys are doing and how you’re enhancing the community and what is What is taking place that they that they can take notice that that what you’re doing is visual or or implemented or promoted I mean from a you know because everybody does not have that access to information of what what your department does and we want to know for sure whether or not it’s benefiting the community itself at large and if it is then we need to see your promotion of it to let us know that, hey, this is how we’re doing things. People are aware of what you’re doing and can be consciously involved in what you’re doing and being part of what you’re doing because you are setting a standard here in this city and that we are supposed to be responsible citizens and allow you guys to do the responsible things.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:46:06

• Clarification on Block Number for Allison Way Street Name

  • Summary: Discussion clarifying that the correct block number is 800, not 600.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shaddle
  • Evidence: “Alderman Shaddle? Just a matter of clarification, did you say 600? The notations here say 800 block. If I said 600 it was, I didn’t mean to. It is the 800 block. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:50:46

• Policy for Honorary Street Name Designation

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the city’s policy process for proposing and approving honorary street names to ensure fairness and proper administration.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Yeah, I just wanted to know in this discussion of the Allison Way, what’s our policy for bringing these kinds of activities or this kind of display within the City of Freeport when special, is it a special kind of a, Yes, there’s a process. There’s a process. Yes, there’s a process. There’s a kind of process that the city, because we’re talking about many people that might want to make that kind of proposition or proposal to the city to allow them that kind of right of way. And I’m just curious of how that is brought into play because I don’t want us to look like we are being sentimental toward others and not for anybody else in the city having the opportunity to do the very same thing. So what we’re saying is everyone in the city has the opportunity, but they have to be declared By what body and what population? How does that take place? Because is there a petition that took place that wanted that to be a consideration? Or how do we administer that? So it truly is the will of the people. 50% Of the people on that street have to sign and John.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:51:01

• Duration of tax increment payback period

  • Summary: The increment payment at 75% will be paid back over the lifetime of the Meadows TIP district, which ends in 2037.
  • Evidence: “How many years is the increment being paid back at 75%? It would be the lifetime of this Meadows TIP district, which would end in 2037. So 12 years.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:23

• Traffic concerns regarding entry and exit points

  • Summary: A concern was raised about whether the same entryway is used for both ingress and egress, potentially causing congestion.
  • Evidence: “My concern is the entry and exit. To put this thing into development, is that the same entryway, is that the same as the exit way? Because it’s going to become very, very congestive.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:37

• Traffic assessment for project ingress/egress

  • Summary: It was confirmed that Kimley-Horn conducted an assessment and stamped plans based on the project having ingress and egress.
  • Evidence: “Yes. Kimley-Horn is an international civil engineering firm. I’ve worked with them. OK, well, I’ll explain it to you. Kimley-Horn’s international company , I’ve worked with them for years. And this developer spent a large amount of money to have this designed. And Kimley-Horn wouldn’t stamp these set of plans if they didn’t know that this project has ingress and egress.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:57:46

• Redevelopment Agreement Discussion

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the feasibility and funding of a redevelopment agreement.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacey
  • Evidence: “Any further discussion on this redevelopment agreement? No. Alderman Stacey? Yes. I would like to know where would this $10,000 come from?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:17

• TIF Funding for Redevelopment Project

  • Summary: The $10,000 funding source is related to the TIF district, and over the life of the TIF district, taxes will pay for increases on the parcel.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Sure. We have $215,000 budgeted for redevelopment agreements in 2025, right out of the TIF district. And I know this is a $350,000 project. How is the TIF money going to factor in this event? Well that’s what’s paying for the that’s the ten thousand dollars that’s paying it’s paying for the ten thousand dollars and then over the life of the TIF district they’re gonna pay the increase in taxes for this parcel which is now a grass field and once these improvements are made staff reached out to our tax assessor and they you know well you know they they agreed that these I really think they are in over their heads, and I think if we commit to something like this, that we’re in over our heads.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:32

• Need for Structure Improvement at Reid Park

  • Summary: Alderman Johnson noted the need for structural improvements at Reid Park due to high traffic volume during events.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Any other discussion Alderman Johnson well I know I was there on Sunday we had a huge ball tournament here at Reid Park and it was after church and there was all kinds of people flooding in there and I could just see accidents waiting to happen the way that it is now so I really think they definitely need this improvement in their structure that they have right now”
  • Source timestamp: 02:01:52

• Traffic Flow Improvement for Dirk Drive Area

  • Summary: Discussion regarding potential traffic flow improvements in the area near Dirk Drive, anticipating future traffic increases.
  • Attribution: Chris
  • Evidence: “The line stretches out onto to Dirk Drive numerous occasions. There’s not much going on in that area to the north and east from there now. I would hope in time Co, Dr. Whedon, Chris, Cameron, Carlson, John, and I think it’s really important. We’ve had some good flow of traffic out of the state in the common area. There’s been a lot of traffic that’s come in in the past, and I have a good feeling that this is going to change over the next few years because there some of the things that we’re going to have to get this there, and we’re going to have a better job of helping them follow through it. There’s a good chance of traffic that’s coming in at some point in the future. And I do think that this could lead to a lot of travel and better traffic going in”
  • Source timestamp: 02:03:14

• Flood Plain Property Acquisition Process

  • Summary: Discussion noting that the county/city collaboration allows the city first option on properties in the flood plain or tax sales.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Yeah, I’d just like to bring up, this is a good example of the county and the city working together. This was developed years ago where properties that were in the flood plain or properties that were bought up and not sold on tax sales and stuff, the city would have the first option to take them over. So, it’s really worked out great and this is an ideal way to get some properties down that need to go down.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:07

• Maintenance Plan for Acquired Parcels

  • Summary: Discussion on maintenance plans, suggesting wooded lots could remain as is, while non-canopy lots would require a decision.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons
  • Evidence: “So I have noticed you have been way more vigilant in cutting. But acquiring these this is a few different lots what’s the plan for maintenance and upkeep on those? At this time the the ones that are wooded and have trees grow on them that are you know decent urban canopy that would just be left as it is in terms of mowing lots we’d have to look at the ones that don’t have a significant canopy on them as to what we want to do with those so I guess I guess it would just be status quo in terms of what’s there now would be the main thing, you know, with some exceptions if necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:36

• Clarification on Property Status for Conveyance

  • Summary: A question raised regarding whether the listed properties are buildings or empty lots with trees.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacey
  • Evidence: “So these buildings you have listed, they will be demolished. They’re not buildings. , John, John, Dave, and Michael, and they were empty lots with trees on them and have never had structures. Okay. What happened? From what I’m looking at, it’s this part of the mapping, right, and everything.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:07:36

• Status of wooded lots and urban canopy management

  • Summary: The discussion focused on leaving wooded areas with decent urban canopy as is, while addressing lots without significant canopy.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “At this time the the ones that are wooded and have trees grow on them that are you know decent urban canopy that would just be left as it is in terms of mowing lots we’d have to look at the ones that don’t have a significant canopy on them as to what we want to do with those so I guess I guess it would just be status quo in terms of what’s there now would be the main thing, you know, with some exceptions if necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:51

• Status of empty lots with trees

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding listed buildings that are actually empty lots with trees and no structures.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Stacey. So these buildings you have listed, they will be demolished. They’re not buildings. , John, John, Dave, and Michael, and they were empty lots with trees on them and have never had structures. Okay.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:07:30

• Objective for parcel control

  • Summary: Clarification was sought on whether the objective is to remove trees and create a lot or if maintaining status quo allows the city to own and control the parcels.
  • Evidence: “No, it would just status quo is basically so the city would own and control those parcels. Okay.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:08:35

• Alderman Simmons’ absence from meeting

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle suggested that before a resolution is put forward, Alderman Simmons should meet with him and Manager Boyer to resolve the issue of her alleged absence.
  • Evidence: “Alderman, Simmons made reference to the fact that she may have not been deliberately absent. I would ask that before being put on a resolution she have a meeting with yourself and manager Boyer and put that to rest if need be.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:09:27

• Discussion on moving item to next meeting

  • Summary: A member expressed disagreement with making motions on something irrelevant and questioned the process for investigating such matters.
  • Evidence: “Because we shouldn’t be making motions on something that is irrelevant to this council. And not only that, I don’t like the fact that the condescending of the council members are being disrespected here at this time to even bring this matter into focus of the council.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:10:59

• Circumstances surrounding absence from meeting

  • Summary: A member provided context regarding commotion outside the council during the time in question, citing TV stations and potential walkouts.
  • Evidence: “I do want to say that there was commotion outside and Rachel I know you weren’t here, Alderman Simmons, you were not here, you were nowhere around, but there was commotion, because even when I came in. He was not here.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:12:29

• Council presence and perceived disrespect during transition

  • Summary: A speaker expressed feeling disrespected because council members were present when they were sworn in two years ago, and felt the same respect was not shown regarding their current attendance.
  • Evidence: “And that’s what I thought was really not right for us to also be there when the transitions was taking place. That’s my point of view. And that’s just how I feel about it because we should have also been there to respect the same transition because we did it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:14:04

• Disruption during council meeting

  • Summary: A speaker stated that they were not present when a disruption occurred, and therefore cannot be held responsible for any resulting issues.
  • Evidence: “Again, your feelings aside, the facts are, we were not there, we did not cause a disruption, the meeting did still happen. So, you cannot attach our names to that and say you want something from us because of what happened outside and we were not present.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:14:43

• IHC Construction Bid Tabulation Error

  • Summary: A council member pointed out that when tallying bids for IHC, they made a tabulation error of $300,000 in the city’s favor.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “I just wanted to point out when we tallyed the bids for IHC they made a tabulation error of $300,000 in the city’s favor and I discussed it with them and they’re going to honor the price that was tabulated not what was read.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:14

• IHC bid tabulation error correction

  • Summary: A discussion regarding a $300,000 tabulation error in the bids for IHC, which was corrected to honor the originally tabulated price.
  • Evidence: “and I just wanted to point out when we tallyed the bids for IHC they made a tabulation error of $300,000 in the city’s favor and and I discussed it with them and they’re going to honor the price that was tabulated not what was read.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:14

• Updates on 17 and 19 West Main Street demolition

  • Summary: The dry cleaners at 17 and 19 Main Street are undergoing demolition, which requires unattaching and supporting conjoined buildings. EPA approval is awaited for bidding, with a target to have the buildings down before the end of the year.
  • Attribution: Darren
  • Evidence: “Item number 27 is discussion regarding updates on 17 and 19 West Main Street for the cleaners. Darren? Yeah, I just wanted to give the council an update on the 17 and 19 Main Street dry cleaners that were working on demolition. We’ve been working on it for an awful long time. We had a lot of issues getting into the neighboring buildings because one of them is vacant. They’re conjoined buildings, so we had to come up with a solution to unattach the two buildings and also support those structures and then come up with remediation to make sure the other structures would be sound once we’re done. We are waiting on EPA approval to bid, which we believe will be sometime here in June and the target would be to have the buildings down before the end of the year. It’s gonna depend when they give us the green light to go. All of our funding is still in place. We haven’t drawn any of the funding yet because you have to complete the project to draw it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:33:09

• Building demolition and remediation plan

  • Summary: The project involves unattaching conjoined buildings, supporting the structures, and remediating other structures to ensure soundness. EPA approval is awaited for bidding, with a target completion before the end of the year.
  • Evidence: “They’re conjoined buildings, so we had to come up with a solution to unattach the two buildings and also support those structures and then come up with remediation to make sure the other structures would be sound once we’re done. We are waiting on EPA approval to bid, which we believe will be sometime here in June and the target would be to have the buildings down before the end of the year.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:33:28

• Funding status for building demolition

  • Summary: All funding is still in place, but it cannot be drawn until the project is completed. Once awarded, there is an estimated four-year completion period.
  • Evidence: “All of our funding is still in place. We haven’t drawn any of the funding yet because you have to complete the project to draw it. Once we are awarded, I believe we have four years to complete the project.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:33:51

• Dangerous building adjacent to dry cleaners

  • Summary: A specific concern is a building conjoined to the dry cleaners whose roof caved in about a year and a half ago at least, making access dangerous. The plan must avoid destroying the rest of downtown.
  • Evidence: “Please know that one of the largest difficult issues that we have right now is the building that is conjoined to the dry cleaners. The roof caved in about a year and a half ago at least. And so it’s very dangerous to access the building. It’s very dangerous to come up with a plan to try to get it down and not destroy the rest of downtown while we’re doing it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:34:01

• Quorum establishment for May 19th council meeting protocol

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding whether a second roll call was necessary or consistent with established protocol after the first roll call on May 19th.
  • Evidence: “Item number 28 is discussion on how a quorum was established for the May 19th council meeting, Alderman Sanders. Yes, I’m misunderstanding our protocol I understand that the protocol of how we conduct the order of our council chamber meetings that includes the mayor, attorney, and everybody that’s in the process with the protocol of the courtroom.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:34:39

• Necessity of second roll call

  • Summary: A question was raised about why a second roll call was necessary when business processes had already started following the first roll call.
  • Evidence: “I want to know is this consistent with how we do things when it comes to call rooms and have we changed our protocol or our ways of doing things for accidental for second roll call and my question is when the first roll call took place why was it necessary to have We have a second roll call, someone needs to explain that one to me because with the first roll call, business has been, the process has been started.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:17

• Protocol for multiple roll calls

  • Summary: A request was made for clarification on establishing protocol when two sessions of roll calls occur in one meeting.
  • Evidence: “So I’m trying to figure out how that we establish the protocol for roll calling and then end up with two sessions of roll calls to have to conduct any kind of meeting. So give me the understanding and I’m quite sure the public wants to know are we consistent with what we’re doing when it comes to roll call and when you have a quorum put in place at the very first roll call. If there’s no call room, then there shouldn’t have been a second roll call.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:36:17

• Reason for second roll call on inauguration day

  • Summary: A justification was provided that the second roll call is traditionally done after newly elected aldermen are seated.
  • Evidence: “The difference with the second roll call is that because on inauguration day, traditionally then, anytime once the new aldermen or the elected aldermen, the newly elected aldermen, and they might be the same people, then they’re traditionally after they’re seated, you would do a roll call again to take a roll as to those newly elected aldermen.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:37:45

• Quorum establishment for second roll call

  • Summary: A challenge was raised that there was no established quorum to even conduct the second roll call.
  • Evidence: “but the one thing you’re forgetting that there was not an established quorum to even do a second roll call and that’s what you keep omitting and I can explain that I like to hear you put that on the and the record that you did that, because for what reason that you injected a second roll call when the courtroom was not a business process when it should have been canceled or made it invalid to have any other business before the council in order to establish a second roll call.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:38:06

• City manager awareness of quorum issue

  • Summary: The city manager was reportedly made aware through media that there might not be enough people for a quorum on the day in question.
  • Evidence: “So earlier in the day, on that Monday, the city council was, or not the city council, the city, the city manager was made aware through the media that there might not be enough other people to conduct the meeting, that there might be people, the media had heard that. Are you kidding me? No, that’s what the, that’s what the media told the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:04

• Swearing-in ceremony timing

  • Summary: It was stated that a swearing-in ceremony is ceremonial and does not have to occur during a meeting.
  • Evidence: “There’s no obligation that the swearing-in of an older person has to be done during a meeting there. So it can take place before because the ceremony is ceremonial. The swearing-in is ceremonial. It can take place outside.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:29

• Attorney General’s findings regarding quorum and council business

  • Summary: The discussion addressed the validity of council proceedings based on the Attorney General’s findings, specifically concerning whether a second quorum was necessary if the first one was not business-oriented.
  • Evidence: “I’m almost sure of it, and you can’t put words in the attorney general’s mouth. I think you’ll find that. Yeah, but it’s the establishment of the findings of this council. The attorney general does not conduct business for this county and the council. They don’t do that. And so in order for that to happen, it’s all within our structure that that shouldn’t have happened because a second, Meading or second quorum shouldn’t have never taken place when the first one had taken was was not Business orientated then the second the first one should be that it should be dissolved at that point and”
  • Source timestamp: 02:40:23

• Council procedure regarding quorums and prior practices

  • Summary: A speaker asserted that the Mayor determines what is set in stone, citing consistent practice over the last two years, and noted that Alderman Sanders followed the exact same process.
  • Evidence: “And whatever you did and this this does not change anything What this with the with the city? What the general attorney was saying that doesn’t change anything because we set the Fowler, John, John, John, John, John, John, Hall, Norr, the Mayor, determines that it’s already set in stone, and this is the consistent, this is the practice that we’ve been practicing since the two years that I’ve been here. And Alderman Sanders, we followed the exact same process, okay?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:40:43

• Quorum establishment at meeting start

  • Summary: It was stated that a quorum was constituted by five elected and sworn-in aldermen present at the beginning of the meeting.
  • Evidence: “Because at the end of the day, at the beginning of the meeting, the clerk took the role of the aldermen that were elected. And there were five aldermen who had been elected and sworn in present, so that constituted a quorum. There was no there was there shouldn’t have been an election because the courtroom was dissolved okay”
  • Source timestamp: 02:42:06

• Water main flushing and rust concerns for Ward 2

  • Summary: The speaker informed people in Ward 2 that water main flushing started today on Laurel Street, Revere, Concord, Park Crest, Middlebury, Alamo, Bedford, Greenfield, and Sheffield. They also discussed previous concerns about rust in the water.
  • Attribution: Public Commenter
  • Evidence: “I’d just like the people in Ward 2 to know that the flushing of the water mains in our ward started today with Laurel Street, Revere, Concord, Park Crest, Middlebury, Alamo, Bedford, Greenfield, and Sheffield. And also last week there was mention of some rust in water when people turned, a person turned on their faucet. That bothered me because I remember as a kid my grandma had terrible rust in her water and she’d put Kool-Aid in it and we’d still drink it and it still tasted terrible. So anyway, so I did ask some questions about that wanting to know what we could do about rust in the water.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:47:03

• Water filter promotion and public education

  • Summary: A suggestion to advertise water filters for homes or start a campaign to educate residents on water filtration, regardless of current perceived water quality.
  • Evidence: “And I think we should project that image out to the residents that no matter how clean you think your water is, I think we should be, what I’m saying, advertising water filters for homes or we start a campaign for water filters for home for the public residents.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:54:17

Public Comment

• Ten shared principles of policing

  • Summary: Ted Odendahl spoke about the ten shared principles of policing and stated that the public needs to hold themselves accountable by adhering to these principles.
  • Attribution: Ted Odendahl
  • Evidence: “Hi, Ted Odendahl of 1405 South Benson. I’m here to just talk briefly about the 10 shared principles of policing item 16 on the agenda. … Do, and we’re all working together on. The police department is holding themselves accountable by saying we ascribe to these, and we as the public need to hold ourselves accountable also by saying we ascribe to these.”
  • Source timestamp: 19:58

• Opposition to Ordinance 2025-37 and Resolution 2025-66

  • Summary: Diane Yocum spoke against Agenda Item 11, Ordinance Number 2025-37 and Agenda Item 20, Resolution 2025-66, expressing concern over power dynamics in the city.
  • Attribution: Diane Yocum
  • Evidence: “Good evening, I’m Diane Yocum and I live at 1004 Birchham Drive here in Freeport, Illinois. I’m here to speak against Agenda Item 11, Ordinance Number 2025-37 and Agenda Item 20, Resolution 2025-66.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:01

• Kelvin McElwain’s statement regarding council duties

  • Summary: Kelvin McElwain compared respecting rank in the military (saluting the rank) to respecting the rights and duties of each elected council seat to protect the democratic process.
  • Attribution: Kelvin McElwain
  • Evidence: “Hi. I’m Kelvin McElwain. I live at 515 West Moseley Street. In the mini-series Band of Brothers, there was a scene where a man at a lower rank was not going to salute a man at a higher rank because they had bad prior history. The major told him, you salute the rank, not the man. That message is crystal clear. Regardless of how you feel about the person, you respect and honor the rank and act accordingly for the sake of preserving order in the military. The same is true about each and one of these council seats.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:35

• Speaking time limit for council members (Item 11)

  • Summary: A speaker, Casey Jacobs Anthony, stated that a two-minute speaking limit is too short for council members to present research and points effectively.
  • Evidence: “Hello, I’m Casey Jacobs Anthony. I live at 1441 South Plum Avenue here in Freeport. And I’m here to speak on number 11 and number 20, but specifically with number 11 in relation to the two minute time limit on speaking for council members.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:52

• Censure process fairness (Item 20)

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern that censure is being brought up now when community members had previously asked for action on decorum and were told nothing could be done.
  • Evidence: “I’m just concerned that it’s just being done now. When people have brought it up before, community members have come and asked for things to be done about the behavior that’s occurred on this council. They were told that there’s nothing that this council could do.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:35

• Censure process fairness (Item 20)

  • Summary: A speaker requested that if censure is used, it must be applied equally across the board.
  • Evidence: “So I ask that you just consider that when moving forward with this, if you’re going to censure some members of this body, then you need to do it equally and across the board.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:03

• Concerns about diminishing representation power

  • Summary: Speaker expressed being appalled by an ordinance that would mute input and diminish the importance of older persons in representing the people.
  • Evidence: “I’m generally appalled at the thought of supporting an ordinance that would mute the input and diminish the importance of the older persons in the representation of the people.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:34

• Addressing council disrespect and limiting voices

  • Summary: Speaker addressed perceived disrespect from certain council members regarding limiting the voices of the people.
  • Evidence: “my name is Wendy Pearson I live at 1323 South Chicago Avenue here in Freeport Illinois as far as the agenda item number 11 our City Council has certain members of this when you try to limit the voices of the people by way of their older person. The disrespect that flows through this council by certain council members I would like to address as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:08

• Assertion of rights to speak and fight for rights

  • Summary: Speaker asserted the right to continue speaking and fighting for rights against perceived attempts to silence them.
  • Evidence: “We’re going to continue to fight. We’re going to continue to fight for our rights to be able to speak up here for longer than for our older persons to be able to speak more than two times without having a vote from each and every one of you to tell them they can speak again.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:46

• Lighting Needs Funding Allocation

  • Summary: A commenter argued against paying a high fee for a service, suggesting the $12,000 should be used for community needs like lighting.
  • Evidence: “I don’t know why we would pay someone that kind of money to do something that I really feel that you, Mayor Miller, should be able to do. And if we have $12,000 to put out there on this, let’s put it to use for the people. There’s lighting, more lighting needed.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:43

• Praise for Don Parker’s service record

  • Summary: A speaker praised Don Parker’s long life of service, including his time in the Air Force, as law enforcement officer, Chief of Police, and County Board member.
  • Evidence: “I’d like to set the record straight on Don Parker. I’ve known Don for almost 50 years, and I’d like to just tell the truth about what kind of man he is. I respect him. He has a life of service. He started out young age. He served in the Air Force. And after that, he wanted to protect Freeport. He became a law enforcement officer. He also has been Chief of Police, which carried a lot of responsibility. After that, he became a member of the County Board, and I guess that’s when I really got to know you.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:55:44

• Concerns about disrespect in City Council proceedings

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern over recent attacks and disrespect shown towards the mayor and city council members.
  • Evidence: “I’ve never witnessed until this past couple years the attacks, the disrespect that has gone on in this city council towards our mayor, towards our city council to Rob Boyer, city members, council members, and a lot of these lies, insinuations that people are doing things illegally. This is wrong.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:57:03

• Concerns regarding tree removal costs

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the $73 thousand cost for hiring outside help to cut down trees when the city has its own forestry department.
  • Evidence: “My first thing is the trees. Hiring somebody to cut the trees down. Seventy-three thousand dollars when we have our own forestry department. Why are they not doing it? Seventy-three thousand dollars if we’re going to the roads, going to the lights, but no, we’re going to pay somebody else.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:58:02

• Water safety concerns and health risks

  • Summary: A speaker cited receiving mail regarding symptoms associated with drinking water from Freeport that could cause low birth weight or cancer.
  • Evidence: “Next thing you say, the water’s safe. Why did I get a thing in mail saying all the symptoms that the drink in the water free park could do? Low birth weight, cancer, That’s real safe to me.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:58:02

• Disparity in street lighting funding between towns

  • Summary: A speaker noted that Freeport appears to receive more money for street and alleyway blackouts compared to the smaller towns of Rydock and Rydott.
  • Evidence: “Second, streets, little town of Rydock, less than 150 people in the town of Rydock. And 50 people in the town of Rydott. But every street and alleyway is blacked out. But Freeport’s not, and I can guarantee you they get more money than Rydott.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:59:16

• Complaint regarding unprofessional conduct by council members

  • Summary: A speaker criticized the behavior of Parker and Joy Seller during public comment periods.
  • Evidence: “Also, I wanna say, Parker, I don’t think that was very professional of what you did last week. I’m not saying you’re not a bad person, but what you did was unacceptable… And Joy Seller has too. And that’s disrespectful.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:59:30

• Conflict of interest in leadership roles

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern over the overlap of roles between Greater Freeport Partnership and City Council members, raising issues of conflict of interest.
  • Evidence: “Currently, we face a troubling overlap of roles in the leadership of the Greater Freeport Partnership and City Council members. These dual roles raise significant concerns over conflict of interest and the proper use of public funds.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:00:57

• General call for integrity and accountability in city leadership

  • Summary: A speaker urged the City Council to prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.
  • Evidence: “So again, I ask that this City Council prioritizes transparency and accountability. There needs to be stricter guidelines and oversight, and it’s crucial for our future.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:01:27

• Call for ethical standards and accountability on City Council

  • Summary: The speaker urged the City Council to prioritize transparency and accountability, emphasizing that public service should not be overshadowed by personal or organizational gain.
  • Evidence: “Our community deserves leaders who are fully focused on the welfare of our city. Quite frankly, this isn’t even about Jodi or Rob. This is about preserving the ethical standards of our community. So again, I ask that this City Council prioritizes transparency and accountability. There needs to be stricter guidelines and oversight, and it’s crucial for our future. We deserve a City Council where public service is not overshadowed by personal or organizational gain. It is all of our civil duty to ensure that our city’s future is guided by honesty, integrity, and a true commitment to the public good. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:01:19

• Concerns regarding Alderman Parker’s conduct and council proceedings

  • Summary: A constituent addressed the Council regarding Alderman Parker’s past support, criticizing her for allegedly speaking about Alderman Parker when she was not present, and citing instances of other aldermen laughing at constituents.
  • Attribution: Joshua Atkinson
  • Evidence: “The Alderman Parker, I like Alderman Parker. I’ve met with him. He was one of the few of you that would meet with me a year ago and I’ve respected him. The problem is is she talked about who Alderman Parker was not who Alderman Parker right is right now. An Alderman person elected official that would tell a constituent standing up here like myself to shut up and get out. Not acceptable. And Alderman that would stand sit here earlier at this meeting during public comment and laugh in that same constituents face.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:02:30

• Critique of Mayor’s social media comments and council dynamics

  • Summary: The speaker accused the mayor of implying things on social media, stating the job is harder because officials are accustomed to going unchallenged.
  • Attribution: Joshua Atkinson
  • Evidence: “Since the mayor took the opportunity this weekend to imply these and those in this city that questioned her on social media, liars and troublemakers, I figured you’d prefer me to say the facts to your face and tell I want to tell you exactly why your job has gotten harder. It’s harder because you are accustomed to going unchallenged. You’ve been spoiled, and I’m sorry for that.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:02:56

• Concerns about council procedure regarding policy change

  • Summary: The speaker questioned why the city attorney was presenting a policy change when the Council is the legislative body, and noted Alderman Sanders’ question about who put the item on the agenda.
  • Attribution: Joshua Atkinson
  • Evidence: “Later on, Alderman Klemm smugly asked the city attorney to explain how our government works. Thank you. We all now know that the city council is the legislative body and sets policy. In that spirit, why is our city attorney presenting policy change? Alderman Sanders asked who put that item on the agenda? Never got answered. That’s why your job’s harder. Ask a simple question. Who put it on there? Why aren’t we telling the people of Freeport who put it on there?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:04

• Discussion regarding council rules and conduct

  • Summary: The speaker addressed Alderman Klemm breaking a council rule, questioning if he would be added to a list for future meetings.
  • Attribution: Joshua Atkinson
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm, it came out later too that, you know, he ran his mouth, right? We all run our mouth. We get angry. He broke a council rule, right? Are we going to add him to that list for that next meeting?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:25

• Concerns about public comment time limits and content censorship

  • Summary: The speaker noted the discrepancy in time limits given to different speakers, referencing a former chief of police’s praise.
  • Attribution: Wendy Pearson
  • Evidence: “I find it ironic that the individual that stood up here to praise our former chief of police wasn’t told three minutes, two minutes, she was allowed to continue to talk. And he’s absolutely right, part of the letter was read. They don’t want you to hear the other part of it.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:05:19

• Critique of Mayor’s commission work regarding local crime

  • Summary: The speaker criticized the mayor’s participation in a commission for not directing efforts to communities experiencing actual shootings and murders.
  • Attribution: Wendy Pearson
  • Evidence: “This thing is starting on Walnut. Have there been shootings on Walnut? I don’t think so. Joke, you’re sitting on a commission is a joke because everything you’ve set there for the past three years hasn’t trickled down to Freeport because the shootings are happening. People are being murdered. Your peace walk is a slap in the face and a joke.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:14

• Comparison of community safety efforts

  • Summary: The speaker contrasted their own neighborhood efforts to stop drug houses and shootings with the council members’ lack of experience in areas experiencing violence.
  • Attribution: Wendy Pearson
  • Evidence: “As far as Parker is concerned, Parker had a whole day gone police department behind him. I had me and five possible six neighbors to shut down drug houses, to stop shootings, to do walks in our community. Those of you that are sitting at this city council, half of you have never stepped foot in the area where there are shootings and murders.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:46

• Statement on public comment time limits

  • Summary: The speaker reminded attendees that every public comment is allotted three minutes.
  • Attribution: Wendy Pearson
  • Evidence: “Please refrain and for the record, every public comment gets three minutes. Don’t know where your thought is on it, too.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:08:34

• Alderman Sanders’ statement on council procedure

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders stated his intention to educate the Council on parliamentary procedures and noted inconsistencies in how community involvement is addressed by the council.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I’m Alderman Sanders. As you guys may know, I just want to make a couple of points and to learn so we can stand before you, and try to educate those. Try to educate those that have not truly understand the parliamentary of the council and the government within itself. I say I know you’re going to listen to me very tentatively, but the inconsistencies, the inconsistencies of our council, and I’m part of that, is that the involvement in siding with the populace of this community does not trickle down or trickle out of this council.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:08:52

• General commentary on council procedures and community involvement

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders criticized the council for inconsistencies in applying protocols and stated that the body is not responding to citizen needs. He also questioned the authority of external standards like those from Chicago.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I’m Alderman Sanders. As you guys may know, I just want to make a couple of points and to learn so we can stand before you, and try to educate those. Try to educate those that have not truly understand the parliamentary of the council and the government within itself. I say I know you’re going to listen to me very tentatively, but the inconsistencies, the inconsistencies of our council, and I’m part of that, is that the involvement in siding with the populace of this community does not trickle down or trickle out of this council. Whatever the body wants or the citizen wants, we are not responding to their needs. That’s what we’re not doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:08:52

• Peace March and community action

  • Summary: Michelle Swal suggested that instead of complaining about the Peace March or Hope High, the community should actively get involved to make an impact in Freeport.
  • Attribution: Michelle Swal
  • Evidence: “I would just like to say about the Peace March that you guys, that they’re doing, I feel like we’re taking it in a wrong way, that they just wanna spread it out and walk different routes probably in Freeport. And as far as also going along with those Peace, I think it’s called High, or Hope? High Hope. They had a block party on Frank and Chicago where I think a lot of violence takes place if I’m not mistaken. And instead of complaining about what they’re doing, why don’t we try to actively get involved to make an impact?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:10

• Quorum requirements clarification

  • Summary: A speaker requested clarification on whether the city ordinances regarding quorum include the mayor, noting that previous instances seemed to include the mayor despite local ordinances stating otherwise.
  • Evidence: “I have a question because I need clarification on this quorum issue as well. I have read and I saw the letters and I’ve seen what that says, but I also know that our own city ordinances about a quorum do not include the mayor. So what I want to know is how is it that a couple hours before all this commotion happened last week, it was okay to include you as part of a quorum when our own ordinances don’t state that?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:14:13

• Reconsideration of ordinance action

  • Summary: A speaker asked Mr. Shadle and Mr. Klemm to reconsider their actions regarding an ordinance, expressing concern over perceived unfairness.
  • Evidence: “Secondly Mr. Shadle I appreciate your willingness to reconsider number 20 tonight you and Mr. Klemm I hope you will reconsider what you do with that because and John. I think there is an unfairness that is coming down about that based on what we learned tonight about two people and I really do hope that you will reconsider what happens with that ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:14:21

Proclamations and Recognitions

• American Freedom Days Declaration

  • Summary: Declares the two weeks between June 19th and July 4th as American Freedom Days in Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “And now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport, do hereby declare the the two weeks between June 19th and July 4th as American Freedom Days in Freeport and invite us all to unite in celebrating our American heritage of liberty as the natural right of all God’s children, all created equal.”
  • Source timestamp: 05:08

• Juneteenth Recognition

  • Summary: Acknowledges that June 19th commemorates when over four million ancestors were finally freed from physical bondage.
  • Attribution: Mayor Miller
  • Evidence: “And whereas June 19th commemorates the time over three quarters of a century later when over four million of our ancestors were finally freed from this physical bondage.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:57

• American Freedom Days Proclamation

  • Summary: Proclaiming the two weeks between Juneteenth and Independence Day as American Freedom Days in Freeport to celebrate the American heritage of liberty.
  • Evidence: “Once again, thank you for thank you for proclaiming the two weeks between Juneteenth and Independence Day as American Freedom Days in Freeport as we celebrate the American heritage of liberty as the right for all.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:05

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes Day Proclamation

  • Summary: Jodi Miller declared June 2nd, 2025 as Fellowship of Christian Athlete Day.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare June 2nd, 2025 as Fellowship of Christian Fowler, and I would like to thank you very much.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:47

• New Firefighter Introduction

  • Summary: John Kelly was introduced as the newest firefighter with a 30-year career history and details of his training.
  • Evidence: “So I’d just like to introduce our newest firefighter. This is firefighter. To introduce him, I wrote a few things down because I didn’t want to screw it up. So again, this is John Kelly. Smith, what I like to say a 30-year career.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:14

• John M. Kelly appointment as firefighter

  • Summary: John M. Kelly was appointed to the position of firefighter for the City of Freeport in the County of Stephenson and State of Illinois for the term from June 2, 2025 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified.
  • Attribution: City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission
  • Evidence: “City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all to whom these presents shall come, John M. Kelly, having been duly appointed to the position of firefighter in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stephenson and State of Illinois For the term from the second day of June 2025 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office according to the law and ordinance of said city and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by the order of the Board and Fire Commission.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:20

Follow-ups

• Staff compilation time for information request

  • Summary: A request requires staff to compile information, which staff will be given at least five business days to complete.
  • Evidence: “A request requires staff to compile information that staff will be given at least five business days to compile the information”
  • Source timestamp: 59:49

• Extension of staff compilation time

  • Summary: The city manager has the right to extend the five business day timeframe, considering factors like workload or illness.
  • Evidence: “it further provides that the city manager has the right to extend this five business day time frame taking into consideration items like workload illness verification of staff members.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:49

• Water quality improvement from new well

  • Summary: Miller reported speaking with Manager Boyer, who stated that the new well contains elements that will remove rust and iron from the majority of the city’s water.
  • Evidence: “Miller, I talked with Manager Boyer, and he said with the new well, there’s a lot of things in there that will remove the rust and iron from the majority of the water in the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:47:47

Attendance

• Roll Call for Council Meeting

  • Summary: Council members present and their votes recorded.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. The resolution is adapted 8 to 0. Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2025-59. Could you please read this?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:16

• Roll Call for Council Meeting

  • Summary: Confirmation of votes following the adoption vote.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders, and Sellers. Oh yes.”

Other

• First reading of ordinance 2025-35
  • Summary: Ordinance authorizing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency public water supply loan program and loan agreement for well number 12 entire four projects including construction project bid cost and all engineering costs.
  • Attribution: Clerk
  • Evidence: “Item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 2025-35. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency public water supply loan program and loan agreement for well number 12 entire four projects including construction project bid cost and all engineering costs.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:58