Meeting Events

Meeting: jtnvo1c9jhy.city_council_meeting_8_18_2025

Meeting date: 2025-08-18

Meeting type: city_council

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

Decisions and Votes

• Approval of Agenda Item Number One — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the agenda.
  • Evidence: “Item number one is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:26

• Approval of Minutes from July 21st, 2025 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on July 21st, 2025.
  • Evidence: “Item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on July 21st, 2025, is such a motion? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion Passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:40

• Approval of consent agenda — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the consent agenda.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “The motion passes 5 to 2.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:33

• Appointment of Conny Kraft to ADA Commission — Passed

  • Summary: The motion to appoint Conny Kraft passed 7 to 0 via roll call vote.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Motion passes seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:48

• Motion on Item number seven: second reading of ordinance 2025-44 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion passes seven to zero.
  • Evidence: “Aye. Sanders? Johnson, Simmons, still absent and Parker. Motion passes seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:48

• Moving ordinance discussion to September meeting

  • Summary: Motion made by Oldham to move the current matter to the first meeting in September for clarity.
  • Evidence: “Oldham and Stacy. I would just like to make a motion that we move this to the first meeting in September where we can get clarity for those who need clarity or want clarity.”
  • Evidence: “Okay, we have a motion on the floor to move this ordinance to the next regular scheduled meeting.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:48

• Status of Alderman Stacey’s motion

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding the status of Alderman Stacey’s motion.
  • Evidence: “Okay. So back to there’s still a motion on the floor, Alderman Stacey, what do you want to do with that?”
  • Source timestamp: 47:05

• Removal of motion by speaker

  • Summary: A speaker stated they would remove their motion in good faith to allow the discussion to move forward as previously discussed.
  • Evidence: “So in good faith that we’re going to move forward as we have talked about the last three Weeks, as well has been presented. I will remove my motion.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:01

• Removal of second by Alderman Sanders

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders agreed to remove his second based on what the city clerk presents from that day forward.
  • Evidence: “Oldman Sanders, will you remove your second? I will. I like to do that based upon what our city clerk presents to us from this day forward.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:28

• Ordinance passage vote — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance passed with a vote of 8 to 0.
  • Evidence: “The ordinance passes 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:16

• Roll Call Vote on Ordinance Passage — Passed

  • Summary: The roll call vote resulted in the ordinance passing 6-2.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes 6-2.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:54

• Text amendment on liquor regulations — Passed

  • Summary: The text amendment passed with seven ‘Aye’ votes and one ‘No’ vote.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. And Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes seven to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:16

• Special Use Permit for Solar Energy Systems (Kessler) — Approved

  • Summary: The special use permit was approved by roll call.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:16

• Roll call vote for initial motion — Passed

  • Summary: The roll call vote resulted in the motion passing 5-6, with 6 votes for and 1 against.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? No. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Abstain. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes. 5, 6, 6-1-1.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:50

• Moving ordinance forward for accessible parking spot on Garfield

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Seller and seconded by Alderman Shadle to move the ordinance regarding an accessible parking spot at 304 through 310 West Garfield forward.
  • Attribution: Alderman Seller
  • Evidence: “So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle to move this ordinance forward.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:14

• Suspension of the rules to move ordinance forward

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Shadle to suspend the rules.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm. I make a motion to suspend the rules. Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension of the rules.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:59

• Suspension of the rules for the council meeting — Passed

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension of the rules.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk, Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. The motion passes 8-0.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension of the rules. Suspension of the rules is non-debatable.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:59

• Final passage for the ordinance — Passed

  • Summary: The final passage for an unspecified ordinance passed with 8 ‘Aye’ votes and 0 ‘No’ votes.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Simmons, Parker, and the ordinance passes 8 to 0 as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:35

• Moving forward with property disposal and auction

  • Summary: A motion was made to move forward with recycling bicycles, disposing of the clerk’s chair, and auctioning abandoned property.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:23

• Suspension of the rules (second instance)

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Parker and seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker? Motion to suspend the rules? Second. A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:10

• Suspension of the rules — Passed

  • Summary: A motion to suspend the rules was made by Alderman Parker and seconded by Alderman Klemm.
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Tracy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Sint and Parker? Aye. The suspension passes seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:10

• Adoption of resolution 2025 86 authorizing execution and amendment of downstate operating assistant program or dope grant agreement for fiscal year 2026

  • Summary: A motion regarding the resolution was made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Sellers.
  • Evidence: “There will be a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:25

• Adoption of resolution 202587 — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted eight to zero.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:20

• Adoption of Fehr Graham contract recommendation

  • Summary: A motion was made to adopt the contract with Fehr Graham.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Staff recommends moving forward with the contract with Fehr Graham. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:43:00

• Motion passing count (Item number 15) — Passed

  • Summary: The motion passed five to three based on the recorded votes.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “The motion passes five to three.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:56

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-88: Acceptance of IDOT Grant

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution moving forward with the fiscal year 2024 aviation fuel tax grant.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:02:25

• Adoption of resolution moving forward with the fiscal year 2024 aviation fuel tax grant — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution regarding the fiscal year 2024 aviation fuel tax grant.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.”
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:03:31

• Approval of redevelopment agreement with Kendall and Grace at 712 West South Street

  • Summary: Motion to approve the resolution regarding the redevelopment agreement.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Moving motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:17

• Adoption of resolution 2025-91 — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted seven to zero with one abstention.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted seven to zero with one abstentia.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:15

• Adoption of Aeration Tank Membrane Purchase — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the membrane purchase for aeration tank replacement.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, Council
  • Evidence: “So moved. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers is currently absent. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:44

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-92 for Electronic Recycling Services Payment

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution authorizing payment for electronic recycling services.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:30

• Adoption of Resolution Approving Transportation Services Agreement with Pretzel City Transit to Sell Punch Cards at the Library — Adopted

  • Summary: Motion made to adopt the resolution approving the transportation services agreement.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Parker? Aye. That resolution is adopted 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:31:05

• Purchase of two refurbished power load systems for Ambulance 3 and 4

  • Summary: A motion was made to approve the purchase of two refurbished power load systems for the back of Ambulance 3 and 4.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “So the fire department is requesting approval of the resolution to purchase two refurbished power load systems for the back of Ambulance 3 and 4. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Oh, so moved. Parker. A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:34:23

• Purchase of two refurbished power load systems for Ambulance 3 and 4

  • Summary: Roll call vote taken on the resolution to purchase two refurbished power load systems.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:36:53

• Adoption of Lawnmower Purchase Proposal — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the proposed lawnmower purchase.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Alderman Shadle, Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Sir, motion to adopt. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker. Aye. The resolution is adopted eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:09

• Property Acquisition Approval Request

  • Summary: Staff requests approval of the acquisition of 17 Stephenson Street for one dollar to proceed with updates and grant applications.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “staff requests approval of the acquisition of 17 Stephenson Street for one dollar. Is there a motion to adopt?”
  • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:18

• Adoption of Property Conveyance (17 West Stephenson Street)

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Sellers to approve the conveyance.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “So moved. A motion made by Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:18

• Adoption of Resolution approving independent contractor agreement with Ultimate Surveying Application Corp for Wayne Duckman — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted seven to one.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted seven to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:50:17

• Adoption of agreement with Ultimate Serving Applications Corporation for Wayne Duckman services

  • Summary: Seconded by Alderman Sellers.
  • Evidence: “So. Is there a motion to adopt? It’s all moved.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:51:56

• Adoption of resolution 2025-100 (Americans with Disabilities Acts Grievance Commission) — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted by a vote of six to two.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted six to two. Item number 24 is the adoption of resolution 2025-100. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the Americans with Disabilities Acts Grievance Commission to repair certain sidewalks in the city and authorizing the city manager to budget for such repairs.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:54:21

• Adoption of Resolution approving ADA Sidewalk Repairs

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution regarding sidewalk repairs.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “So move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle,”
  • Source timestamp: 02:56:13

• Roll Call Vote

  • Summary: The roll call vote was taken for procedural confirmation.
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye.”

• Approval of bid recommendation for sewer lift station

  • Summary: Motion made to move forward with the bid from Kelsey excavating.
  • Evidence: “So moved.”
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”

• Approval to move forward with the bid

  • Summary: A motion was made to approve moving forward with the bid.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second.”

• Roll Call Vote — Passed

  • Summary: The vote tally for the proceeding items resulted in a 5 to 3 pass.
  • Evidence: “Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. The motion passes 5 to 3.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:25

• Approval of demolition contract

  • Summary: A motion was made to approve the recommended contract.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”

• Approval of demolition contract (Nine Properties)

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the contract for the demolition of nine properties awarded to Alber and Sun Earthworks.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve?”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye.”

• Approval of Demolition Contract for Properties — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve awarding the demolition contract to Alber and Sun Earthworks.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, City Council
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Who is absent? The motion passes seven to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:24:43

• Approval of Raleigh Complex Security Contract

  • Summary: Motion to approve awarding the contract for fence and board up at the Raleigh Building to Winter Construction.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:27:58

• Roll Call Vote (Item 29) — Passed

  • Summary: The vote count for Item number 29 resulted in a 6 to 1 pass.
  • Evidence: “So we have 6 to 1 passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:49

• Approval of Hanger D asbestos abatement bid

  • Summary: A motion was made to approve the recommended bid for asbestos abatement at Hangar D.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. Made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
  • Source timestamp: 03:39:38

• Taking the roll call (Second instance) — Passed

  • Summary: Clerk Anderson was asked to take the roll call again.
  • Evidence: “If not, Madam Clerk, could you please take the role? You can’t be doing that, Mayor. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? The motion passes seven to one”
  • Source timestamp: 03:41:13

• Approval of 18th Avenue resurfacing bid — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the bid for 18th Avenue resurfacing.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, City Council
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders is absent, Sellers? Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker. The motion passes 7 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:43:36

• Adjournment vote — Passed

  • Summary: Vote on the motion for adjournment.
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:30

Procedural Actions

• Call to Order and Roll Call

  • Summary: The meeting was called to order following a roll call.
  • Attribution: Mayor Miller
  • Evidence: “So now we’ll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could you please take the role? Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons is absent. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11

• Pledge of Allegiance

  • Summary: The Pledge of Allegiance was administered, led by Alderman Stacy.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, Can you please make note that 603 Alderman Simmons arrived and then if you could all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Stacy.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:57

• Speaker Removal/Order

  • Summary: A speaker was told they were out of order and asked to leave.
  • Evidence: “Okay you are out of order it has nothing to do well then you will be asked to leave could you please escort her out for those of you that are standing for those of you that are standing”
  • Source timestamp: 08:50

• Conclusion of Public Comments

  • Summary: The chair concluded the public comments period.
  • Evidence: “That concludes public comments.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:22

• Consent agenda consideration

  • Summary: The consent agenda was considered routine unless a council member wished to remove items for further discussion.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Item number five is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature unless there’s a member of the council who would like to have something removed for further discussion.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:22

• Appointment of Conny Kraft to ADA Commission

  • Summary: A motion was made and seconded to approve the appointment of Conny Kraft to the ADA Commission, effective immediately through May 31st, 2029.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Item number 6 is appointments. Could you please read? Conny Kraft to the ADA Commission, effective immediately through May 31st, 2029. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 26:52

• Return to original ordinance reading

  • Summary: The discussion returned to the original ordinance on its second reading.
  • Evidence: “Okay. So, now we’re back to the original ordinance on the second reading. Is there any discussion?”
  • Source timestamp: 49:13

• Discussion conclusion regarding agenda items

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the appropriateness of making derogatory comments about an unlisted topic to another council member.
  • Evidence: “No, I’m not speaking. I’m just saying, is it prudent that someone makes a derogatory comment to another Council sitting right in his ear about something that’s not on the agenda?”
  • Source timestamp: 55:02

• Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-49

  • Summary: The second reading of Ordinance 2025-49 was addressed.
  • Attribution: City Council Clerk
  • Evidence: “Item number 9 is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-49. Could you please read this?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:08:06

• Second reading of ordinance 2025-50 (Special Use Permit for Solar Energy)

  • Summary: The council moved to the second reading of Ordinance 2025-50 concerning a special use permit application.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Item number 10 is the second reading of ordinance 2025-50. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving special use permit application Kessler.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:31

• Final passage for the ordinance

  • Summary: The council addressed whether there was further discussion needed before the final passage of the ordinance.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “And before your council, is the final passage for this ordinance, is there any further discussion?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:31

• Roll Call Vote for Resolution 202587 adoption

  • Summary: The roll call was taken for the resolution.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye.”

• Calling for roll call vote on motion passage

  • Summary: The Clerk was asked to take the roll after a discussion concluded.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:48

• Call to take roll for proceeding items

  • Summary: The clerk was asked to take the roll call for several individuals before moving on to the next item.
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Shadle? Sanders? Sellers? Klemm? Johnson? Simmons? Simmons, and Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:44

• Item 22 Adoption of Resolution

  • Summary: Reading of the resolution approving to accept the conveyance of property at 17 West Stephenson Street from Marianne Garbans.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Item number 22 is adoption of resolution 2025-96. Could you please read this? Resolution approving to accept the conveyance of the property commonly known as 17 West Stephenson Street from Marianne Garbans.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:42:58

• Roll Call Vote for Resolution 2025-99

  • Summary: The roll call was taken following the adoption of resolution 2025-99.
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Williams, and Parker, aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:50:17

• Roll Call Vote for Council Members Present

  • Summary: A roll call was taken to determine attendance.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Yes. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Can’t do this with 9-1-1. Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:53:54

• Adjournment of discussion

  • Summary: A request was made for the Clerk to take the roll call if there was no further discussion.
  • Evidence: “So if there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, did you have something? I wanted an answer.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:11:52

• Open bidding process rules for submissions

  • Summary: It was stated that in an open bidding process, submitting all required items is mandatory; failure to submit any item results in disqualification.
  • Evidence: “We looked and actually, I looked into that matter with council and discussed it at length and we looked through our rules and regulations and it was determined that that’s not, it’s It’s not fair to the, you know, during the open bidding, in an open bidding process, it wouldn’t be fair to have everybody else submit a complete submittal. And this happens quite a bit where somebody forgets in a document and they can’t come back later and submit it. That’s common practice in not just Freeport, but any community, you know, we list out if there’s 10 items you have to submit, you have to submit all 10 items or else you’re thrown out of the open bid.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:36:49

• Roll call for meeting minutes

  • Summary: The Madam Clerk was asked to take the roll call.
  • Evidence: “Okay, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:39

• Taking the roll call

  • Summary: Clerk Anderson was asked to take the roll call.
  • Evidence: “Okay, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:39

• Adjournment motion

  • Summary: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.
  • Evidence: “Is there any other public comments? I’ll entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:13:12

Ordinances and Resolutions

• Second reading of ordinance 2025-44

  • Summary: The second reading was held for Ordinance amending chapter 460, section 460.16 regarding written permits required for overweight vehicles.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Item number seven is the second reading of ordinance 2025-44. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 460, section 460.16, written permits required for overweight vehicles of the City of Freeport’s code of ordinances. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Just following up, we had our first reading in July. This is our second reading and now in August.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:48

• Ordinance amending chapter 460, section 460.16: written permits required for overweight vehicles of the City of Freeport’s code of ordinances

  • Summary: The ordinance amends chapter 460, section 460.16 regarding written permits for overweight vehicles.
  • Evidence: “Item number seven is the second reading of ordinance 2025-44. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 460, section 460.16, written permits required for overweight vehicles of the City of Freeport’s code of ordinances.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:48

• Ordinance amending Part 4, Traffic Code, Title 8, Parking, Chapter 480, Parking Generally, Section 480.24, Disabled Persons and Veterans of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Freeport at 304 to 310 West Garfield

  • Summary: First reading of Ordinance 2025-51 amending parking regulations for disabled persons and veterans.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-51. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Part 4, Traffic Code, Title 8, Parking, Chapter 480, Parking Generally, Section 480.24, Disabled Persons and Veterans of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Freeport at 304 to 310 West Garfield.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:59

• Ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property owned by the city, police department abandoned personal property and bicycles, and an old chair in my office.

  • Summary: The ordinance authorizes the sale, recycling, donation, and/or disposal of specific items including abandoned property from the Freeport Police Department and a clerk’s chair.
  • Attribution: Ordinance 2025-52
  • Evidence: “And item number 12 is the first ring of ordinance 2025-52. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property owned by the city, police department abandoned personal property and bicycles, and an old chair in my office.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:35

• Adoption of resolution 2025 86 authorizing execution and amendment of downstate operating assistant program or dope grant agreement for fiscal year 2026 — Approved

  • Summary: The adoption of resolution 2025 86 was discussed, which authorizes an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation to accept $2.1 million in funding.
  • Evidence: “Number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025 86 could you please read this resolution authorizing execution and amendment of downstate operating assistant program or dope grant agreement for fiscal year 2026 director duckman thank you madam mayor what is before you right now is a resolution for an agreement to with the illinois department of transportation to accept the 2.1 million dollars in funding for the operation of the pretzel city area transit program so we I’ve looked through the proposed budget it’s been approved with through the Illinois Department of Transportation and staff is recommending approval of this resolution is there a motion for Settler.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:33

• Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant authorization

  • Summary: Resolution authorizing the execution of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant is presented to accept and enter into the grant agreement.
  • Evidence: “Resolution authorizing the execution of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant is now presented to accept and enter into the grant agreement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:14

• Approval of agreement with Fehr Graham for Walnut Avenue lift station services

  • Summary: Item number 14 is adoption of resolution 202587. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering services for Walnut Avenue lift station.
  • Evidence: “Item number 14 is adoption of resolution 202587. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering services for Walnut Avenue lift station.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:20

• Adoption of resolution 2025-90: Redevelopment agreement with Kendall and Grace at 712 West South Street

  • Summary: Resolution approving redevelopment agreement with Kendall and Grace at 712 West South Street.
  • Evidence: “Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 2025-90. Could you please read this? Resolution approving redevelopment agreement with Kendall and Grace at 712 West South Street.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:03:31

• Approval of PTFE membrane discs purchase for wastewater facility aeration basins

  • Summary: Resolution approving the purchase of poly tetrafluoroethylene or PTFE membrane discs for wastewater facility aeration basins from Dryden Equipment.
  • Evidence: “Item number 17 is adoption of resolution 2025-91. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of poly tetrafluoroethylene or PTFE membrane discs for wastewater facility aeration basins from Dryden Equipment.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:15

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-92 for Electronic Recycling Services Payment

  • Summary: Resolution authorizing payment of an invoice from T&T Iron and Metal for Electronic Recycling Services.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2025-92. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing payment of an invoice from T&T Iron and Metal for Electronic Recycling Services.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:23:34

• Adoption of Resolution Approving Transportation Services Agreement with Pretzel City Transit to Sell Punch Cards at the Library

  • Summary: The resolution concerns an agreement for the Freeport Public Library to sell ride vouchers and punch cards for Pretzel City Transit.
  • Evidence: “item number 19 is adoption of resolution 2025 93 could you please read Resolution Approving Transportation Services Agreement with Pretzel City Transit to Sell Punch Cards at the Library Thank you, Director Huffine. Thank you. The library is always seeking collaborations and partners to help improve our services and resources for our community. Pretzel City Transit is heavily used by library users. We are seeking to make access to ride vouchers and punch cards more accessible by becoming a location for people to purchase ride vouchers and punch cards for Pretzel City Transit. Although the Freeport Public Library is a department of the City of Freeport, we are We are a separate taxing district. It is important to demonstrate the library’s commitment to selling these vouchers to IDOT. So we are entering into a formal agreement. The city of Freeport’s responsibilities under this agreement are to provide reliable on-time transportation to the Freeport Public Library users in a timely manner and to supply the Freeport Public Library with vouchers and punch cards for sale at the library. The Freeport Public Library’s responsibilities under this agreement are to maintain an inventory of vouchers and punch cards to notate the vouchers to indicate they were purchased at the library to maintain accurate inventory on hand and sold vouchers and punch cards and provide inventory reports to the city upon request. The library will compensate the city monthly for all vouchers and punch cards sold. There is no impact on the city or library finances. The city staff recommend approving the agreement with the Freeport Public Library and the strategic plan that supports strong public and private partnerships.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:30:09

• Adoption of Resolution approving purchase of two refurbished power load systems from Rowland Energy refurbished equipment and clock emergency vehicles for the fire department

  • Summary: The resolution concerns approving the purchase of two refurbished power load systems for ambulances 3 and 4.
  • Evidence: “Item number 20 is adoption of resolution 2025-94. Could you please read this? Resolution approving purchase of two refurbished power load systems from Rowland Energy refurbished equipment and clock emergency vehicles for the fire department.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:31:30

• Adoption of resolution 202595 for lawnmower purchase

  • Summary: Resolution approving the purchase of a Ferris ISX 2200 mower with Kawasaki motor and 60-inch mower deck from Peabuddy’s North, Pecatonica, Illinois for the fire department.
  • Evidence: “Item number 21, the adoption of resolution 202595. Could you please read this? Resolution approving purchase of Ferris ISX 2200 mower with Kawasaki motor and 60-inch mower deck from Peabuddy’s North, Pecatonica, Illinois for the fire department.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:36:58

• Approving independent contractor agreement with Ultimate Surveying Application Corp for Wayne Duckman

  • Summary: Resolution approving independent contractor agreement with Ultimate Surveying Application Corp for Wayne Duckman for consulting services for community and economic development department.
  • Evidence: “Item number 23 is adoption of resolution 2025-99. Could you please read this? Resolution approving independent contractor agreement with Ultimate Surveying Application Corp for Wayne Duckman for consulting services for community and economic development department.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:50:17

Financial and Contract Events

• Consent Agenda Financial Items

  • Summary: The finance bill was payable in total of $5,658,211.16 and payroll for pay period ending July 26, 2025 totaled $685,042.99, with payroll for ending August 8, 2025 totaling $671,983.85.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “The finance bill is payable in the total of $5,658,211.16 and payroll for pay period ending July 26, 2025 in the total of $685,042.99 and payroll for ending August 8, 2025 in the total of $671,983.85”
  • Source timestamp: 25:33

• Funding source for Fehr Graham contract

  • Summary: The City plans to fund the $224,250 construction engineering contract through the Lamb Road TIF.
  • Evidence: “The City plans to fund the $224,250 construction engineering contract through the Lamb Road TIF.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:52

• Construction cost estimate for station build and piping

  • Summary: The $234,000 amount is stated to complete the entire project, covering construction, resident engineering services, quality assurance, and getting the station built with all piping.
  • Attribution: Darin
  • Evidence: “So I can tell you that the amount that we put here should complete the construction. The $234,000 should complete this whole project. Yes. It’s already been designed and bid. This is the construction resident engineering services. This is the quality assurance, the construction part of getting the station built and getting all the piping in the ground for an active running station. And all this money is coming from the Land World TIF.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:13

• Cost of new commercial lawnmower

  • Summary: The cost for the Ferris 2200 model commercial lawnmower is $12,348.
  • Evidence: “So the cost of this commercial lawnmowers $12,348.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:40:16

• Funding source for new commercial lawnmower

  • Summary: The purchase is funded by money in this year’s budget and the fire department capital improvement fund, using no dollars from the general fund.
  • Evidence: “So there’s money in this year’s budget for this purchase and it’s also be funded by the fire department capital improvement fund using no dollars from the general fund for this purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:40:16

• Raleigh Complex Fence and Board Up Contract

  • Summary: The lowest responsible bidder for Raleigh complex security is Winter Construction with a proposal of $78,000.
  • Attribution: City staff
  • Evidence: “And the lowest responsible bidder was Winter Construction at a proposal of $78,000. Sellers, and staff is recommending moving forward with winter construction for the installation of a fence and board up of all of the first floor windows at the Raleigh Building.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:27:34

Projects

• Lowest responsible bidder for sewer project

  • Summary: Kelsey’s excavating was the lowest responsible bidder at $2,847,451 and 50 cents.
  • Evidence: “and Kelsey’s excavating was the lowest responsible bidder at $2,847,451 and 50 cents.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:03

• Project timeline and funding for sewer project

  • Summary: The project completion is estimated for June, 2026, and will be paid for with Land and Road TIF funds.
  • Evidence: “The project completion is estimated for June, 2026, taking into account equipment lead times. This project is planned to be paid for with Land and Road TIF funds”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:26

• Kelsey excavating 2025 city street project and sewer force main work

  • Summary: Kelsey excavating completed other sewer force main work for the city of Freeport with positive results. The project completion is estimated for June, 2026, taking into account equipment lead times.
  • Evidence: “Kelsey excavating is currently working on the 2025 city street project and has completed other sewer force main work for the city of Freeport with positive results. The project completion is estimated for June, 2026, taking into account equipment lead times.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:17

• Solar field development and 18th Avenue improvements

  • Summary: Recon Corporation agreed to contribute $440,000 toward 18th Avenue improvements and provide improvement plans prepared by Bowman as part of the agreement for developing a solar field at the end of 18th Avenue.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “recon corporation worked with the city of Freeport to reach an agreement for the development of the solar field at the end of 18th avenue that’s in the arcade as part of the agreement recon corporation was to assist with roadway improvements to 18th Avenue because the idea is there they’ll be using 18th Avenue to do this the installation they’ll be running trucks in and out of there and the road was somewhat deteriorated and the point is to restore the road once they’re completed with the solar field project so as part of the agreement Recon Corporation will contribute $440,000 toward improvements on 18th Avenue and provide the city of Freeport with with improvement plans prepared by Bowman for the improvements to 18th Avenue.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:41:33

• Bid opening for 18th Avenue resurfacing

  • Summary: A public bid opening was held on August 13th at 10 AM. Three bids were received: one from Martin and Company, and two from Helm and Fisher’s Excavating. Fisher’s Excavating was the lowest responsible bidder at $511,212.00.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “A public bid opening was held on August 13th at 10 AM at City Freeport. City staff received three bids for the project, one from Martin and Company, one from Helm and Fisher’s Excavating. Fisher’s Excavating was the lowest responsible bidder at $511,212.00.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:42:41

Presentations and Reports

• Ordinance amendments for oversized vehicles

  • Summary: The staff requests moving forward with changes to create an overweight and oversized permit form, requiring permitting within city limits regardless of roads used. Proposed fees include $150 for individual one-time permits and $1,200 for an annual permit, plus a $500 penalty for non-compliance.
  • Evidence: “Just following up, we had our first reading in July. This is our second reading and now in August. The staff requests moving forward with some changes to the ordinance for oversized vehicles, so that’d be creating an overweight and oversized permit form. Permitting required within city limits no matter what roads are used within the city. Also adding $150 for individual one-time permits, $1,200 for an annual permit. That would be for individuals licensed within the city and then $500 penalty for non-compliance of permitting.”
  • Source timestamp: 28:26

• Purpose of overweight vehicle permitting process

  • Summary: The speaker explained the purpose of permitting is to control where vehicles operate, mapping exact routes, as roads were recently replaced, preventing unauthorized travel.
  • Evidence: “Our roads are permitted between 60 and 80,000 pounds, and I think the unit that we discussed was about 125,000. So the permitting process is really to control where these vehicles operate within the city. So for instance, unless we had a crane job at somewhere on Locust Street, I would not permit somebody to go drive a hundred thousand pound load down Locust Street because we just replaced it.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:35

• Second reading of Ordinance 2025-48 details

  • Summary: Details regarding physical cultural centers/gyms in the area were presented, listing four instances over the past year.
  • Evidence: “So this ordinance, nothing has changed since the first reading, but there were some questions about number of actual physical cultural centers slash gyms that have come into the area and how often a subject like this would occur. And in the past year, we’ve had four athletes that have come into the area and they’ve been For, actual athletic centers, physical cultural centers, gyms come through the city of Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:28

• Recent physical activity facility locations and background for text amendment

  • Summary: The speaker listed several recent facilities: Magicians Academy (18Th South Chicago) on March 3rd; a new gym at Cub Foods (July 7th at 25); Studio Elan Pilati Studio at 2 to 6 East Stephenson (July 21, 2025); and Freeport Martial Arts at 105107 West Main Street (July 21, 2025). The presentation concerns a text amendment regarding the influx of positive land use like physical activity centers.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “18Th South Chicago was Magicians Academy, MMA, so that was in March 3rd. Then we also had a new gym who’s still working on their build-out, so they haven’t given their name yet, but that was at Cub Foods. So that was July 7th at 25. We just recently had the Studio Elan Pilati Studio at 2 to 6 East Stephenson, that was July 21, 2025. And then we also had the Freeport Martial Arts at 105107 West Main Street. So those are, and that was called Freeport Martial Arts, that was July 21, 2025. So that gives a little background on why staff has presented this, what’s known as a text amendment. Of Planning Commission.”

• Purpose of the text amendment regarding physical cultural centers

  • Summary: The measure was brought because staff observed an influx of people wanting to start gyms and studios, questioning if every new gym opening warrants a council appearance and delay. The speaker stated that the definition of a physical cultural center is ‘a place dedicated to the systematic cultivation of physical fitness and health through various exercises and practices.’
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “This measure was brought not for one specific owner, not because people complained. Huffines. It simply was brought because when a land use, when you see an influx of people wanting to start gyms, studios, and you’re looking at it and saying, does every gym that opens up, it does that warrant having to come to council and delay opening their business every time a gym comes to the city to get their proper permits? And we’ve seen four people do it in the past year. If that’s what the pleasure of council is, I’m not arguing that. … So that’s all I wanted to do is bring clarity to and let the people know and not only let the council know, but let the citizens of Freeport know that we are looking into these matters with our eyes open, you know, that kind of thing. … The definition is a place dedicated to the systematic cultivation of physical fitness and health through various exercises and practices.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:31

• Changes to Alcohol Ordinance Language (Sell vs. Serve)

  • Summary: The ordinance clarifies that the current language distinguishes between ‘sell’ and ‘serve’ alcohol, meaning BYOB establishments might not need a special use permit if they are only serving and not selling.
  • Attribution: City Council Clerk
  • Evidence: “So nothing here has changed yet. Nothing has changed on this since the first reading. And so essentially what this is is our codified ordinances state, serve, and not sell alcohol. So currently what we’re saying is that you would not need to get a special use permit if you are in a BYOB bring your own alcohol establishment because our current ordinances say sell as opposed to serve. So what this is essentially, this is a cleaning up of the language review by our legal counsel saying that we’re trying to be, we’re trying to hold our BYOB establishments to the same Bates, and then, of course, we have a number of other stakeholders, and I think that’s a good way to understand the same standard that our bars and restaurants in town are, and that’s to make sure that they would still have to get a special use permit.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:08:32

• Special Use Permit for Solar Energy Systems (Kessler)

  • Summary: The presentation detailed the request to allow solar energy systems utilizing ground-mounted PV arrays on an R3 one-family resident zone property.
  • Attribution: Director Duckman
  • Evidence: “Ordinance approving special use permit application Kessler. We’re going to talk about a special use of an R3 one-family resident zone property to allow for solar energy systems which utilize ground-mounted PV arrays per section 1250.01 B20.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:35

• Disposal of Freeport Police Department property

  • Summary: The Freeport Police Department needs to dispose of property at the Freeport City Yards, including abandoned evidence and property held for at least six months whose owners have been notified but are unresponsive.
  • Attribution: Police Department
  • Evidence: “The background is the Freeport Police Department is currently in need of disposing property at the Freeport City Yards 1001 North Island Avenue and auction off abandoned property being held by evidence and property. In discussion there are abandoned bikes that have been in the possession of the Freeport Police Department for at least six months being stored at the Freeport Miller. There are also items being held by evidence and property that can be considered abandoned property. These items have been in the custody of the police department for at least six months. The owners of the items have been notified to pick up the property. However, the owners have been unresponsive.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:35

• Required council actions for transportation grant application

  • Summary: The City of Freeport is required to have council approve three items as part of the annual transportation grant application to the State of Illinois.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “Then I go on to discussion and I say as part of our annual transportation grant application to the State of Illinois under the 5311 Transportation Program and Downstate Operating Assistance Program, the City of Freeport is required to have council approve the following. One, an ordinance adopting transportation services within Freeport and Stephenson County. Two, a resolution authorizing an application to be made to the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation, Department of Transportation, State of Illinois, for a financial assistance grant under Section 5311 for fiscal year 2026 for the purchase of offsetting a portion of the public transportation program operating deficits to the City of Freeport. 3. A resolution accepting that the City of Freeport is participating and said operating assistance programs will provide local and matching funds once application is approved.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:19

• Resolution authorizing Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant execution

  • Summary: The resolution authorizing the execution of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant is now presented to accept and enter into the grant agreement.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “Resolution authorizing the execution of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant is now presented to accept and enter into the grant agreement. And the recommendation is staff recommends approval of the resolution in order to move forward with the grant agreement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:14

• Need for Walnut Street lift station and associated contract

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented the necessity of a lift station near Land Road and Walnut Road due to old lateral failure risks, additional development demand, and planned well 12 projects. The scope involves Fehr Graham providing construction engineering services.
  • Evidence: “Just to touch on Walnut Street lift station, the idea is would the St. Lift Station. The idea is the lift station we put near the corner of Land Road and Walnut Road. The purpose of the lift station is to convey waste under pressure from that location to the interceptor on the other side of the bridge on Walnut Road to the north side. The reason this is necessary is because we currently have industry in that area that utilize a very old part, a lateral that connects to the interceptor. That if ever failed, it would be very challenging to work on due to its depth of over 20 feet and its proximity to the landfill.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:35

• Fehr Graham scope of services for sanitary sewer improvements

  • Summary: The contract with Fehr Graham covers professional full-time on-site construction engineering, observation, and contract management. It also includes GIS survey collection, staking layout, roadway boring, and road improvements.
  • Evidence: “The Fehr Graham scope service will provide professional full-time on-site construction engineering and observation as well as a contract management services for the the City of Freeport. Fehr Graham shall additionally provide GIS survey collection, staking layout for the sewer piping, roadway boring, and road improvements.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:28

• Future development opportunity using new well and sewer/water capacity

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented the need for a lift station to handle future development, stating that without it, existing capacity is insufficient even with planned sewer and water additions.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer mentioned the future expansion. This new well that we’re putting out, well, 12, there’s gonna be sewer added, water added out. This is the opportunity that we’ve been looking for, for quite some time to have shovel ready land for development. One of the main reasons we haven’t seen a new factory in this town is we don’t have a place shovel ready to put it. We can put the sewer pipes in, We can put the water pipes in, but if we don’t have this lift station, there’s not enough capacity in the existing to handle the future development. That’s why we need this.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:54:47

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-88: Acceptance of IDOT Grant

  • Summary: The City received the aviation fuel tax grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the past three years; it does not require a match, and funds are for airport-related purposes. The city has received a Notice of Grant Award for the 2024 Aviation Fuel Tax Grant in the amount of $49,078.77.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “The city’s received the aviation fuel tax grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the past three years. The grant does not require a match and the grant funds are to be used by local governments for airport-related purposes. … The City of Freeport has received a Notice of Grant Award for the 2024 Aviation Fuel Tax Grant in the amount of $49,078.77.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:56

• Redevelopment agreement details for Kendall and Grace/Witt Plastics

  • Summary: The proposed project is a nearly 5,000 square foot warehouse facility with paving, totaling $150,000. Staff recommends approval as it is eligible for TIF financing within the Meadows TIF district.
  • Evidence: “So what we have before you currently is a redevelopment agreement. The name of the company is Kendall and Grace, but this is Witt Plastics, right behind Aldi, to kind of give you a little background of where they’re actually located. And their proposed project is a almost 5,000 square foot warehouse facility. There’s also going to be some paving, and they’re We’re proposing a project that would total $150,000. If we scroll down a little bit, or I can see if I could do it, this is an image of the proposed project that they have here. So staff has reviewed this proposed development and sees that it is eligible for TIF financing. And in particular, it’s within the Meadows TIF district.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:03:31

• Wastewater treatment aeration basin membranes replacement

  • Summary: The city needs to replace mechanical air bubbles in the aeration tank every 7 to 10 years, and an estimate of $20,048 was received from Dryden Equipment for the necessary membrane purchase.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Every 7 to 10 years these need to be replaced and we are at that time where we need to replace them. They are specific to the equipment that’s in the aeration basin and the city’s received an estimate from SSI aeration for $20,048 I’m sorry from Dryden Equipment. The project was budgeted in the wastewater for budget for 2025 and staff recommends moving forward with the membrane purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:15

• Aeration Tank Replacement Estimate

  • Summary: The city received an estimate from Dryden Equipment for $20,048 to replace mechanicals in the aeration tank.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “the city’s received an estimate from SSI aeration for $20,048 I’m sorry from Dryden Equipment. The project was budgeted in the wastewater for budget for 2025 and staff recommends moving forward with the membrane purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:20:15

• Electronic Recycling Service Invoice Payment

  • Summary: Director Bridge presented details regarding the payment of an invoice from T&T Iron and Metal for electronic recycling services.
  • Attribution: Director Bridge
  • Evidence: “The City of Freeport conducted Giles Freeport Disposal recommended T&T Iron and Metal to be the main collector of electronic materials. At the event, they collected 1,096 tons of iron and metal to be disposed of. And the city received positive feedback from residents and surrounding communities. The full amount of the invoice has been budgeted for and will be paid from the health and environment fund, which the cost of this specific invoice is just over $27,000 and the budget is in the $300,000 range.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:24:28

• Tire recycling event information

  • Summary: Information was provided regarding a tire recycling event scheduled for Saturday.
  • Evidence: “And if I may before I move on tire recycling event this Saturday same deal tires if you need more information website Facebook email thank you thank you oh at the fairgrounds yes and do you have a time eight o’clock thank you”
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:52

• Power load system requirement for ambulances

  • Summary: Chief Miller presented on the need to equip ambulances 3 and 4 with power load systems to securely fasten stretchers, noting that two refurbished units are available for less than one new unit.
  • Evidence: “Chief Miller? Thank you, Your Honor. Before you this evening is the request to approve the purchase of power load systems for ambulances 3 and 4. Are in need of power load systems which securely fastens the stretcher into the back of the ambulance. When the vehicles were purchased in 2015 and 2016, the floors of the vehicles were built to accept this system, but the cost of the system was too excessive. It was not added when the vehicles were ordered. So the power load system consists of an arm that extends out of the back of the ambulance and loads the stretcher into the ambulance Huffines. Thank you. We want the stretcher to the floor of the ambulance ensuring crash and roll over protection for a patient that may be on the back of that stretcher. Our two newer ambulances are equipped with this feature. So that being said, it’s important that the ambulances have the same similar equipment to avoid any confusion or operational errors during emergencies. We want each vehicle to be outfitted exactly the same, all the equipment is located in and the same cabinets in the back of the ambulance. So the initial plan or budget provided funds to purchase one new power load system. The key is new. One new power load system for this year for ambulance three and then we’d rebudget another one for ambulance four next year. So my guys did some research on this and as we were obtaining pricing, we discovered that we could purchase two refurbished units for less than the cost of one brand new unit. So the refurbished ones also come with a one year warranty. So do the new ones. So it makes perfect sense to save money by some refurbished ones that are operate just as well as the newer ones do. So the financial component of this is the fire capital improvement fund will cover the costs for the power load system and the installation. The total cost for two refurbished power load systems installed $34,217.96. So comparatively, the cost for one new power load system is $35,857. So we’re already about $1,600 less expensive for twice the equipment.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:31:45

• Request to purchase commercial lawnmower for the fire department

  • Summary: The central fire station maintains nearly two and a half acres of land, and the current mower acquired from IDNR is 15 years old and experiencing system failures.
  • Attribution: Chief Miller
  • Evidence: “Chief Miller. Thank you, Your Honor. Again, before you this evening is the request to approve the purchase of a commercial lawnmower for the fire department. So the central fire station has nearly two and a half acres of land that we maintain ourselves. Each Friday, the lawn is cut by our members that are on duty and only interrupted by emergency calls.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:37:28

• Lawnmower Purchase Recommendation

  • Summary: Staff determined the Ferris 2200 model with a Kawasaki motor best suits needs for commercial lawnmowers at a cost of $12,348. Funding will come from the fire department capital improvement fund.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So we have to return that to their excess property program and then so the finances of this acquisition, seven different more manufacturers were looked into and staff has determined that the Ferris 2200 model, the Kawasaki motor, best suits our needs and will accommodate us well into the future. So the cost of this commercial lawnmowers $12,348. So there’s money in this year’s budget for this purchase and it’s also be funded by the fire department capital improvement fund using no dollars from the general fund for this purchase.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:50

• Property Conveyance Details (17 West Stephenson Street)

  • Summary: Marianne Garverns offered to convey 17 Stephenson Street for one dollar. The property will qualify the site for significant outside grant funding for a new downtown pocket park.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Marion Garverns has offered to convey 17 Stephenson Street to the city of Freeport for one dollar. We have an adjacent city-owned parcel that’s right next door used to be the Wave Salon ABET books location. This property will qualify the site for significant outside grant funding for a new downtown pocket park. The acquisition will complete site control and the city to pursue park and placement grants.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:42:58

• Property Conveyance Details (Grants and Requests)

  • Summary: Greater Freeport Partnership secured a T-Mobile grant of $50,000. Ms. Garvin requested the park be named after the historic building on site and include a small raised flower garden.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Also recently, Greater Freeport Partnership secured a large T-Mobile grant, I believe it was $50,000. So, Ms. Garvin’s request that the park be named after the historic building once located on the site and a small raised flower garden be included in the design for her use.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:42:58

• Greater Freeport Partnership lot improvement

  • Summary: A speaker noted that the Greater Freeport Partnership has three sections, recently had a grand opening, received a big grant to fix the lot into a park, and this action is only adding 30 feet.
  • Evidence: “Parker. Greater Freeport Partnership, this lot, there’s three sections in it. They just had a grand opening and got a big grant to fix the leather to make it a park. This is just adding 30 feet to it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:48:31

• Wayne Duckman’s resignation and interim contract details

  • Summary: The City Manager explained that Wayne Duckman resigned as Community Development Director, and staff recommends using his LLC (Ultimate Serving Applications Corp) to pay him for 16 hours a week until the position is filled. The estimated cost is $1,040 per week, plus additional emergent hours.
  • Evidence: “As many of you know, Wayne has submitted his letter of resignation as a community development director. I asked him to stay on and we worked out about 16 hours a week until we get his position filled, which is currently being evaluated and we’re in the process of interviewing candidates. So Mr. Duckman, for his own ease of accounting and so forth, asked that we We use his LLC which is Ultimate Serving Applications Corp as essentially to pay for his services at 16 hours a week through that way. So staff recommends moving forward with an agreement with Ultimate Serving Applications Corporation on a basically a week by week until we get the community director position filled. As of right now, that would be about $1,040 per week, plus any additional hours that are required.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:50:17

• ADA Sidewalk Repairs Resolution (2025-100)

  • Summary: A presentation regarding the need to repair non-compliant sidewalks at parks and churches, citing a petitioner’s letter.
  • Evidence: “Darren. Good evening. This is the same topic that we talked about at the COW, just bringing it back for a formal vote. We have the ramps at park and church that are not compliant. We also had a petitioner write a letter to the council that was read in public comments. I will review anything that anybody wants to discuss. I’m not gonna go through the entire thing again. The intersection is not compliant. We started the 88 grievance policy to address situations like this. The commission voted unanimously to bring this to council for a resolution.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:54:45

• Bid opening on July 22nd: Lift station on Walnut Avenue

  • Summary: Fehr Graham designed and bid sanitary sewer lift station forced main piping and gravity improvements for the land road area sanitary sewer flow.
  • Evidence: “Bid opening on July 22nd. Lift station on Walnut Avenue. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Fehr Graham designed and bid sanitary sewer lift station forced main piping and gravity improvements for the land road area sanitary sewer flow at the request of the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:03:14

• Sewer system issue near landfill perimeter

  • Summary: The existing sewer system has a significant issue near the landfill perimeter that cannot be accessed for repairs due to IEP regulations, Williams, Landfill closure requirements and extreme depth.
  • Evidence: “The existing sewer system has an issue, a significant issue near the landfill perimeter and cannot be accessed for repairs due to IEP regulations, Williams, Landfill closure requirements and extreme depth of the sewer main from grade.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:03:30

• Bids received for sanitary sewer project

  • Summary: City staff received four bids for the project: Martin and Company, Entrec Group, Kelsey Excavating, and Fisher Excavating.
  • Evidence: “City staff received four bids for the project from Martin and Company, Entrec Group, Kelsey Excavating and Fisher Excavating.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:03:56

• Bid responsiveness status

  • Summary: Fisher excavating was deemed non-responsive because it was missing a required bid item.
  • Evidence: “Fisher excavating was missing required bid item. So it was deemed non-responsive”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:03

• Bid opening for demolition of eight properties

  • Summary: The bid opening was for CD007-2025, concerning the demolition of eight blighted properties.
  • Evidence: “Item number 26 is another bid. Could you please read? Bid opening on July 30th, CD007-2025, demolition of eight properties.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:25

• Demolition contract recommendation

  • Summary: Staff recommends awarding the contract for the demolition of all eight properties to Albert and Sun Earthworks for $100,610 because they were the lowest responsible bidder.
  • Evidence: “Bates, and on July 30th, staff received bids from four contractors, and based on the submitted bids, staff is recommending issuing a contract for the demolition of all eight properties to Albert and Sun Earthworks for the amount of $100,610, as they are the lowest responsible bidder.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:13:16

• Demolition properties count and timeline

  • Summary: There are eight properties being demolished in the current bid package, with about nine more coming up after this, and staff is working on another 10, totaling potentially 27 properties for demolition within the next two months.
  • Evidence: “I don’t know I mean I could tell you that there’s eight properties being demolished in this bid package there’s about to be nine more coming up after this and then my staff is working on another 10 there’s going to be another bid opening so that would be 27 properties probably in the next two months they’re going to be demolished.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:16:56

• Bid opening for demolition of nine properties (CD008-2025)

  • Summary: The bid opening was scheduled for July 30th, CD008-2025, concerning the demolition of nine properties. The city staff received bids from four contractors.
  • Evidence: “Could you please read this? Bid opening on July 30th, CD008-2025, demolition of nine properties… The city staff received bids from four contractors”

• Recommendation for lowest responsible bidder (Nine Properties)

  • Summary: Based on submitted bids, the lowest responsible bidder was Alber and Sun Earthworks with a bid of $121,570 to demolish all properties. Staff recommends issuing them the contract.
  • Evidence: “The city staff received bids from four contractors and this, based on the submitted bids, the lowest responsible builder was Alber and Sun Earthworks and they submitted a bid for $121,570 to demolish all properties and staff recommends issuing them the contract as the lowest responsible bidder.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:24:18

• Demolition and Site Security Bids for Properties

  • Summary: The lowest responsible bidder for the demolition of properties was Alber and Sun Earthworks with a bid of $121,570.
  • Attribution: City staff
  • Evidence: “staff recommends issuing them the contract as the lowest responsible bidder.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:24:18

• Site Plan and Bidding for Raleigh Complex Security

  • Summary: The plan involves installing a six foot high chain link fence around the entire structure, connecting existing buildings, with one six foot gate. All first floor windows on the Raleigh complex will be boarded up.
  • Attribution: City staff
  • Evidence: “So essentially there is a six foot high chain link fence that’s going to go around the Raleigh Complex. It’s going to connect. There’s an existing garage here, another existing building here, and essentially it’s going to close off the entire structure with a six foot high fence. […] basically all of the windows on the first floor will be boarded up”
  • Source timestamp: 03:26:09

• Raleigh Complex Security Bidding Details

  • Summary: The bid opening for Raleigh complex security occurred on August 1st, 2025. City staff received bids from three contractors; Fence Peoria was eliminated.
  • Attribution: City staff
  • Evidence: “At the bid opening it was published in a journal standard on July 27th and the bidding Bid opening occurred on August 1st at 10 AM at City Hall and City staff received bids from three contractors. Fence Peoria was eliminated as they did not submit all the required documents.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:26:56

• Bid opening details for Hanger D asbestos abatement

  • Summary: Staff presented information regarding the bid opening for asbestos abatement at Hangar D at Albertus Airport, held on August 1st. Staff received bids from two contractors; one was eliminated for not submitting a bid bond. Staff recommends Environmental Management Services of Iowa as the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $27,750.
  • Attribution: Huffines
  • Evidence: “Item number 29 is another bid. Could you please read this? Bid opening on August 1st, CD 010, Huffines. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So I have a couple of pictures coming up here shortly, but essentially what we have is Hanger D is at the Albertus Airport and it’s quickly deteriorating building and it truly needs to be demolished and staff is going to self-perform this public works department will self-perform the demolition. However, asbestos abatement has to be done by a licensed contractor for that work and so staff put out a bid for asbestos abatement for hanger D at Alberta’s airport and it was published in the journal standard on July 27th and the bid opening was held August 1st at 1015, and staff. West at 1015 and staff received bids from two contractors and the one contractor did not submit a bid bond as required and so therefore their bid was eliminated and the staff is recommending going with the lowest responsible bidder of environmental management services of Iowa and they submitted a bid of $27,750.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:38:27

• Bid opening details for 18th Avenue resurfacing

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented information regarding the bid opening on August 13th for the resurfacing of 18th Avenue. Recon Corporation agreed to assist with roadway improvements because they will use 18th Avenue for solar field installation; as part of this, Recon Corporation will contribute $440,000 toward improvements and provide improvement plans prepared by Bowman.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “item number 30 is another bid approval please read this bid opening on august 13th resurfacing of 18th avenue manager boyer thank you your honor recon corporation worked with the city of Freeport to reach an agreement for the development of the solar field at the end of 18th avenue that’s in the arcade as part of the agreement recon corporation was to assist with roadway improvements to 18th Avenue because the idea is there they’ll be using 18th Avenue to do this the installation they’ll be running trucks in and out of there and the road was somewhat deteriorated and the point is to restore the road once they’re completed with the solar field project so as part of the agreement Recon Corporation will contribute $440,000 toward improvements on 18th Avenue and provide the city of Freeport with with improvement plans prepared by Bowman for the improvements to 18th Avenue.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:41:33

• Public Works Department Report

  • Summary: The Public Works department reported on their work, including a recognition of two paramedics for a job well done on August 14th when they located an endangered and missing 84-year-old gentleman in Freeport who was originally from Chicago.
  • Attribution: Public Works Department
  • Evidence: “On August Huffines. And then on August 14th, Ambulance One was dispatched for an elderly male who a gas station at Shell Gas Station in Glena, those folks thought something just isn’t right with this gentleman. So, our paramedics responded there. They took the time to have a discussion with the gentleman, find out why he was in our area here, where he was from, and then they looked even further to gather his name and and his wife. They were a couple. They were going to have to call the police. They called the police and they were going to have to call the ambulance crew and they had to go to the federal police. They had to go to the police, they went to the police with their family members and they went to the ambulance crew. They made a phone number for family members so one of the paramedics phoned police dispatch, ran the gentleman’s name. It turned out that he was endangered and missing from the city of Chicago for four or five days. He had no idea how he got out here, why he was here. So they checked him out. They phoned the gentleman’s daughter. They were elated that he’s finally been located and he’s safe. The ambulance crew, Adam Holtz and Nathan Stepp transported the gentleman to the hospital just to be checked out and that’s where the reunion of his family members took place. So 84 year old gentleman disoriented to know how he got to Freeport from city Chicago.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:44:27

• Community Development Update on 18th Avenue Infrastructure

  • Summary: The City Manager thanked staff for the work done on 18th Avenue, noting that city work with solar contractors allowed them to turn it into new infrastructure.
  • Attribution: City Manager
  • Evidence: “I know it was a kind of a the last thing on the agenda but that is one way the city was able to use our work with the various solar contractors to flip that around and turn that into new infrastructure. So I just want to thank all the staff that were involved with that negotiations. Excellent job.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:45:45

• Upcoming Local Events Reminder

  • Summary: Reminders for two events this weekend: Paint the Port on Friday night and Eats and Beats on Friday night as well as Saturday night.
  • Attribution: City Manager
  • Evidence: “Then i just want to remind everyone about take advantage of the tire recycling if that’s something that it could be helpful to you and then reminder of two events this weekend is Paint the Port is on Friday night as well as Eats and Beats is Friday night and Saturday night. So two great events in the downtown at the Cain, and the arty plaza and in the streets.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:46:27

Metrics

• Physical cultural center/gym activity dates

  • Summary: Four specific instances of athletic centers or gyms coming through the city were noted with dates and locations.
  • Evidence: “In March 3rd, we approved it in council. 18Th South Chicago was Magicians Academy, MMA, so that was in March 3rd. Then we also had a new gym who’s still working on their build-out, so they haven’t given their name yet, but that was at Cub Foods. So that was July 7th at 25. We just recently had the Studio Elan Pilati Studio at 2 to 6 East Stephenson, that was July 21, 2025. And then we also had the Freeport Martial Arts at 105107 West Main Street. So those are, and that was called Freeport Martial Arts, that was July 21, 2025.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:00

• Number of existing physical cultural centers in Freeport

  • Summary: The speaker found that there are 22 existing locations, including martial arts, exercise places, and yoga places.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “I just went through and hunted how many of these are in the city of Freeport and what I could find online, there was 22 that includes your martial arts, that includes exercise places, that includes yoga places. So just to let you know, there are 22 already in the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:59

Discussion

• City Authority on Rent Control

  • Summary: A speaker stated the city has no rent control authority and cannot govern what another business charges.
  • Evidence: “But please know that the city has. Can I. You. You. I want you to know, you can talk at the end of the public comment if you’d like. You can talk at the end of public comment if you’d like. If you would like to be escorted out as well, that’s your choice. You touched enough on this damn channel. I have a good PC. Chief, if you could handle this. For those of you that have stayed, I would just like to say I’m sorry for what you’re experiencing, but please note that the city has no rent control. We have no right to govern what another business puts out for a price. We don’t. There’s nothing. We feel bad that you’re being increased, but we have no authority to stop them from Doerr.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:25

• Ground mounted system compliance with ordinances

  • Summary: The ground mounted system complies with current ordinances.
  • Evidence: “We also moved it to the back of the property to remain out of sight as per the code request and our sizing of that ground mounted system does comply with the current ordinances as they are today.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:18

• Criticism of Wayne Duckman regarding property demolitions

  • Summary: A speaker accused Wayne Duckman of being responsible for knocking down houses that did not need to be knocked down, citing the ongoing housing crisis.
  • Evidence: “The root is Wayne Duckman. Wayne is responsible for knocking down these houses that does not have to be knocked down. We are in a housing crisis right now, and we’re looking at the man to give him some money, a contract.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:47

• Criticism of Rob Boyer regarding employment and community care

  • Summary: A speaker criticized Rob Boyer for earning $1,000 for 16 hours a week while the community faces a housing crisis.
  • Evidence: “After he quit on Freeport, he quit, put his two weeks in, don’t want nothing to do with us, but Boyer. He won $1,000 for 16 hours a week. That’s insane. Insane.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:47

• Call for community needs alignment with rules

  • Summary: A speaker urged that the rules be changed to fit the actual needs of the community.
  • Evidence: “We are a rural community. Rural means you guys have made the rules to fit your needs. Now it’s time to make the rules to fit the community needs and what they actually need.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:24

• Concerns about Wayne Duckman’s vindictiveness

  • Summary: A speaker stated that Wayne Duckman is vindictive, harassing people who are consistent and hustling.
  • Evidence: “Wayne Duckman is very vindictive. He harasses a lot of people. He gives all kinds of hell to a lot of people only because they are consistent and hustling.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:44

• Criticism regarding contract proposals for Wayne Duckman

  • Summary: A speaker criticized the idea of giving Wayne Duckman money or a contract, stating he should not be begged to stay.
  • Evidence: “And now you, putting on a contract, you want to give him some money for begging him to stay.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:01

• Critique of low employment opportunities

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the ability of the group to find jobs exceeding 16 hours per week.
  • Evidence: “I can’t believe out of those nine people we don’t have one that can do more than 16 hours a week.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:06

• Critique regarding Eastside projects progress

  • Summary: A speaker accused someone of trying to stop the progress for the Eastside projects.
  • Evidence: “He’s a reason that the progress for the Eastside projects, he’s trying to stop that.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:14

• Financial critique regarding demolition costs

  • Summary: A speaker stated that paying $500 to $1,000 is too much and asserted control over spending.
  • Evidence: “Dugman. You cannot do 500 to 1,000. You cannot make somebody pay that much. You are in control.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:31

• Demand for Wayne Duckman’s departure

  • Summary: Multiple speakers demanded that Wayne Duckman leave.
  • Evidence: “Wayne Dugman needs to Duckman has to go. Wayne Duckman has to go.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:39

• Appointment of Conny Kraft to ADA Commission

  • Summary: Alderman Stacy questioned the appointment, asking why Conny Kraft was being appointed since she previously served on a commission that was stood up years ago.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
  • Evidence: “Discussion? Alderman Stacy? Why Conny Kraft? She served previously on an old commission that was stood up years ago. She expressed interest, asked if she could be a part, and I had an opening. She’s an outstanding citizen in this city. Is she what? Is she an outstanding citizen in this city? She’s very involved in this city. I wouldn’t put somebody on that I didn’t think was outstanding.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:20

• Annual fee structure for overweight vehicle permits

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle noted that a contact suggested the state yearly fee is $1,400, making the proposed $1,200 excessive and hoping for a reduction toward the $500 range.
  • Evidence: “I had a conversation with Garrett Miller from Merrick Crane’s, the Crane Service. Yes. He He brought to my attention that the state fee, the yearly fee is $1,400 and he felt ours was excessive at $1,200 and was hoping we could get that somewhere down more towards a $500 range.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:13

• Permit fee structure feasibility

  • Summary: A speaker stated they researched fees in other communities for overage weight over 80,000 pounds but noted it would be very difficult due to lack of employees or tracking time.
  • Evidence: “I did a little bit of research on different types of fees and other communities charged by the overage of weight over the 80,000 pounds. That would be very difficult for us to do.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:56

• Council consideration of permit fee changes

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle suggested a potential annual permit cost of $500.
  • Evidence: “I’d just like to mention we could probably do something like $500, that’s unreasonable to council.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:29

• Fairness and timing of fee changes

  • Summary: Alderman Stacey argued against setting a price based on one person’s request and suggested revisiting the issue at the next meeting.
  • Evidence: “I don’t think it’s fair to just make up a price here based upon what someone is wanting. If we need to move it to the next meeting and re-look at this, then let’s all re-look at it.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:40

• Overhead cost consideration for permits

  • Summary: Manager Boyer stated that only one older man expressed interest from a local business operating overweight within the city, and suggested $500 would be a good start for an annual permit to keep overhead lower.
  • Evidence: “One thing I might want to mention is I’ve only been contacted by one older man who is concerned and expressed some interest from a local business that will be operating overweight within the city. And so from that standpoint, we did look at various other options, but $500 would be a good start on any kind of annual permit and that would also keep some of the overhead lower for operators that are overweight.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:06

• Crane operation classification for permits

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm questioned if the crane operator could be grouped with vehicles like garbage trucks.
  • Evidence: “Yes, I know in this, you had eliminated certain vehicles. The example that Alderman Shadle used is needless to say this guy does a lot of work with the cranes a lot around the area and needless to say it’s got a place in town so he’d be using it all the time. Would there be a possibility of putting him into that group that with the garbage trucks so on and so forth?”
  • Source timestamp: 31:35

• Existing ordinance status regarding fees

  • Summary: The speaker noted that an existing ordinance already covers permits but lacks any fee schedule, and the current proposal requires council approval for new fees.
  • Evidence: “And that’s the people that, cause we actually have an ordinance. This ordinance is already on the books. So we do have people that already submit for permits all the time out of town, crane carriers and stuff. We just don’t have any fees tied to this ordinance. It actually already exists.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:20

• Need for comprehensive scaling chart for truck movement

  • Summary: Mr. Sanders stated that before setting fees, the council needs a comprehensive scaling chart for over-the-road driving in the city and requested a visual map showing permissible routes.
  • Evidence: “But we have no comprehensive scaling chart for over the road driving here in the city and I think we should establish that… I like to see a chart mapping of the city where trucks can drive and cannot drive and I like to see that visually.”

• Truck driving restrictions and city planning visualization

  • Summary: A request to see a visual chart mapping where trucks can and cannot drive in the city, emphasizing the need for an overall view of truck movement within the city.
  • Evidence: “I like to see a chart mapping of the city where trucks can drive and cannot drive and I like to see that visually and I think the people of the city would like to see that visually as well. When they see trucks driving in certain areas that knowing that they have no business in these areas but not fine for this kind of traveling, I think we need to have a complete overall view of what the chart should look like when it comes to censoring what trucks are doing within the city itself.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:56

• Prioritization and documentation of truck ordinance changes

  • Summary: A recommendation to prioritize getting all tools in place and ensuring council is aware before implementing any program, and placing this information on the city website for public accessibility.
  • Evidence: “I think that’s, yeah, I’m gonna hold this thing for a second until I get done here because I may not be able to come back. And I like for us to get this thing prioritized before we decide to allow this thing to be done. I don’t know if there’s a time limit on it or whenever you guys want to implement this program or whatever the case may be, but if it’s not in effect as of now today, then before we do that, let’s have all of our tools in place and making sure that council is very aware and John. We want to have what is being done on these matters and not have us listening to something that may happen or may not have happened.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:32

• Current state of truck driving regulations

  • Summary: Clarification that currently, any vehicle under 80,000 pounds can drive anywhere in Freeport without control, and no specific routes are designated as car-only or non-truck routes.
  • Evidence: “So currently, the way the ordinance exists, anybody can drive anywhere they want without any issue, right? And so if you’re a truck that’s under the legal moving weight which is 80,000 pounds they can drive up and down every street in Freeport without any control and it’s not illegal for them to do it we don’t have routes that are cars only or or non truck routes right so they can go wherever they want”
  • Source timestamp: 37:42

• Purpose of proposed ordinance changes

  • Summary: The goal is to put ’teeth’ into an unenforceable ordinance by controlling oversized and overweight loads, as the city is investing millions in street repairs.
  • Evidence: “We have no control mechanism Right now, we have an ordinance that can’t be enforced, because we have no penalty. So we’re trying to put some teeth to it… We’re investing millions and millions of dollars into streets that we Don’t Want Destroyed.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:00

• Permitting process for state vehicles

  • Summary: State vehicles must fill out a permit stating they need permission or permitting from local jurisdictions, but many overweight trucks are found on residential streets without any permitting process.
  • Evidence: “Currently the way the state moves vehicles around the city excuse me the state of Illinois moves vehicles they fill out a permit and in that permit that they supply to the state it says you have to get permission or permitting from local jurisdictions we have found many trucks that drive down our residential streets with no permitting process that are way overweight”
  • Source timestamp: 38:59

• Permitting necessity for future development

  • Summary: If a person calls in now to develop a business, the city will know where they are going to be and can plan street reconstruction with heavier pavement.
  • Evidence: “I will say that the one person that called in, now if he’s doing an RDA to develop his business in the future, we know where he’s going to be at. So when we reconstruct that street, we will make that street of heavier pavement and size to handle those loads day in and day out.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:59

• Fee structure consideration for ordinance

  • Summary: The proposed fee is based on other communities and what other businesses felt was fair.
  • Evidence: “I personally, I did not talk to this business, but I talked to other businesses. And the fee that I proposed, they felt was fair, based on other communities and how they move their loads.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:49

• Purpose of first and second reading for ordinance

  • Summary: The purpose of first and second reading is to allow time for people to have things settle in.
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. The purpose of first and second reading is to allow time for people to have things settle in.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:03

• Withdrawal of motion regarding ordinance discussion

  • Summary: A member stated they would withdraw their motion if the committee stuck with the previously reviewed figures.
  • Evidence: “If we stick at what was given to us, if we stick at what we’ve looked at for the last three weeks, I would withdraw my motion.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:39

• Discussion regarding the amount of $1,200 for moving forward

  • Summary: A discussion occurred about keeping a figure at $1,200 and moving forward with that amount.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “I do think that just staying at the 1,200, if that’s what they brought it the first time, just stand at that and moving forward to keep things moving. But I think if we already looked at it at 714 and they talked about it as a committee as a whole, why are we.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:18

• Motion withdrawal regarding the $1,200 figure

  • Summary: A discussion followed concerning withdrawing a motion if sticking to the previously reviewed figures.
  • Evidence: “So on Alderman Stacey’s motion to move this, Madam Clerk, could you please take May I say something? If we stick at what was given to us, if we stick at what we’ve looked at for the last three weeks, I would withdraw my motion. But we haven’t made an amendment yet.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:39

• Need for tangible data assessment on city issues

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern that the discussion lacked tangible data and recommended a larger agenda review.
  • Evidence: “I like all the data information that Bryan is recommending, what he is stating right now before us. All of this data information and related to this issue should be brought before us so we can see that. Well, for three weeks we have not seen tangible data. I’m looking for tangible data assessment, the assessment of what we’re discussing right now.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:51

• Recommendation for continuous documentation format in council meetings

  • Summary: A speaker recommended that the city clerk provide a consistent, documented format of all discussions to allow members to review proceedings line by line.
  • Evidence: “Any time that we are having these meetings, I know she brings it out in a format for council to see, not only for council to see or to hear, but she brings it in a format of tangible documents so we can revert back to it, recite back to it, or go back over what it is that we’ve been discussing.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:29

• Need for data track record on current discussions

  • Summary: A speaker stated concern that the topics being discussed lacked a documented track record.
  • Evidence: “We’re talking about things that does not have a track record. Alderman Sanders. I didn’t know I had a time. Yes, you have a time late. Manager Boyer, did you want to respond to that?”
  • Source timestamp: 46:30

• Scheduling of meetings with Johnson

  • Summary: A speaker noted that scheduled times for a minimum of six to eight months had not been utilized for discussion with Johnson.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders, we’ve talked a couple of times Johnson. We have had scheduled times for a minimum of six to eight months, and we have not had a time to sit down. So I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss those questions with you.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:41

• Motion on the floor status

  • Summary: Discussion regarding a motion remaining on the floor and whether amending it is possible.
  • Evidence: “So back to there’s still a motion on the floor, Alderman Stacey, what do you want to do with that? Okay. I have a question. Or if I pull my motion in hopes that it move forward as it is, but then someone else make a motion to amend it, that can happen?”
  • Source timestamp: 47:05

• Respecting opinions on the floor

  • Summary: A comment was made about respecting an individual’s opinion when they are given the floor.
  • Evidence: “You know, it’s like we respect Darren’s opinion on everything. I mean, it’s like Fehr Graham runs this city. He has an opinion on everything and we give him the floor to express and respect his opinion. And so I don’t understand why it can’t be respected now.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:31

• Ordinance understanding (Route planning)

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm questioned the ordinance regarding route planning for heavy equipment, specifically if it involves working with a person daily or on some basis to plan their route.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm. Yes. Deren, this is a question. Understanding the ordinance, basically, do I see two parts of this? One is basically the financial end of it, but the main thing is, if this goes through, basically, then you’re going to work with that person on it, whether it be daily or whatever basis, to plan their route of where they’re going with their heavy equipment, correct?”
  • Source timestamp: 49:18

• Route approval process details

  • Summary: The process involves submitting an email with a route for annual permits, which is then approved if there are no issues.
  • Evidence: “Our process, and I’ve talked to a couple people on that, is they submit an email with their route, if they’re an annual. With their route. If they’re an annual, they submit it with a route and we approve it if there’s no issues with that route.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:44

• Alternative routing consideration

  • Summary: A discussion point was raised about rerouting away from Locust Street to West Street when necessary, citing the permit process review opportunity.
  • Evidence: “If it’s, I keep using Locust Street because everybody knows it. If it would be down Locust Street, I would say no reroute and go down West Street, right? Which we have with the permit process, we have that opportunity to do that because we’re reviewing their path.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:52

• Importance of process over amount (Freeport context)

  • Summary: A speaker agreed with City Manager Boyer that the process is more important than the amount, referencing local conditions in Freeport.
  • Evidence: “You also have to remember, you know, the local people that truck through Freeport all the time, they’re moving trucks, you Fowler. I don’t, I guess I tend to agree with City Manager Boyer that I don’t think the amount is as important as the process, right?”
  • Source timestamp: 49:52

• City of Freeport infrastructure context

  • Summary: A speaker emphasized that the city of Freeport has its own unique operational characteristics (DNA) regarding costs and staff size.
  • Evidence: “But myself and the public works team, what little research we could do because you have to remember something in a city of Freeport, whether we’re talking about water or sewer or roads, the city of Freeport has its own DNA, right? Our costs are different than other towns costs. Our staff size is different than other staff size. So what may work for one town won’t work for another.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:43

• Goal of the ordinance (Road protection)

  • Summary: The main purpose of the measure is to protect existing roads and ensure new movements are at least drivable.
  • Evidence: “So like you just said, the main purpose of this is to try to protect our roads that we’ve already done and try not to break down the roads that we haven’t been able to get to and to try to make them so they’re at least drivable.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:30

• Comparison with other cities (Weight/Scale)

  • Summary: A speaker discussed comparing the local system to larger towns, noting that some charge by the pound, but Freeport lacks scale systems which would be costly. Owners are asked to estimate weight.
  • Evidence: “And again, some of the bigger towns that we have to compare to, they have very sophisticated systems similar to the state where it’s all automated processes, people get an annual thing and then they and they turn in their routes and things like that. And some of them like Rockford’s, if you look at theirs, they pay by the pound. We don’t have scale systems and those would cost an immense amount of money to put scale systems in. So actually have the owners figure out their weight on their own and show that to us if they’re overweight.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:59

• Estimated volume of affected trucks

  • Summary: The speaker estimated that only five to 10 trucks a month are relevant, and most run legal weights.
  • Evidence: “Again, I mean, we spent a lot of time talking about this. We’re probably talking in the neighborhood of five to 10 trucks a month, honestly, and others that are running overweight, right? Most of them run legal weights and this does not pertain to them.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:30

• Potential for changing permit fee amount

  • Summary: A question was raised about whether the designated permit fee amount ($1,200 instead of $500) could be renegotiated later by the council.
  • Evidence: “If we pass it with the amount that we designated at this time, what was it, 1,200 instead of 500, would there be any time possibly that we could change that if we felt like it was, I mean, the council could come back together and renegotiate that if we felt like that was a problem.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:48

• Destination of permit fees revenue

  • Summary: The money collected from permits goes into the general fund, as finance believes it brings all funds back through the general fund.
  • Evidence: “Also I was wondering where does the money from the permits what what does that money go toward when we get get the money for the permits where does that money go sure so yes it could come back to council at any time just like any other ordinance and have the cost change to a lower amount higher amount whatever the pleasure of the council and it just takes city manager the mayor or any council people to bring that back up to the meeting and then all of our permit fees doesn’t matter what department it comes from or goes back to the general funds they’re paid in and finance believe brings them all back through the general fund.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:08

• State fee comparison for ordinance

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle reiterated that the state fee is $1,400 while the city proposed $1,200, which he felt was exorbitant compared to his suggested $500.
  • Evidence: “I just would like to reiterate that this gentleman mentioned this because the state fee is $1400. The city came in at $1200. He felt that was exorbitant for what it was, state versus the city. The 500 he felt would have been more appropriate.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:59

• City Clerk’s work and agenda items

  • Summary: A speaker commended the city clerk and noted that the agenda item seven included ‘view memo, view state statute and view permit application,’ which covered what was being discussed.
  • Evidence: “Another comment on to our city clerk that I think she’s doing a fine job. The notices on this agenda under item seven says view memo, view state statute and view permit application I think was pretty much everything you were saying Mc over here, which he didn’t have there, but it’s there.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:23

• Appropriateness of derogatory comments during council proceedings

  • Summary: A concern was raised regarding making a derogatory comment to another Council member in their ear about something not on the agenda.
  • Evidence: “No, I’m not speaking. I’m just saying, is it prudent that someone makes a derogatory comment to another Council sitting right in his ear about something that’s not on the agenda? That’s what I want to make reference to.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:02

• Ordinance amendment fee structure

  • Summary: The ordinance contains a fee of $1,200, but there were discussions about an amendment changing it to $500.
  • Evidence: “And in that ordinance that’s amending the current version of the code, it has a fee of $1,200 in it. During tonight’s discussion, there were talks about an amendment to the underlying ordinance to change it to 500, but there was no motion to actually change the dollar amount to tweak the ordinance as presented.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:03

• Implementation of $500 fee recommendation

  • Summary: Manager Boyer agreed that $500 is a recommendation, but changing it requires a motion from the council.
  • Evidence: “manager Boyer has made, he said that he’s fine with it being 500 as a recommendation of his, but it’s still up to you guys to decide whether or not you want to make the motion to change, actually implement that $500 change.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:37

• Permit requirements and business owner complaints

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders questioned whether permit stipulations detail the exact criteria for meeting certain standards within the permit itself. A staff member responded that every permit states what is requested and what’s going to be reviewed.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Yeah. Are you receiving complaints from these business owners? I would say 9 out of 10 business owners complain on any permit they have to fill out. And John. So, I’m going to ask you a question about that. Okay. And so, does the permit stipulate exactly what the criteria is for them to meet certain things within side of this permit? Does that, is that presented within side of the permit itself?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:08

• Permit alteration process and regulation preference

  • Summary: A council member questioned why permits can be altered for convenience to some but not others if they do not meet initial guidelines. Staff responded that most business owners prefer less regulation because paying for permits costs money, and they want to open quickly.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “And John, and I’m going to ask you a question. If we’re not going to be able to do that, why are we not allowing people that is trying to alter the permit, if they don’t want to work inside of the guidelines of the permit, why are we allowing the permit to be altered to be convenient to some and not to others? That’s not true. Well, that’s what I’m hearing. I can explain again. And I have to meet all of the things that are within this guideline. Why are we having a complaint issue with owners or business perspective owners about the permit?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:52

• Zoning restrictions for new physical activity centers

  • Summary: A council member asked if there is a location where these facilities can open without requiring rezoning or permits. Staff explained that current locations are in B2, B3, or manufacturing districts, and the city typically has smaller areas for more intense uses.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “Also, I have a question, is there a place where they can open up these without having to come to the Council for rezoning without having the permit? There is. It’s more restrictive because any time you have, right now it’s in the B2, B3, or manufacturing districts. So any time when you’re creating the plan of your city, when you get into more intense business districts, B2, B3, the city is going to typically have smaller areas where Miller, John, John, John, John, John We’re not seeing it the same as those more intense uses and they would have to go to those more intense uses and find locations where they could put them to fit there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:14

• Business district zoning restrictions and use influx

  • Summary: The discussion noted that certain uses are restricted to B2, B3, or manufacturing districts, and staff views an influx of physical health related businesses as positive for the city.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “It’s more restrictive because any time you have, right now it’s in the B2, B3, or manufacturing districts. So any time when you’re creating the plan of your city, when you get into more intense business districts, B2, B3, the city is going to typically have smaller areas where Miller, John, John, John, John, John We’re not seeing it the same as those more intense uses and they would have to go to those more intense uses and find locations where they could put them to fit there. So that’s really what this is about is seeing an influx in this use, which staff thinks is a positive for the city. We’re happy that people want to bring physical health to our community. We’re just trying to be more business friendly to say we shouldn’t have to bring these every Every single gym that opens up would be bringing it to council for approval.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:40

• BYOB Establishment Alcohol Service Rules

  • Summary: Discussion clarified that meeting halls with BYOB establishments serving alcohol without charging a fee are currently in a loophole because the ordinance says ‘sell’ rather than ‘serve’, and the goal is to standardize rules.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Right, so you know we’ve had plenty of discussions over the past year and over the past year and meeting halls are typical use where you’re going to have a bring your own alcohol establishment and you’re going to serve it you’re not going to charge a fee you’re not going to go buy a glass of wine or a beer yeah and so all of the liquor licenses are required to have a special use permit first mm- hmm okay so there’s a loophole that currently exists where if you’re in and a BYOB or you’re not charging per drink, they are not, it’s a loophole, we’re cleaning up the language that says, it says sell alcohol. So since that establishment, the meeting hall is not selling alcohol, they would not have to go get the special use permit.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:34

• Interpretation of Alcohol Service Location (BYOB)

  • Summary: A member questioned whether the BYOB rule applies only to meeting halls or any establishment type, and if the interpretation is established for differentiation.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “Miller. What you’re saying is, at these meeting halls, I’m trying to get the interpretation of where this product can be served. Is it meeting halls or is it in any other establishment type of venue or establishment that this BYOB? BYOB. Yeah. And do we have the correct meaning of interpretation of where this can be served? I mean, is that established? Have we established that? Yes. Because we need to be able to make a differentiation of which one is which. And that’s why we’re here. That’s why this is here.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:50

• Standardization of Alcohol Service Permits

  • Summary: It was confirmed that any location serving or selling alcohol must be on the same playing field regarding permits to ensure fairness.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Okay. Is that it’s been reviewed and anywhere that’s serving or selling, either one, they’re going to have to be on the same playing field. That’s why this is here, to make sure we’re fair and we’re treating everyone the same.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:18

• Difference Between BYOB and Prop Bar Sales

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding the difference between a BYOB scenario and an established prop bar when people are having conventions or events, especially concerning charging fees.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “These meeting venues or meeting places, as you make reference to, are not always established. Restaurants, what we call bars or whatever the case is, and people are just out having a convention or an event or an event. But they’re actually in those type of meetings alcohol is being served but they’re also being charged. What’s the difference between the two because if a person wants to bring his own and the venue already established a prop bar for sale, is there a problem there?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:46

• Liquor License Classes for Meeting Halls vs. Bars

  • Summary: It was confirmed that meeting halls with BYOB licenses are not allowed to sell alcohol, which differs from the class of liquor license required if they were to sell drinks like a bar or restaurant.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Yes, there’s two different, there’s Petit, and Matt. There’s different classes of liquor licenses. And a meeting hall is not supposed. If a meeting hall gets their BYOB liquor license, they are not allowed to sell alcohol. Okay. So that takes care of your concern. You know, if you soon as you say I’m going to sell a drink to you as a bar or restaurant would, that’s a different class of liquor license.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:04

• Governing Authority for Alcohol Sales at Events

  • Summary: A final question sought clarification on which entity governs alcohol sales or service when both BYOB and an established bar are present at an event.
  • Attribution: Huffines
  • Evidence: “I don’t know the right term. Bring your own alcohol. Might want to be able to walk into an establishment of that nature and bring his own liquor without notifying the bar, whoever, to find out whether the eligibility is okay to bring their own liquor into an establishment or an event that they’re in, if there’s a bar in place, which one governs over the whole event when it comes to sale of liquor or service of liquor?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:22

• BYOB liquor regulations for events

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the process and notification required for bringing one’s own alcohol (BYOB) into establishments or event venues.
  • Evidence: “My point is how do you establish that? How does a person not knowing what the establishment permitted, if they don’t have a posting notification sign before they enter into any event venue or banquet or whatever the case is, if there’s no sign posted saying that this is not a B-O-Y-B whatever establishment, We are a permit to sale, and that’s what you get at these establishments, and you have to be able to distinguish the difference when a person come off the street and want to attend this event, they need to know whether they can”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:52

• Liquor sales regulation process

  • Summary: A representative stated that all alcohol serving or selling is regulated through the department via a Liquor Commission meeting.
  • Evidence: “Well, I mean, yeah. Rest assured that it’s a process. We have a Liquor Commission meeting. And anybody who is serving or selling alcohol is regulated through our department. And whatever concerns you have, I mean, certainly, if there’s ever a major concern the next time there’s a Liquor Commission meeting, I would suggest going.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:16:43

• Solar Energy System Placement and Visibility

  • Summary: Discussion confirmed that the proposed solar panels would not be visible from Pearl City Road.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Alderman Johnson. So this will not be seen from Pearl City Road, right? It’s pretty well hidden. I would say you really have to look for it. You know what I mean?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:02

• Future provisions for disabled parking spots

  • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding whether ordinances should include stipulations for returning a spot to normal status if the person is no longer disabled.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “The only question I have, I’d be all for this. We need to take care of people that need that. The only question I have is in our ordinances, is there any stipulations that as these people, if they would move or if they would, I guess ultimately not be disabled anymore, is there any provisions for them to contact us so that we can move this back into a normal parking space if it’s no longer needed?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:24

• Scope of accessible parking rights in the city

  • Summary: Discussion addressed whether the right to an accessible spot should apply universally across the entire city, regardless of where a mobility-challenged resident lives.
  • Attribution: Stacy
  • Evidence: “Is this something that would be considered, no matter where you lived in the city? Do everybody have this right? Well, if you’re mobility challenged, I think we’ve got to do our due diligence to ensure that we can do this for them, because, I mean, there are a lot of people here in town that we’ve done this for.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:23:07

• Disposal and auction of abandoned property

  • Summary: The police department plans to use PropertyRoom.Com to auction off abandoned property, with proceeds going to the City of Freeport General Fund.
  • Attribution: Police Department
  • Evidence: “The Freeport Police Department would like to use propertyroom. Com to auction off abandoned property. Any proceeds earned would go to the City of Freeport General Fund.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:50

• Disposal list additions

  • Summary: The clerk’s office chair can be added to the disposal list.
  • Attribution: Clerk
  • Evidence: “Additionally, the clerk has one office chair that can be added to the disposal list.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:59

• Community notification for property auction

  • Summary: A council member questioned if the community was notified about the disposal or auctioning process and requested transparency regarding proceeds.
  • Evidence: “I wanted to ask, is this the notification that went out to the community that you guys are going to do this disposal or auctioning? Fowler, and I’m going to ask is this the notification that went out to the community that you guys are going to do this disposal or auctioning and things of that nature where they can get more data information about if they want to come take a look to see if they want to take an opportunity to look at items that could be sold and I just wanted to make sure that our community is well informed about this and not only that, whatever the proceeds are that is generated from that, I think we should let the community know exactly what we’ve received from those donations, those sales that we’re making. Is that okay with you?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:31

• Property auction process confirmation

  • Summary: Staff confirmed that the notification is being provided and that sale records will be provided to the city.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “To answer your question, this is the notification that we’re doing. If anybody in the community would like the opportunity to bid on those items, they are on, or will be on, PropertyRoom. Com. PropertyRoom. Com, when items sell, they then provide record of what it was sold for, what the amount was, and then those funds go back to the city, period. Period.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:28:43

• Grant agreement details and scope

  • Summary: The speaker questioned Alderperson Stacy regarding the grant agreement’s composition, beneficiaries, and benefits to the city.
  • Attribution: Don
  • Evidence: “And my point of the matter is, if he’s going to say stuff like that, I should be able to rebut it. That’s all I’m saying. I should be able to rebut what he is saying without using my own question. Okay, so you’re using your second turn. I’m not using a second turn. Okay, then we’re going to move on. Do we have anything else on this? You know what? Alderman Stacy. Explain to me what this grant agreement consists of. Who weeps the benefits from it and what does it do for our city?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:11

• Pretzel City Area Transit funding necessity

  • Summary: The short answer is that if the current agreement is not entered, Pretzel City Area Transit will cease to exist.
  • Attribution: Alderperson Stacy
  • Evidence: “Sure the short answer very you know to not complicate things but I’ll get complicated later the short answer is if we do not enter this agreement pretzel city area transit does not exist so we need this agreement to fund the pretzel city area transit for 2.1 million dollars so if we don’t it I mean it’s I can’t say it any more plain than that it’s very simple if we don’t approve and John. And if we don’t do this, pretzel city area transit will not exist.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:38

• Grant funding source and exclusivity

  • Summary: The grant money is specific to Pretzel City Area Transit and goes nowhere else; the grant stands for Downstate Operating Assistance Program (DOAP) and is only used for Pretzel City Transit.
  • Attribution: Alderperson Stacy
  • Evidence: “That money goes to nowhere else. So we’ve gotten this grant before. Always. And all of this 2.1 million goes to pretzel city. Yes. […] The only, this grant money is only used for Pretzel City Transit. That’s all it can be used for, and we apply for it every year.”

• Scope of utilization for the grant

  • Summary: The speaker requested clarification on whether any department or governing body other than Pretzel City would utilize the grant funds.
  • Evidence: “I wanted to make sure that we had clarity to what entity in this city is using that particular grant, not just to Pressell City, but whether or not any other department or whatever that’s throughout the city gonna be utilizing this grant. That’s the part that I wanna stay focused on. Don’t discard that or dismiss it like I didn’t even mention it. I would like to know if there’s any other establishment or department heads or whatever department are gonna be using this grant.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:21

• Discussion regarding Alderman Sanders’ participation in discussion

  • Summary: A council member addressed another council member regarding speaking turn-taking during discussions.
  • Evidence: “My point is when I was on the floor. Alderman Sanders, will you please wait until you are called on. Yeah, but you didn’t ask me if I had more to say. You’re being disruptive. Please don’t make me call you out of order.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:43

• Fehr Graham contract requirements and funding

  • Summary: Fehr Graham will ensure the project is built according to city, state, and county standards, including documentation for IEPA water pollution policies. Buy America, Build America certification and material compliance will be tracked. Geotechnical testing services will be provided by Fehr Graham through a third-party professional geotech agency as required. The City plans to fund the $224,250 construction engineering contract using the Lamb Road TIF.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Fehr Graham will ensure the is built in accordance with the city, state, and county standards along with filling all required documentation in accordance with IEPA water pollution policies. Buy America, Build America certification and material compliance will be tracked to infrastructure requirements, geotechnical testing services for aggregate density and hot mix asphalt QAQC testing will be provided by Fehr Graham through a third-party professional geotech agency as required. The City plans to fund the $224,250 construction engineering contract through the Lamb Road TIF.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:28

• TIF fund usage clarification

  • Summary: Discussion confirmed that TIF money is for economic development and necessary infrastructure related to the Lamb Road TIF, and cannot go to citizens.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “Could you also explain what TIF, the money for TIF out there at the Lamb Road can only Beard, Sabael, and Erika, who’s also the new President of the City of Michigan. I’m going to ask you if you have a budget for the TIF money. Can it be used for economic development? Yes. The TIF money is for economic development, and this is necessary infrastructure as we move forward with additional economic development. My second. Sure. So you also, the TIF money cannot go to any of the citizens or anything. The money has to go to redevelopment of that area, correct? Yeah. In line with TIF, the use of Lerner.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:43:12

• Concerns regarding historical development facts and process transparency

  • Summary: A council member expressed concern that the council has not evaluated historical facts about the development area, suggesting the clerk should submit previously discussed information to council for voting.
  • Attribution: Lawrence Sanders
  • Evidence: “Yeah. I’ve been studying this whole process, and as far as I am concerned, we don’t have the and the historical fact of that development area. I’m talking about council. I’m directing this information and things like that to council since we’re the ones that are voting to move forward on these matters. And I don’t hear no one speaking out on the real issues that are being considered here and we have not evaluated.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:44:04

• Need for comprehensive project assessment before proceeding

  • Summary: A council member argued that the discussion has failed to cover material costs, total involvement, or who will run the project, emphasizing the need for an assessment evaluation of the historical context.
  • Attribution: Lawrence Sanders
  • Evidence: “We have not discussed how much material stuff We have not talked about what’s going to be involved, how much it’s going to cost. We have not talked about who’s running the project. We know that we have engineers who’s doing a survey of it, but my point is who’s in charge of the project. And so we have not established our own understanding of what’s going on out there because we have and I have no clue to why these things are put in place or trying to implement these things to put them in place. Is it necessary?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:42

• Necessity of lift station construction

  • Summary: A council member questioned the necessity of a lift station serving only one or two entities, demanding data on monitoring and flow capacity before voting.
  • Evidence: “I understand what Bob Boyer was talking about. Future development. This thing has been in place for over 30, 40 years. There has not been a disruption. There has not been any complication. I don’t even know if they’re still doing monitoring which I know that the city used to monitor those areas and then not only that go into those areas of the sectors and the sanitary and all these, they usually monitor these things and there should be reports, data on who’s keeping this type of material before the people of the city of Freeport. I know these things are in place but are we getting the right proper information at this current time to establish why we should put a lift station that’s only gonna serve probably one or two entities and then not only that, not to talk about the capacity of the flow that’s supposed to be pushing through these force mains or through these lift stations. We’re not talking about that. Is it necessary? If we’re not talking about that, then why are we setting up a lift station that we have no understanding of why we need this because of lack of capacity or lack of industries that have not utilized this area?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:46:35

• Rationale for project necessity (Snack King washout)

  • Summary: The project is necessary due to a human-dependent process at Snack King; failure could complicate things substantially near the county nursing home. It also supports future industry build-out and wastewater backwash capacity from Well 12.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “I think what you’re talking about Greg is the the fact that we have a human dependent process at Snack King and if that human dependent failed at any time that would complicate things substantially there at the corner of Lamb and Walnut Road, right near an important facility, the county nursing home. So in addition to the benefits of having the proper capacity for our existing industry, having the availability for the build out of future industry, and also the convenience of wastewater backwash Cash from the new Well 12, and then a potential for build out along the way. And then the potential for build out along Forest Road.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:48:34

• Request for detailed financial breakdown

  • Summary: A council member requested real numbers, noting that the $234,000 figure only covers engineering fees and that other necessary processes (traffic studies, permit fees, utilities) were not accounted for.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacey
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker. We already have it. Alderman Stacey. Okay. I need some real numbers. Not a portion. Because truth be told, the 234,000 is engineering fees only, am I correct? There is 11 other processes that have to be completed, and they’re not little things, they’re big things, so we can approve this 234,000, but to have this project completed in full with all these things that’s not mentioned, that’s not talked about to the public, the traffic studies, the permit fees, the utilities, We haven’t had no issues.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:49:46

• Project funding and scope clarification for Forest Road build out

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding the necessity of certain project costs, such as traffic studies and permit fees, noting that $234,000 covers engineering fees only and other processes are not accounted for.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “And then the potential for build out along Forest Road. I mean, these are all the reasons that this is an important project. Alderman Parker. We already have it. Alderman Stacey. Okay. I need some real numbers. Not a portion. Because truth be told, the 234,000 is engineering fees only, am I correct? There is 11 other processes that have to be completed, and they’re not little things, they’re big things, so we can approve this 234,000, but to have this project completed in full with all these things that’s not mentioned, that’s not talked about to the public, the traffic studies, the permit fees, the utilities, We haven’t had no issues. There’s no government, nothing that we’re violating.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:49:40

• Project cost exclusions and city financial protection

  • Summary: A representative explained that exclusions are included in contracts to protect the city from unforeseen costs, clarifying that staking/restaking expenses for the second time are the contractor’s responsibility.
  • Attribution: Darin
  • Evidence: “So with every contract, there’s always exclusions that are put on there for unforeseen. But realistically, this project should come in at this amount with our fees or even under. We have lots of projects where we get a fee here and we end up coming in under and not charging the whole amount. So we put those exclusions in we wrote a scope that we think will complete the entire project but we always have to put exclusions because I can’t put those items in on every thing without charging more every contract without charging more money we don’t need a traffic study we we don’t do restaking we only stake one time and then the contractors responsible for it the second time so those are expenses that don’t come back to the city but we have to clarify that and a contract so we know where we stand and we know what the city’s paying for okay so shouldn’t we put on the side not need it do not apply that’s that’s what an exclusion is it’s assume that it’s not needed assuming it’s not needed correct well you have to make some assumptions we’re working underground so I can tell you right now we don’t need a traffic study we already met with the county the county owns the road they’re not asking for a traffic study so that won’t be one that’s Southerland. We always exclude staking and restaking because the city is not going to pay for it twice. We pay for it once, and then if it has to be restaked, it’s on the contractor to pay for it the second time. So we put exclusions in there to protect the city, not to provide other costs.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:51:45

• Debt status of Land Road TIF funding

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding existing debt on the Land Road TIF, and a response indicated that while the speaker could not answer definitively, they believed there was no debt service.
  • Evidence: “And there’s no debt on that TIF? Is there a debt on the land road TIF? Is there an existing debt? I can’t answer that, but I believe there’s no debt. I know there’s no debt. It’s 2.3 million is what you’re having to pay for it. So there’s actually money in the bank. There’s no debt service that I’m aware of on that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:50

• Timing of infrastructure spending vs. immediate needs

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders argued that funds should not be spent on future projects unless they are emergency needs or directly support current city operations, advocating for a focus on present necessities.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, well, Alderman Shadle was making these comments about something that has not had a survey to them, first of all. And he does not have what we call a prediction, a pendant or crystal ball. He don’t have any of those things before him and the city is not just going to have items sitting out in the field for God knows for how long waiting for a manufacturer to show and John. And I think that’s why I’m so happy to be here and to be able to show up to make a development or whatever the case is that the council don’t have no clue about any kind of manufacturing even being considered. And so my thing is we’re dumping money into a ground and then we’re going to wait while the taxpayers are suffering from all angles of this city needing all kinds of grant program fundings and others. So I think what we have not done was looked at the whole scope of the matter, whether or not we’re using the money considered here to put on these projects for future, for future advancements. And I don’t think that should be something that we should be doing at this time if it’s Winslow. If it’s not an emergency need, if it’s not anything that is going to help the city currently, right now kind of project, then there shouldn’t be shovel readies to come in unless we have perspective prospects that are considering moving to this city and then we would make those alterations or those changes as necessary and as needed. But before then, the funds should not go anywhere until these things are absolutely needed.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:38

• Operational status of proposed station infrastructure

  • Summary: A representative stated that the station would be put into operation on the day it was constructed because waste from the Land Road TIF district would flow there, and the need is immediate as current line capacity is at maximum.
  • Attribution: Darin
  • Evidence: “Yes, so you’re entitled to your opinion but I would like to give you some facts. So this station wouldn’t be in reserve, it would be put into operation the day it was constructed because the waste from all of the Lamb Road TIF district would be going Fowler, and I think we’ve got a lot of people that are looking into that as soon as it was built because we have the need now. The line, the capacity of that line is at max capacity.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:57:42

• TIF funds eligibility for lift station expansion

  • Summary: The TIF money is specifically for the Lamb Road District and should only be used for projects within that area; using it for Mill Race or the airport would make the funds ineligible.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “the facts are that the TIF money is for the TIF money is for the Lamb Road District. They created this. This lift station is to service that area that they created the money from. And so that’s why it’s an eligible expense. If we were trying to put this in for a project at Mill Race or at the airport or something, the funds would be ineligible.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:59:50

• Redevelopment agreement financial details and incentives

  • Summary: Staff would reimburse the developer $5,000 upon completion. The developer would be eligible for 75% of tax increases until 2037, capped at $50,000 over the lifetime of the TIF district.
  • Evidence: “Upon completion of this project, staff would reimburse the developer $5,000 and upon the lifetime of the TIF district, which sunsets in 2037, they would be eligible for the TIF increment they produce. So once this structure is built, it’s assumed, and it’s reasonable to assume that their taxes are going to increase, and they would receive 75% of that increase in taxes until 2037. There’s a cap on how much money they can get, and that would be $50,000, and this is typical for the lifetime of a redevelopment agreement.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:04:54

• Storage facility development and access

  • Summary: The speaker described the location of a planned 5,000 square foot storage facility, noting that the developers agreed to pave the access area so gravel would not be dragged onto city streets.
  • Evidence: “and then this parcel here is where they’re and others. They’re going to be putting this facility, this 5,000 square foot storage facility. A couple different, and you’re going to say, well, how are they going to get there? Well, they’ve agreed to pave this area in here, so they won’t be dragging gravel in and out of our city streets. So they’ve already agreed to pave this area. So that’s how they’re going to be accessing it, and then obviously they would be coming back out onto this road and then heading towards South Street.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:07:26

• Economic benefits of business expansion

  • Summary: The speaker discussed the economic benefits, noting that businesses expanding due to running out of room can help keep jobs in the city if the city works with them.
  • Evidence: “Several economic development benefits here. I’ve talked with the owners, they’re lovely, delightful people. They’re building and expanding and they’re running out of room. One of the biggest complaints as all their people, as a community development director you’re going to receive is businesses leave and then they say, well, what did you do? Well, if you were presented a redevelopment agreement and you said, absolutely not, the The answer is you did nothing.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:07:53

• Traffic congestion concerns regarding new development

  • Summary: A council member expressed concern about potential traffic congestion from the business accessing South Street near Aldi’s.
  • Evidence: “Oldham and Sellers. I would just like to know, I know that you said they’re gonna be coming in and out of South, already right there by Aldi’s is a lot of congestion, just getting in and out, how are they gonna make that easier? Because I’ve seen even some people driving, trying to come out of Aldi’s because it’s such a tight turn, they have went over the cliff a couple of times. So how can we make that wide enough where it won’t be so much congestion there with this business coming in and out of there also.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:09:33

• Traffic impact assessment for development

  • Summary: The speaker stated that the development would not change the existing traffic volume due to Aldi’s success, but paving could help.
  • Evidence: “Well, we can’t change the congestion. We know that Aldi is a very successful business. They’re going to have many people coming in and out. So this development is not going to, you know, this is not going to be able to change the traffic. The only thing that it can do is add some paving to the area and it could help them Fowler, and the city of Aldi.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:10:13

• City’s role in business development vs. private property rights

  • Summary: The speaker cautioned against presenting matters as if the city has an obligation regarding private property decisions.
  • Evidence: “And my point is, is that a private property? I wanted to ask that question, is that private property, why is the city looking into complying with someone that has that type of view?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:12:46

• Business presentation guidelines for council consideration

  • Summary: A speaker advised that businesses should not present information to the council if they are consulting with others in a manner that causes agitation or over-expressing rhetoric.
  • Evidence: “And just wanted to make sure that I see it very clearly in my own head that this is what this particular business owner wants to be able to do without any agitation, without any over-expressing or any of those kinds of things because the council has an antenna. And when that kind of rhetoric start filtering in through the council, our antennas goes up. And so we’re saying that if any business is consulting with you in that manner, then you should not present it here to council. That’s all I’m saying.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:13:01

• TIF financing eligibility for businesses

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding whether businesses can use TIF money to receive a yearly salary or payment for their business operations.
  • Evidence: “So is anybody that wants to advance their establishment going to be able to use TIF money and get a yearly salary or yearly whatever to do what they want to do for their business with our tax dollars? The answer is yes please wait clarify this is not about tax dollars this is this is tax yes this is the tip this is tax increment financing”
  • Source timestamp: 02:14:03

• TIF financing mechanism and property taxes

  • Summary: It was clarified that TIF financing eligibility relates to expanding a business, where increased property taxes lead to repayment through the redevelopment agreement.
  • Evidence: “If you’re saying I would like to paint the inside of my building, my answer to you would be you’re not doing an improvement that’s going to increase the and John. So you have to essentially improve your business so that your taxes, your property taxes are going to increase because you’re paid on the increment of those taxes going up.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:16:00

• TIF funding source and scope

  • Summary: The tax money for TIF comes from the taxing body, specifically from the taxing of stores within the TIF district, not directly from citizens.
  • Evidence: “Just to understand, the tax money comes from the taxing body of the group. Like the Lamb Road, it comes from the money of all the industries out there. Like downtown, it comes from the taxing of the stores and stuff downtown. And usually, downtown, you would only be able to do like a facade, like the outside.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:16:52

• TIF spending guidelines for Meadows TIF district

  • Summary: The money from the Meadows TIF district can be spent on business expansion, business retention, or professional services, according to established guidelines.
  • Evidence: “We’re going to talk about the guidelines on how the money can be spent. It could be spent for business expansion. It could be spent for business retention, professional services, things of that nature.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:19

• TIF incentive mechanism

  • Summary: The essence of the TIF is that businesses receive a return on an increase in their property taxes (e.g., getting $1,500 back out of a hypothetical $2,000 tax bill), which acts as an incentive for investment.
  • Evidence: “The essence of this is they’re getting back 75 percent of an increase in their taxes. So if this hypothetically, this building generates a tax bill of Huffines. They’re going to get a return from their property taxes of $1,500 out of the hypothetical $2,000. We’re not laying out money to them. We’re just diverting taxes back so that they have an incentive to make this investment.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:34

• Aeration Tank Replacement Budget and Necessity

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the cost and necessity of replacing aeration tank equipment.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Deren. I just wanted to comment that we had $60,000 in the budget for this year and so this is, we got a good price on doing the total amount that we needed. Holderman Sanders. Yeah I know this is a very necessary it is something that we should let you know have no problem with and if it’s an annual thing or or is it not I think it is an annual thing that we go through it’s not an annual thing what is that every five years or something seven to ten years okay but I know it’s necessary I don’t know what the cost is do we have a cost factor for and Stacey. Do you have a budget for all of that? Do we have a? Yes. $20,000. Okay. Well, anyway, I know it’s necessary, so I just wanted to see where we were at with that.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:52

• Electronic Recycling Material Disposal and Value

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the disposal location and potential monetary value of collected scrap metal from the electronic recycling event.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Where’s the dumping ground is that with this material? So the the event was held at the fairgrounds on July 19th and the dumping grounds I I do not know the specific area the company TNT Iron and Metals took the stuff away from Freeport. So is this is are they currently still established it’s just one one-time event or how does that work? … We’re not looking at the real intricate parts of that electronic equipment because there’s value in there where the city could be recouping from or gaining something from it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:43

• Electronics disposal and recouping value from city electronics

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding the disposal of city electronics containing gold, aluminum, copper, etc., with a concern raised that significant value might be lost to citizens rather than being recouped by the city.
  • Evidence: “But we’re not looking at the real intricate parts of that electronic equipment because there’s value in there where the city could be recouping from or gaining something from it. I don’t care if it went to a charity We’re not doing a complete assessment of how this program should be brought up because we’re saying we want to give you all our electronics that got gold and aluminum, whatever, copper, whatever the case may be. We’re going to give all that to you. We’re just going to just let you dispose of it. And we don’t have any and my friend, Bill. We don’t have any residuals from all of that because it belongs to the citizens of Freeport. I don’t care who picks it up, who gets it or whatever the case is. That is a fortune that is being sent out of here. That’s all I’m just saying. Are we in a position to recoup anything? So the residents of Freeport took their own stuff to the event. In all respect, that’s the way the event was organized, and so we have full confidence that the residents of Freeport understand what they’re giving up.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:27:33

• Purchase of refurbished power load systems for Ambulance 3 and 4

  • Summary: The cost comparison showed that two refurbished power load systems ($34,217.96) are less expensive than one new unit ($35,857), saving about $1,600 for twice the equipment.
  • Evidence: “So the financial component of this is the fire capital improvement fund will cover the costs for the power load system and the installation. The total cost for two refurbished power load systems installed $34,217.96. So comparatively, the cost for one new power load system is $35,857. So we’re already about $1,600 less expensive for twice the equipment.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:33:47

• Purchase of refurbished power load systems for Ambulance 3 and 4

  • Summary: A council member stated that the purchase is mandatory due to safety issues, noting that a potential incident could cost more than $34,000.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker. This is almost mandatory as a major safety issue for our firemen, and at 34,000, if one of our officers’ break is back trying to do it, it’s going to cost us more than that to take care of it, so this is a great issue and I’m very much in favor.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:34:46

• Availability of refurbished power load systems

  • Summary: The speaker confirmed the refurbished systems are already in stock and installation is available locally from the ambulance provider, ready upon approval.
  • Evidence: “So they have them in stock already. We’ve already looked into it and confirmed that installation is available locally from the ambulance provider we purchased our two new ones from. So this is ready to go as soon as we have your approval.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:17

• Nature of refurbished power load systems

  • Summary: A council member questioned if the purchase meant acquiring used items and inquired about feasibility compared to new units.
  • Attribution: Holderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Holderman Sanders? Yeah, these are not new items, am I correct? And I. I’m just curious, when you say when this is refurbished, that means that we’re purchasing used items at one point in time. And I’m just curious, we couldn’t budget new platform power load systems. I’m just curious why we’re venturing into a refurbished type unit and whether or not it would be feasible one way or the other.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:36

• Quality assurance of refurbished power load systems

  • Summary: The speaker assured council members that the refurbished units are as good as factory replacements, having been completely reworked, rebuilt, and repainted, and they come with a one-year warranty.
  • Evidence: “Sure. I understand your concerns and I had the same myself initially, but looking into it, these are as good as factory replacements. So they’ve gone back to factory, they’ve been completely reworked, rebuilt, repainted, to make us feel more comfortable, they offer a one-year warranty and even the brand new ones have a one-year warranty.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:36:24

• Condition and ownership of current fire department lawnmower

  • Summary: The existing mower was obtained from the IDNR, is 15 years old, and its hydraulic system, particularly the left steering mechanism, is starting to fail.
  • Evidence: “So in 2018, the fire department acquired the lawnmarts you see up on the screen from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR. What they had at the time was an excessive Huffines. We did receive that lawnmower and is now 15 years old and is experiencing several system failures. So the hydraulic system is what’s used to steer each of the rear wheels, that’s why Boyer. You’ll see, it looks like handlebars by the seat. One steers the left rear wheel, that one steers the right rear wheel. So there is, it’s hydraulically driven and the left steering mechanism, left wheel is starting to fail.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:37:38

• Disposal requirement for current lawnmower

  • Summary: The mower does not belong to the city as it was obtained from the IDNR and must be returned once a replacement is acquired.
  • Evidence: “So again I’d like to remind council that this moor does not belong to this city. It was obtained from the IDNR and it will need to be returned once we do acquire a replacement.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:07

• Replacement mower recommendation

  • Summary: Staff determined that the Ferris 2200 model with Kawasaki motor best suits the needs for future use, and the program to obtain free replacements from IDNR no longer exists.
  • Evidence: “So we looked into this and yes, the mower does have to be returned to the IDNR, but that program no longer exists. We went to them trying to get a second free lawn mower and they said, no, we don’t do that anymore. So, we have to return that to their excess property program and then so the finances of this acquisition, seven different more manufacturers were looked into and staff has determined that the Ferris 2200 model, the Kawasaki motor, best suits our needs and will accommodate us well into the future.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:36

• Lawnmower Usage Scope

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether the lawnmowers would only be utilized for fire department areas or loaned to other departments.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Chief, for the more we’re considering the one that you put on the agenda here, would this only be utilized for fire department areas and not being loaned out to other departments and Stacey. Are we going to designate this for their program or property or whatever the case is? Are we just going to designate this directly to the fire department usage?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:41:15

• Lawnmower Usage Scope

  • Summary: Discussion confirming that the lawnmowers are intended for fire department use.
  • Attribution: Stacy
  • Evidence: “That would be my intent, yes. Okay.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:41:54

• Public Works Lawn Mowing Capability

  • Summary: A discussion detailing that Public Works staff have other priority tasks and the fire department staff can operate the mower when not running emergency calls.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “All right. Hold on, Stacy. I was just wondering why can’t public works go mow the lawn? So that is a question that I had considered and discussed it with Manager Boyer and we realized that the folks that do the cutting, the lawn cutting for the city, two of them are part-time summer employees and the other ones are mostly used in resurfacing streets and doing sewer work and so they all have their other priority tasks to do. I’ve got my staff that are there if they’re not out running emergency calls, they can be perched on that lawn mower and they’ll take care of it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:41:54

• Property Conveyance Discussion

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the conveyance for one dollar and the need to investigate the full scope of why it was given.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I see you, Parker. But I have a question in regards to the fact that it was given for a dollar, but what’s the initial reason why it was given? And in the generosity that the city is supposed to look at this as a as a generous kind of thing but we have not looked at the cultural, I’m talking right now, we have not looked at the cultural background of what I’m reading here in the memo of the people that are that are running this, and we’re not looking at the full scope of why we’re inventing taxpayers’ dollars until we do an investigative probe of what’s going on.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:46:05

• Concerns regarding background study and cultural aspect of proposed spending

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern that the city is approving expenditures without looking at the cultural background or full scope of why taxpayers’ dollars are being spent, advocating for an investigative probe before voting.
  • Evidence: “But I have a question in regards to the fact that it was given for a dollar, but what’s the initial reason why it was given? And in the generosity that the city is supposed to look at this as a as a generous kind of thing but we have not looked at the cultural, I’m talking right now, we have not looked at the cultural background of what I’m reading here in the memo of the people that are that are running this, and we’re not looking at the full scope of why we’re inventing taxpayers’ dollars until we do an investigative probe of what’s going on.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:46:05

• Need for background study before voting

  • Summary: A speaker stated that if they are unaware of certain things, they should not vote on matters until there is complete clarity regarding the background nature and cultural aspect.
  • Evidence: “from my position, if we’re not aware of certain things, we should not vote on things until we have a complete clarity of the background nature. Listen to what I just said, the background nature and cultural aspect of this, even to give it as a generosity, what will the city get in return?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:47:17

• Interpretation of memo wording

  • Summary: A speaker emphasized that if the city has not thoroughly reviewed a memo, they should be cautious about supporting any interpretation derived from it.
  • Evidence: “Obviously you you weren’t listening to me and no that’s my point you weren’t listening to me so you didn’t hear all the Indian all the subscripts or the subject matter that underscores the things that I was talking about that comes out of this discussion memo that I’m looking at and if we have not looked at this memo this memo clear enough to understand the interpretation of Certain Things. We don’t want to venture into something or be labeled something that is supporting something that is put in this memo, that’s my whole point,”
  • Source timestamp: 02:48:31

• Clarification on payment amount and process for Wayne Duckman contract

  • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding the weekly payment amount ($1,040) versus a potential lump sum figure ($140,000), and questions were raised about the timeline for starting interviews with qualified applicants.
  • Evidence: “So do I understand? I just want to remind you to try to put all your questions together instead of the back and forth. Please. Okay, So, do I understand you to be saying that we have agreed to, because I believe it’s is already happening. Pay Duckman $140,000 for 16 hours. $140,000? No, $1,040. Oh, yes, per week. For 16 hours. Yes, that works out to about as current and Pam benefits at this time.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:52:05

• Staffing transition and overtime costs

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the interviewing process for a replacement employee who was scheduled to leave on July 31st, including potential hourly overtime rates.
  • Evidence: “So why haven’t they, the interviewing process started, and why don’t we have someone knowing that he was leaving in the 31st of July, lined up to pick up the pieces and carry this load? Because if he go over that 16 hours, and then it goes up to how much an hour? I mean, it goes to $90 an hour if we go over 16 hours a week. So your other question was Wayne tendered his resignation and we began the process of posting the job very shortly thereafter, within days.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:52:50

• Job applicant status

  • Summary: A council member questioned why the interviewing process had not started despite being told there were nine qualified applicants.
  • Evidence: “In our conversation, you told me that you had nine qualified applicants. My question is, why haven’t we started? We have started. The interviewing process?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:53:39

• Need for sidewalk repairs and safe access routes

  • Summary: Discussion emphasizing that the repair of sidewalks is necessary due to non-compliance issues, citing specific locations like school zones and nursing homes where mobility devices require safe passage.
  • Evidence: “Again, we have in the safe routes of school zone, or next to an eye doctor, a park view nursing home. This route connects to the park systems and we have a petitioner that’s actually driving his mobility device out in the street to have safe access for him and his family during their enjoyment of the community. So I think this is a needed project and I appreciate your support.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:55:46

• Scope and ownership of sidewalk repairs

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the scope of public property covered by the resolution, specifically whether it covers all sidewalks or only ADA corners, and who is responsible for complaints.
  • Evidence: “I’m looking at your map and I remember talking about the fact that we had this discussion last week, I believe it was, sidewalk to nowhere kind of program and then I look at the agenda and then I look at your map and then I look at your map and then I look at your and I noticed something was added in this particular agenda on this particular article resolution, I should say. Let me clarify that. Nothing’s changed. This is exactly what was presented at the COW word for word. It’s the same exact memo. Okay. If nothing’s changed, then when we’re specifying certain things about the public property, I’m gonna put it like that sidewalks are public property, right? Only the ADA corners. Just only because that’s not what it specifies inside of this ordinance agenda. That’s the reason why I’m bringing it up.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:56:13

• Ownership of sidewalks (Homeowner vs. City)

  • Summary: Discussion clarifying that homeowners own the sidewalks in front of their residences, while the city only owns the ADA corners.
  • Evidence: “Well, when I talked about sidewalk to nowhere, that’s part of property, that’s someone’s property, sidewalk to nowhere, and you’re making a declaration of extending sidewalk, well, that’s what I’m getting.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:59:30

• Sidewalk ownership and responsibility

  • Summary: The homeowners own the sidewalks in front of their residences or businesses; the city only owns the ADA corners.
  • Evidence: “The homeowners in Freeport own the sidewalks in front of their residence. Okay. In front of their residents or their businesses. We only own the ADA corners, the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:59:18

• Sidewalk to nowhere definition and responsibility

  • Summary: A ‘sidewalk to nowhere’ is considered part of property, meaning it is not the city’s responsibility to extend.
  • Evidence: “Well, when I talked about sidewalk to nowhere, that’s part of property, that’s someone’s property, sidewalk to nowhere, and you’re making a declaration of extending sidewalk, well, that’s what I’m getting.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:59:30

• Sidewalk to nowhere examples

  • Summary: The speaker pointed out examples of ‘sidewalk to nowhere,’ noting the lack of street crossing ramps and stating it is the homeowner’s responsibility to finish the sidewalk.
  • Evidence: “Ok, that’s a sidewalk to nowhere. Ok, that’s your definition of a sidewalk to nowhere. Well, there’s also the sidewalks to nowhere. Kirk, could you go to the St. John’s picture, please? So that’s one definition of a sidewalk to nowhere. This is another sidewalk to nowhere. That’s what I’m talking about. That’s not our responsibility. That is the responsibility of the homeowner to finish that sidewalk, not the street.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:00:29

• City ordinance regarding sidewalks

  • Summary: Current ordinances allow the city to cite homeowners and businesses for not extending their sidewalks, though it has never been chosen to do so in Freeport due to financial feasibility.
  • Evidence: “Our current ordinances have the ability to cite homeowners and our businesses for not extending their sidewalks. We have never chosen to do that in the city of Freeport. Financially, it’s not feasible for all these people, but the city could cite someone for not connecting their sidewalks.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:00:58

• Concerns regarding the bid for landfill excavation sewer line work

  • Summary: A concern was raised that a bid should not have been entertained without a complete survey and evaluation to determine the future of landfills, specifically mentioning the landfill on Walnut.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I feel absolutely, absolutely feel that there should not even been a bid entertained, first and John. First of all, on the landfill excavation, pro a bid, far as work that is going to be supposedly done without a complete survey and evaluation to determine the future of the landfills that are out there at the landfill on Walnut.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:46

• Need for re-evaluation of landfill sewer lines

  • Summary: The speaker stated that a bid should not go out until a complete evaluation and study are done, as the public needs to know about the existence and status of the landfill.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “There has to be information to the reason why we’re working on a landfill sewer line that is possibly connected to the interceptors, and I don’t think a bid should go out for any of that kind of a project until we have done a complete evaluation and study on that and I think the people of the city of Freeport should know that there’s sewer lines out at and I think that the landfill that has not had a study to determine its existence and that thing could be still open to the city, the public causing all kinds of habits and problems so I think it needs to be re-evaluated.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:05:28

• Financial implications of awarding the bid amount

  • Summary: The speaker questioned voting on giving Davis, Illinois $2,847,451.50 as the lowest bid.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Are you asking us to vote tonight on giving Davis, Illinois 2,847,451.50 cents. That’s the bid. That’s the lowest bid. I can’t believe I’m here.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:35

• Clarification on low bidder and project scope

  • Summary: It was clarified that Kelsey Excavating is the contractor, not Davis, Illinois, and they are the low responsive bidder for the project.
  • Evidence: “Help me understand. It’s not Davis, Illinois, that’s where the contractor, that’s their home address is Davis, Illinois. It’s Kelsey Excavating. They’re already doing work for the City of Freeport. They’re doing our street projects and they were the low responsive bidder to the project. So yes, that is exactly what we’re asking is to award money to them as the low bidder.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:35

• Sewer flow and force main necessity through landfill area

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding the need for sewer flow and force made out there, stating that the station will bypass the landfill, and all leachate system flow will go into this station.
  • Evidence: “We went through the flow and the gallons. And this has been an issue since city manager Bucus was on the staff. He’s actually one that started the project. And there is a need for sewer flow and force made out there. And it’s resulting in the landfill, Not because of the landfill, the flow problem is through the landfill. This station will bypass the landfill, and all the landfill flow from the leachate system will go into this station, as well as all of the lamb road tipped to stick and any expansion that happens in either direction.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:35

• Need for disconnecting or abandoning existing sewer systems

  • Summary: A comment was made regarding how the council plans to disconnect from the interceptors or abandon the whole system throughout the process of doing anything.
  • Evidence: “Without the term, without the word of bidding coming out of my mouth, I just want to make a comment about what he just said. Is that okay? Because he makes comments about what we say. And that whole landfill situation going around the situation, but you never talked about how you’re going to disconnect from the interceptors or how you’re going to abandon that whole system throughout the whole process of doing anything.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:09:50

• Sewer line rerouting and landfill closure

  • Summary: Concerns were raised regarding the necessary disconnect and rerouting of existing sewer lines due to planned excavation at a closing landfill.
  • Evidence: “if we’re closing the landfill down, if the landfill is being closed down and excavation and all these kinds of things are going to take place over at the landfill, then we must do something about the existing sewer lines that are flowing to the interceptor out of all places and not talking about the disconnect. Miller. There has to be a disconnect there because if not, there could be infiltration at the intercept, wherever this thing dumps off to. I’d like to know how you’re going to reroute it and reconnect it, whatever you’re thinking about doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:11:08

• Funding source for demolitions

  • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding the funding sources for the demolitions, including FEMA floodway grant programs and the Illinois Housing Development Authority Strong Communities Program.
  • Evidence: “The money used for these demolitions are coming from what? So yeah, I put that in the memo as well, scroll down here a little bit. Better yet. Yeah. We had a meeting at the library. There was money that we had from the east side of town, money and grants that were given to us to destroy property over there.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:13:38

• Scope of demolition funding

  • Summary: Clarification was provided that FEMA floodway grant programs fund demolitions on the east side of town, while properties not in that area are funded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority Strong Communities Program.
  • Evidence: “So if it’s on the east side and eligible, it receives the FEMA floodway grant program money. If it is not, it has fallen into the Ida Strong Community Program and that’s where the funding comes from.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:15:55

• Total properties scheduled for demolition

  • Summary: A participant questioned the status of 10 or 12 houses not on the east side, leading to a discussion about the total number of properties slated for demolition.
  • Evidence: “But what about the, what was it, 10 or 12 houses that was not on the east side of town that were scheduled to come down this year, and none have come down? I have no idea. Well, you’d have to give me specific properties.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:16:07

• East side property condition and rebuilding feasibility

  • Summary: The speaker stated that most east side properties have water lines through the house on the walls, many have soggy floors from water damage, making them practically beyond repair. They also cited FEMA regulations stating a government entity cannot issue permits for fixing a property for more than 50 percent of its value.
  • Evidence: “So many of these properties have a water line through the house, actually, on the walls. Many of them do. Many of them also have soggy floors from water damage. So practically speaking, they’re beyond repair. But then if you want to go into actual government regulation, FEMA, at the federal level, is not Huffines. We’re not going to let a government entity, like the city, issue permits for fixing a property for more than 50 percent of its value.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:18:05

• East side properties acquisition method and status

  • Summary: The speaker noted that many east side properties were picked up for back taxes, not properly repaired, and the city found them inadequate during inspections. They confirmed that all properties discussed have had proper notice and due process.
  • Evidence: “The sad thing is, many of these properties are picked up for back taxes, they’re not properly repaired, and people are renting them, and then the city ultimately comes by, has to do inspections and finds out that these properties that are so far gone are not completely repaired to to an adequate level… All of these Eastside properties here that you’re seeing here were purchased at a closing. Paperwork was signed.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:18:49

• Bids for demolished properties reconsideration

  • Summary: The speaker confirmed that no substantive proposals for redevelopment are being made regarding the east side properties, and all fast-track demolition properties had proper notice.
  • Evidence: “No, there is nothing substantive about these properties that’s being proposed for redevelopment, et cetera.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:22:31

• Bid price variation factors

  • Summary: The biggest gap in bid prices is expected to be due to asbestos abatement costs, as every property has an asbestos inspection listed on the bid packet.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “majority of it’s going to be asbestos abatement. So every single property on here has an asbestos inspection and on the bid packet there is a list from a contractor that says what has asbestos on the property”
  • Source timestamp: 03:22:49

• Raleigh Complex Security Scope and Alternatives

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether window boarding is necessary if a fence is installed, and suggestions to consider demolition instead of securing the site with temporary measures.
  • Attribution: Council members
  • Evidence: “Alderman Stacy? If we’re putting up a fence, why do we have to worry with the windows if there’s going and John. » I’m wondering if you’re going to be a fence around the whole building and better yet, why not just tear it down? […] But until then, just a fence it’s important that staff is trying to secure the area as much as possible so we have broken windows in glass and it’s an easier way that if somebody were to get in through the fence they could still climb into the building so we’re doing everything we can staff wants to do everything they can to secure the site and protect it from further vandalism.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:28:09

• Building demolition funding and alternatives

  • Summary: The discussion covered the need to investigate grants for demolition costs versus developing the site through redevelopment.
  • Evidence: “Now we’re talking about demolition, certainly that’s a budget discussion to bring up with City Manager Boyer that if the city wants to try to find $10 million taxpayer dollars to demolish, and I’m only giving you the estimate, it could be more. It is, mean if the city demolishes this, I heard all the persons say, Stacy, say taxpayer dollars, yes, if the city demolishes this, it would be city taxpayer funds. Now, is it possible that we could go after grants for this demolition, yes and we can investigate that, yes that takes time, yes it takes time.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:32:18

• Brownfield site redevelopment strategy

  • Summary: The city staff should look at redeveloping the brownfield site in parallel with investigating grants for its demolition.
  • Evidence: “So the tough decision city staff has is and should also look at in parallel at the same time is looking to redevelop it, which would eliminate the need for a Demolition or also and I’m saying parallel so at the same time and also investigate grants for its demolition that’s what we’re doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:33:02

• Environmental concerns in the community

  • Summary: The speaker noted that environmental issues, such as air quality from buildings, need to be addressed through grant-funded studies.
  • Evidence: “I can see that. I can see the environment of these building calls. Health breathing problems within the city without the city doing a full evaluation of of the air of the city. I don’t even think we test our air here in the city of Freeport. To be honest with you, we should start, but you know, I don’t think we do, but just to get an idea of what a building can do to the city without knowing that certain agents are floating around out there in the community, we need to do a study on that as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:34:54

• Cost estimate for demolition

  • Summary: The cost to demolish two buildings (the dry cleaner and another building next door) was stated to be a little over $1.2 million.
  • Evidence: “So the, yeah, the dry cleaner in the building next door that the city owns is going to cost a little over 1.2 million dollars to demo just those two buildings and they’re not built anywhere close to the solidness of this structure.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:35:56

• Previous demolition award comparison

  • Summary: The previous $1.7 million award was noted as the largest in Illinois for taking down any building, suggesting a large cost for the current structure.
  • Evidence: “And I want to remind everyone when we got the 1.7 million dollars that was the by far largest award in the state of Illinois to take down any buildings they don’t have grants of 10 million dollars to take down a building this size so the city will be footing the bill at some point along with a grant to take something like this down it’s a very large cost here it’s a complete concrete”
  • Source timestamp: 03:36:09

• Fencing and signage around construction area

  • Summary: Confirmation was given that necessary ’no trespassing’ signs will be put up around the fenced area.
  • Evidence: “Yes, we will have signs, no trespassing signs put up, and anything else necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:39

• Open bidding process rules for submissions

  • Summary: It was stated that during an open bidding process, it is required to submit all listed items; otherwise, the bid will be eliminated.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “We looked and actually, I looked into that matter with council and discussed it at length and we looked through our rules and regulations and it was determined that that’s not, it’s It’s not fair to the, you know, during the open bidding, in an open bidding process, it wouldn’t be fair to have everybody else submit a complete submittal. And this happens quite a bit where somebody forgets in a document and they can’t come back later and submit it. That’s common practice in not just Freeport, but any community, you know, we list out if there’s 10 items you have to submit, you have to submit all 10 items or else you’re thrown out of the open bid.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:36:49

• Fencing and signage around construction area

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding whether enough ’no trespassing’ signs would be placed around the fenced-in area.
  • Attribution: Joy Sellers
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sellers? Yes. I just want to know, when all the fencing and everything is around, are we also going to have enough signs around it to keep out?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:28

• Fencing and signage around construction area

  • Summary: It was confirmed that ’no trespassing’ signs and anything else necessary would be put up.
  • Evidence: “Yes, we will have signs, no trespassing signs put up, and anything else necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:39

• Hanger D asbestos abatement bid discussion

  • Summary: Concerns were raised regarding an environmental issue with the recommended bid and whether the contractor was certified for asbestos abatement.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Discussion on this bid. Alderman Sanders. I understand that bid, but there’s an environmental issue with that bid. And what you’re saying, they are certified to do the asbestos for demolition? Yes. Fowler. Yes. That was part of their submit it. They were required to submit their licenses as part of this bid. So when we opened it, and Clerk Anderson was a witness, can attest to it, had seen that they submitted their proper licensing.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:39:46

• Scope of demolition bids

  • Summary: A debate occurred over whether the discussion should be limited only to Hangar D or if it applied to all city property demolitions.
  • Evidence: “Okay. Any other city property have received any bids for demolition with asbestos? Okay. We’re not going there. This is about this particular bid at the airport. Not all the other stuff. I don’t like what you just said to me. You know what, you keep going in a direction that’s not according to what is on. I’m talking about a bid. You just asked about a bid for the entire city. I don’t care. So we were talking about a bid. What goes for one property goes for all property. Hangar D. Hangar D. Would you like to ask a question about Hangar D? Why are you directing my focus to just Hangar D? Because that’s what the agenda is. Hanger D is not the only problem. It is the only thing that’s on this bid.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:40:37

• Walnut Road Lift Station Discussion History

  • Summary: Alderman Shadle noted that previous statements regarding the lift station on Walnut Road being ‘quote lies’ were incorrect, citing a Committee of the Whole meeting on January 9th, 2023, where the topic was discussed.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Last week, the committee of the whole meeting there was mention made at public comment at the end that statements that myself and Director Steakil had made that were to quote lies, and it had to do with the lift station on Walnut Road. Our comments were that it has been talked about for two years and I just wanted to mention that i did a little digging and there was a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 9th of 2023 where there was discussion regarding Walnut Lamb Road, Forest Main and Lift Station.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:46:47

• Walnut Road Lift Station Discussion History

  • Summary: A Committee of the Whole meeting was held on January 9th, 2023, regarding Walnut Lamb Road, Forest Main and Lift Station. A resolution approving an engineering agreement with Fehr Graham for design services was passed a week later on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023.
  • Attribution: Sanders
  • Evidence: “there was a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 9th of 2023 where there was discussion regarding Walnut Lamb Road, Forest Main and Lift Station. And a week later on Tuesday, January 17th of 2023 it was passed to a resolution approving engineering agreement with Fehr Graham for design services.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:47:18

• Council Cohesion and Citizen Trust

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern that the city is not fully conforming on matters, urging council members to re-evaluate their cohesion and whether they are serving the people of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Sanders
  • Evidence: “nothing has not been conformed completely. We have incomplete work that needs to be re-evaluated and to to be studied, and I don’t care how many times we talk about the subject matter, it doesn’t matter as long as we are understanding what it is that the city is trying to push the citizens of Freeport into, and we need to not only evaluate what council is doing, but we need to evaluate ourself as far as anything else, are we cohesive on any matter that the the city might have on the agenda and do we all conform together to come to a resolution of anything?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:47:56

• Neighborhood Watch Meeting Reminder

  • Summary: A reminder was given about a neighborhood watch meeting scheduled for the following Monday night at 6 o’clock.
  • Attribution: Johnson
  • Evidence: “Orman-Parker? Yes, just a reminder, we have our neighborhood watch next Monday night at 6 o’clock.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:52:30

• Use of home rule powers

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the use of home rule to benefit the community.
  • Evidence: “And that means that you guys can’t use home rule to benefit the community, but you can Miller, Wayne, you can use it to say that Mayor Miller doesn’t have to live here, Wayne don’t have to live here, you guys can use it for all of that.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:54:55

• Community development status

  • Summary: Speaker expressed frustration about lack of incoming business and the state of public meetings.
  • Evidence: “I’m so tired of hearing shovel-ready sites. Nobody is coming here. Is this, you gotta be rocking, nobody is coming here. This is a public online meeting and it looks a mess.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:55:09

• City operations oversight

  • Summary: Speaker criticized the council for failing to conduct due diligence.
  • Evidence: “Dig in and do the due diligence for the community or like he said, get up and move around. You have something to do. You have a job to do. You work for us.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:55:32

• Council member approachability

  • Summary: Speaker advised a council member on improving approachability.
  • Evidence: “You have to be approachable. Nobody wants to talk to you, bro. That’s just period. You have to be approachable, not have an attitude when somebody asks you a question that you have to repeat.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:56:06

• Need for property valuation inspectors

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the need for inspectors to value houses correctly for charging purposes.
  • Evidence: “And you had a right, I don’t know, we might need inspectors to come in and look at these houses because they have to be valued. At a level to be charged what they’re charging. And so I don’t know what we can or can’t do. I’m gonna find out what we can or can’t do.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:11:13

Public Comment

• Concerns regarding gentrification and housing stability

  • Summary: A constituent expressed deep concern that local residents are being displaced due to property sales and rising rents, warning the council about potential homelessness.
  • Attribution: public
  • Evidence: “According to public Huffines. These are your constituents that are being gentrified out of this town based around properties that have been sold and is increasing their rents. These are your constituents that are going to be homeless with their children, one of whom has been hurt in one of these pieces of property. You guys don’t want to hear us? You will hear us one way or the other. You’re going to either hear us today and not make these people stay here all night, they got to go home to their kids and their family and their homes that they will no longer be able to exist. I’m passionate about this simply because I’ve been in that situation. I’ve been in transitional housing for 18 months, not under the same conditions that they’re going through. And you guys need to hear them. All of you need to hear them. You need to listen to what your constituents are saying and what I’m saying to you guys simply. If they don’t listen to you, get them out of here. Register. Everybody need to register. Vote them out of their seat. They need to hear you. If you’re not going to hear you, leave out of this door.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:17

• Housing and City Council Action

  • Summary: Speaker expressed passion regarding housing issues after personal experience in transitional housing, urging council members to listen to constituents and vote them out if they fail to act.
  • Evidence: “You’re going to either hear us today and not make these people stay here all night, they got to go home to their kids and their family and their homes that they will no longer be able to exist. I’m passionate about this simply because I’ve been in that situation. I’ve been in transitional housing for 18 months, not under the same conditions that they’re going through. And you guys need to hear them. All of you need to hear them. You need to listen to what your constituents are saying and what I’m saying to you guys simply. If they don’t listen to you, get them out of here. Register. Everybody need to register. Vote them out of their seat. They need to hear you. If you’re not going to hear you, leave out of this door.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:17

• Demolition and Property Development Concerns (Item 26)

  • Summary: Speaker raised concerns about demolishing properties that could become useful rentals and questioned the funding mechanism for a lift station, arguing property taxes are being diverted.
  • Evidence: “I’m going to speak on item 14, but I do think that demolition item 26 is an important issue and that we are demolishing properties that could be turned into useful rentals, and that is a concern that we should be talking about. I’m here to talk about the lift station. I was upset about it last time because I’ve been knowing about the Lamb Road TIF and this lift station which just came up but that TIF has been in existence since 2003 and Walmart and Menards were forced out there by a handful of white men who bought up land cheap and stuck them out there so that they could collect their property taxes. This is not Walmart or or Menard’s fault. This is this group of creepy men who dictate what happens in Freeport and steal our property taxes and so that’s what’s happening in the Lamb Road Tiff. Walmart and Menard’s property taxes are now funding a lift station to pump sewage out of there. Now when that development went in in 2005 I sat on the Planning Commission. I questioned all of this. Guess what? I was Kessler. This is what happens to people who look up and find out the facts. So here we are today paying for a lift station. I just talked to Mr. Stekel, Darren, and I asked, why do we not know how much this is going to cost? Tonight you’re about to approve $234,000 for engineering services. Do you know what that means? Means you’re going to pay him to oversee construction for a lift station. Do you know how much a lift station is going to cost you? Do you know how much it costs to run a lift station? I asked Mr. Stegall, and he gave me an answer, which I appreciated. He said it’s going to cost around $2.8, $2.3 million, which we do have in the TIF. But that’s not the point. Why are we spending the money on a lift station? When they put that development out there, they should have paid for water and sewer. If they didn’t have sewer out there, they had no business putting Walmart and Menards out there. And Mr. Boyer, I’m telling you this for your benefit because you weren’t here. I’m not blaming you. I’m bringing you historical information that I hope you will appreciate. So right now we’ve got this same group of creepy thugs who are running developments who want a lift station to get water and sewer out to Mill Race Crossing four or 500 acres, which they bought the land cheap, had no water out there and guess what? Now we’re gonna pay for it with those property taxes that Walmart and Menards are paying that are supposed to be coming to our police water, not water, we pay for water. Our police, fire, schools, city, we’re supposed to be using those property taxes to pay for our expenses here. But instead, you’re being asked to vote now to approve engineering costs so that we can put a lift station so that these, these thug developers who are sitting over at the county can run water and sewer out to their development which doesn’t even exist.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:59

• Solar Array Installation (Item 10)

  • Summary: Speaker explained why ground-mounted solar panels were chosen over roof installation for a church, citing replacement costs and confirming compliance with current ordinances.
  • Evidence: “Good evening, council. Hello, my name is Kenji Graham with State Line Solar on behalf of Harmony UMC. I’d like to address you in terms of item number 10, the approval of the ground-mounted solar array on the property. Mostly, I just wanted to answer the questions that came up from the first reading. That being, why not put solar panels on the roof? Main reason to not put panels on the roof is because it’s due to be replaced soon, and that would add extra cost to the church to have to remove them and put them back up at that time. We also moved it to the back of the property to remain out of sight as per the code request and our sizing of that ground mounted system does comply with the current ordinances as they are today.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:57

• Housing Crisis and Wayne Duckman’s Role (Item 23)

  • Summary: Speaker stated that Wayne Duckman is responsible for knocking down houses that do not need to be knocked down, in the context of a housing crisis.
  • Evidence: “Akia Sanders on item number 23. Let me try to make this as quick as possible. It’s a lot to cover. Cover. I’m going to show you how God revealed everything on this agenda that you say that don’t have nothing to do with it. The root is Wayne Duckman. Wayne is responsible for knocking down these houses that does not have to be knocked down. We are in a housing crisis right now, and we’re looking at the man to give him some money, a contract. After he quit on Freeport, he quit, put his two weeks in, don’t want nothing to do with us, but Boyer.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:35

• Item number 23 discussion on housing crisis and development

  • Summary: A speaker addressed item number 23, mentioning a housing crisis and criticizing actions related to property demolition.
  • Evidence: “Akia Sanders on item number 23. Let me try to make this as quick as possible. It’s a lot to cover.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:35

• Need for community assistance and action

  • Summary: A speaker emphasized the need for help for low-income individuals relying on Social Security.
  • Evidence: “But it’s people that need help. Social Security, low-income jobs.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:39

• Call to action regarding Freeport Partnership and community development

  • Summary: A speaker demanded action from the Freeport Partnership for the benefit of the community.
  • Evidence: “Freeport Partnership ain’t created a thing, I see. It’s time for somebody to do something that’s done for the community.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:39

• Request to inspect properties before demolition

  • Summary: A speaker requested a review of the properties that were torn down, stating one property did not need to be demolished.
  • Evidence: “Go through the properties once. How often do you go over there? How often do you trail those properties that have been torn down? Mine, for one, didn’t need to be torn down.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:39

• Housing unit availability and demolition interference

  • Summary: A speaker mentioned having an eight-unit apartment building that could be fixed up but was hindered by Wayne Duckman.
  • Evidence: “I have an eight-unit apartment building that can get fixed up, but because Wayne’s got to bug up his ass against me too.”
  • Source timestamp: 19:00

• Request for demolition permits and property repair rights

  • Summary: A speaker requested a permit to fix up a property after having one of their houses stolen.
  • Evidence: “Give me the permit so that I can fix this back up. You already stole one of my houses.”
  • Source timestamp: 19:36

• Discussion on demolition impact and contract scope

  • Summary: A speaker questioned whether a discussion about bid packages was appropriate when discussing demolitions, noting it relates to items 23, 26, and 27.
  • Evidence: “I did want to speak on the impact of demolitions and outside takeover. Okay, but the item that you spoke on is the contract. Yes, and that’s part of the demolitions, correct?”
  • Source timestamp: 19:55

• Scope of demolition discussion (Bid Package)

  • Summary: A speaker clarified that their concern about bid packages relates to properties being demolished over the last few years.
  • Evidence: “Yes, it’s in addition to the recent rent hikes, it also is including the several properties that have been demolitioned over the last few years.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:28

• Timing of discussion on proposed demolitions

  • Summary: A speaker argued that discussions about additional proposed demolitions should wait until public comment at the end of the meeting.
  • Evidence: “I think your comments are going to have to wait till the end because I just don’t think they’re really not about the bid packet.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:48

• Public comments regarding city services and funding

  • Summary: A staff representative detailed multiple critical functions of the city that would fail without adequate funding, including street paving, snow plowing, water/sewer line repair, emergency dispatching, safe drinking water provision, and fire support.
  • Attribution: Robert Holt
  • Evidence: “My name is Robert Holt. I am the AFSCME Council 31 staff representative for local 3367 the municipal employees of the city of Freeport. I Received this letter that they’ve asked me to read today So I’ll begin over the past few years public works has been promised a $5 an hour increase Thomas, that they have not received. And now that the city does not want to come through, now the city does not want to come through on their problems. In 2019, the local took a 0% increase because the city said they did not have the funds to give us our negotiated increase. And after the city got their COVID money, they only gave it to the police and fire pensions and no one else. Without the street department, the city would be paying millions more to get streets paved. Winter, the streets would not get plowed to ensure safe traveling for our citizens and police and fire. Without the water and sewer construction crews, we would have to pay someone else thousands to fix main breaks. You would also have to figure out who was going to run sewer lines when they get backed up and don’t flow properly. Without the telecommunicators, all the calls would be directed to other agencies, which would take even longer to dispatch our are officers and fire department personnel. Without the water treatment crews, there would not be safe drinking water. If there is no fire, if there is a fire, no one will be there to turn up the pumps to help support the water supply needed to put out fires. So pay us what you owe us, because if you don’t pay, we don’t stay.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:21

• Housing and Rental Control Limitations

  • Summary: The speaker stated that while they understand concerns about rent increases, the city council cannot dictate what people can charge for rent.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “I would just like to say I know we had a lot of people that came in and was talking about you know the housing and the and the rents and all those things and I totally get it and I understand because I’ve been on both sides I’ve been a single mom renting and I’ve also been a landlord so I do understand but we have no control of what people charge on their rents that’s just like if I wanted to sell my house I don’t they can’t can’t tell me how much I can sell my house for. So I do understand and my heart goes out because I hate that it’s happening. But we as city council, we cannot tell people what they can charge for rent.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:51:02

• Crime Rate and Home Rule Concerns

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern that the crime rate is increasing and advised council members on how they could use home rule to benefit the community or move.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “I think the crime rate is going to go anywhere but up. This is going to affect more than every, not just these guys. They might move next door, down the street, around the corner from all of you, opposed to the ones that, let’s say, let’s see the home rule benefited that you guys don’t have to live here anymore, or say, or whatever you do.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:53:45

• City Development and Due Diligence

  • Summary: The speaker expressed frustration with the state of city development discussions, stating that nobody is coming to build and urging due diligence for the community.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “I’m so tired of hearing shovel-ready sites. Nobody is coming here. Is this, you gotta be rocking, nobody is coming here. This is a public online meeting and it looks a mess. We got Darren impersonate himself as FHA worker, we got Wayne tearing down the city for no and I. And we got a bunch of neighborhood watch meetings and ain’t nothing getting watched. I’m just trying to figure this out. This ain’t rocket science, man. Dig in and do the due diligence for the community or like he said, get up and move around.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:55:13

• Compensation and transit funding review

  • Summary: Question raised regarding Wayne’s compensation rate ($62.50/hour for 16 hours) compared to local average wages, and questioning the $2.1 million allocation for Pretzel City Transit.
  • Evidence: “My name is Cheryl Altman. My question is, why is Wayne getting, well, for 16 hours at $62.50 an hour? That is three to four times more than what an average person makes in this town, and it’s a shame, but you guys voted for that. You’re wrong. Also .2.1 million dollars for Pretzel City Transit.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:56:22

• Transit donations and funding

  • Summary: Speaker noted that vans and buses are given to the city of Freeport for free, in addition to other donations.
  • Evidence: “But the worst thing is you forgot to mention that all those vans and buses are given to the city of Freeport for free. And then not even to mention all their donations because I used to drive the bus. I could bring in $400 in donations every two weeks. Easy.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:57:00

• Council spending accountability

  • Summary: Speaker questioned where money is going given potential labor strikes.
  • Evidence: “Huffines. So where’s that money? The worst part is you’re making that money and you’ve got people out here who are ready to strike but you won’t give them a raise.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:57:14

• Structural assessment dispute

  • Summary: Speaker disputed Wayne’s structural assessments of their building.
  • Evidence: “next, Wayne, you say that you walked through all these buildings, wrong. You made me get an engineer, a structural engineer. You didn’t like what you said because you said my building was structurally sound more than most.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:57:28

• Conflict of interest allegation

  • Summary: Speaker alleged a conflict of interest regarding Elbers and sons due to Mayor Miller’s relation to the family.
  • Evidence: “And why are we getting Elbers and sons? Because Mayor Miller, you’re related to them. Your mom was an Elber.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:57:59

• Housing monopoly and rent increases

  • Summary: Speaker detailed how Pied Piper Realty has taken over properties, creating a monopoly, and imposing rapid, high-percentage rent increases.
  • Evidence: “Pied Piper Realty has taken over properties once managed by Chapman Properties and others, creating a monopoly of sorts. Many of us are now being told to sign new fixed term leases within seven days or face a 30-day notice to vacate. The rent increases are as high as 50%.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:58:52

• Request for local ordinance on rent increases

  • Summary: Speaker requested passing a local ordinance requiring 60 or 90 days’ notice before significant rent increases or lease terminations.
  • Evidence: “Some things that you can do are pass a local ordinance requiring 60 or 90 days to notice before significant rent increases or lease terminations.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:00:12

• Request for property inspections and public forum

  • Summary: Speaker requested immediate inspections of properties with sharp rent hikes and hosting a public forum.
  • Evidence: “Also you could conduct immediate inspections of properties with sharp rent hikes to ensure that they meet health and safety codes, especially for any property raising rent by more than 10%. You could even host a public forum with tenants and landlords so our voices are heard”
  • Source timestamp: 04:00:41

• Request for state-level action on rent control

  • Summary: Speaker requested passing a resolution urging the state of Illinois to lift the rent control ban.
  • Evidence: “My last suggestion is to pass a resolution urging the state of Illinois to lift the rent control ban and return the power to cities like ours.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:01:02

• General plea for community action

  • Summary: Speaker expressed concern over residents being forced out due to unaffordability and urged leaders to take more action.
  • Evidence: “I’ve watched you guys sometime on TV, but I didn’t notice that you have prayer before you begin. Is that right? … what’s most important is not seeing Huffines. I want to see all of you do more than what you’re doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:01:52

• Concerns regarding housing affordability and community distress

  • Summary: The speaker expressed deep concern over residents being forced to leave their homes due to financial inability and urged leaders to take action.
  • Evidence: “I don’t know what’s gonna happen from this day because my heart is just so heavy right now after seeing all those comments of people that it’s gonna have to leave from where they’re living right now because they can’t afford it and I just want to say I’m not going to talk too long but I want to say this to all of you I stayed I stayed and I listened to all that you guys had to say and those some important things but to me right now what’s most important is not seeing Huffines. I want to see all of you do more than what you’re doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:02:00

• Need for council action on housing and community welfare

  • Summary: The speaker urged the city council members, citing their divine calling to serve, to take more action because the current situation is detrimental to Freeport.
  • Evidence: “I know that none of you are in these positions because somebody just voted you in. I know that the God of heaven allowed you to be in these positions. And He expects you to do what you’re supposed to do. This is not going to be good for nobody in the city of Freeport. There’s a lot of families, a lot, that has been hurt by this. And so in the days to come you’re going to feel it. We might feel it, but you’re going to feel it too. And I want you to keep that in your mind that you’re not here just because somebody voted you in. You’re here because God put you here.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:03:11

• Concerns about homelessness and city distress

  • Summary: The speaker noted the presence of children begging for homes, stating that Freeport has never been a distressed city before and urging council members to help keep people in their homes.
  • Attribution: Sue Cook
  • Evidence: “Hi, my name is Sue Cook, Winchester Drive. I was home and I was watching online and thought, no, no, no. There are children, there were children standing here begging for their home in Freeport. We’ve never been a distressed city before. Don, you know that. This city was flourishing and beautiful and huge and Good, and there were homes and places for people. There were not children standing in front of the City Council begging for their homes.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:03:56

• Urgent need to maintain emergency services and infrastructure

  • Summary: The speaker urged council members, particularly Rob, to ensure 911 services are not taken away from disabled residents and highlighted issues with potholes causing vehicle damage.
  • Evidence: “And here we stand distressed. The second thing, for God’s sakes, for the people that are disabled in this town, don’t take 911 away from them. Rob, give them the five bucks. Five bucks are a life. It could be my husband, it could be me, it could be Cece, it could be the mayor. We’ve had head-ons. Here I am crying, I’m sorry, I’m really sorry. But we’ve had head-ons. We’ve had multiple head-ons. I’ve driven that road. I’ve had to drive off the road to avoid head-ons. Guys, we can’t have no 911 in Freeport. We can’t have roads where our cars go into the potholes, and we have to pay $3,200 for an undercarriage, which has happened.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:06:17

• Call for collective council action on community issues

  • Summary: The speaker advocated for the council to conform and work together on issues hurting the community, suggesting a town hall meeting or executive session.
  • Evidence: “I feel the compassion of those that are in distress. And if we have a heart or any empathy for what the community brought to us tonight, we should look, like I said earlier, we should Conform as council people for the greater good of the people. We should conform to come together on a topic issue that is hurting folk.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:07:22

• Need for community benefit programs and communication

  • Summary: The speaker expressed concern about the lack of established programs benefiting residents who wish to improve themselves and suggested a town hall meeting format for discussion.
  • Evidence: “I have not heard anything from our council that talks about a program that can benefit everyone that has a desire to want to better themselves in this community. I don’t wanna see people talking about I’m gonna be homeless. How do you come to the Council of Freeport and someone standing before you talking about I’m losing everything and I don’t have no place to go? How could we just sit in our seat and after we adjourn tonight, have no way of talking to one another, calling each other up, say hey, we need to get up, we need to have a hall, a town hall meeting or some form or something to talk about that helps to help people.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:09:51

• Advice regarding renter rights and housing inspections

  • Summary: The speaker advised that renters have rights and suggested the need for inspectors to value houses accurately before rent increases are charged.
  • Attribution: Cecelia
  • Evidence: “As renters, you have rights. And you had a right, I don’t know, we might need inspectors to come in and look at these houses because they have to be valued. At a level to be charged what they’re charging.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:11:13

Follow-ups

• Recommendation for Fehr Graham contract

  • Summary: Staff recommends moving forward with the contract with Fehr Graham.
  • Evidence: “Staff recommends moving forward with the contract with Fehr Graham.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:43:00

• List of properties for demolition

  • Summary: A request was made for a list of properties that the speaker had previously discussed with City Manager Boyer.
  • Evidence: “I spoke with you and City Manager Boyer and I asked for a list. So are you telling me this is 8 of the 17 on the list?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:16:35

Other

• Prayer for guidance and miracle in the city
  • Summary: A prayer was offered asking God to work a miracle in the city and help the council.
  • Evidence: “So Father God, in the name of Jesus, hear the hearts and the cries of your people. Father God, make a way out of no way. We’re looking to you for a miracle yeah you change is not so just like you fed many with five fish and two loaves of bread I’m asking you to work a miracle in this city on behalf of these your children your people help us as a council Winslow. To do any and everything we can do to make that difference. To show ourselves strong. To show the value we have and the value that we carry. Give us the words to say and the ability to do what needs to be done. And we’ll be sure to give you all honor, glory, and praise in advance for victory is ours. And I stand on that, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:11:47