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Meeting Events: City Council Meeting

Deterministic civic events derived from machine-generated meeting records. These events are reviewable public-reference artifacts, not official minutes.

Source

Original public meeting recording on YouTube

Meeting Events

Meeting: lcoxj0z6nou.city_council_meeting_5_18_2026

Meeting date: 2026-05-18

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 Consent Agenda Items

    • Summary: Motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, City Council
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second.”
    • Evidence: “The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye.”
    • Source timestamp: 07:46

  • Consent Agenda Approval — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve items on the Consent Agenda.
    • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, Council
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion is approved, 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 07:46

  • Library Trustee Reappointments Approval — Passed

    • Summary: Motion to approve the reappointments for the Board of Library Trustees.
    • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Council
    • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Evidence: “Klemm. Aye. Johnson. No. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. And Sellers. Aye. The motion is approved seven to one.”
    • Source timestamp: 08:38

  • Move on Ordinance 202630 to next council meeting

    • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “I would like to change Is there a motion to move this on to the next council meeting? We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
    • Source timestamp: 13:10

  • Ordinance 202630 Approval — Passed

    • Summary: The ordinance was approved with an 8 to 0 vote.
    • Attribution: City Council
    • Evidence: “And Sellers? Aye. The ordinance is approved, 8 to 0.”
    • Source timestamp: 11:23

  • Approval of ordinance to donate equipment

    • Summary: Motion made to approve the donation of equipment to Hearts in Motion.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second.”

  • Suspension of rules for ordinance passage — Passed

    • Summary: Motion made to suspend the rules regarding an ordinance.
    • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, and we have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker.”
    • Evidence: “Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The motion for suspension passes eight to zero.”
    • Source timestamp: 16:30

  • Moving ordinance 2026-32 forward

    • Summary: Motion made to move Ordinance 2026-32 forward.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So moved. Second.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:03

  • Amending ordinance 2026-32 by suspension of rules — Passed

    • Summary: Motion made to amend the ordinance via a motion to suspend.
    • Evidence: “I make a motion to amend. You mean to suspend? Suspend. Second.”
    • Evidence: “We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension. And again, it’s two-thirds majority and non-debatable.”
    • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The motion to suspend passes 6-2.”
    • Source timestamp: 19:33

  • Ordinance passage on surplus discussion — Passed

    • Summary: The ordinance passed with an 8-0 vote.
    • Evidence: “The ordinance passes 8-0.”

  • Moving Ordinance 2026-33 forward

    • Summary: A motion was made to move item number 11 (Ordinance 2026-33) forward.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved.”
    • Evidence: “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Source timestamp: 26:38

  • Acquisition of mulching head for mini excavator

    • Summary: Motion to adopt the acquisition of a new mulching head for the John Deere mini excavator.
    • Evidence: “So staff recommends moving forward with the acquisition of the new mulching head for the John Deere mini excavator. Is there a motion to adopt? Moe.”
    • Evidence: “Second.”
    • Evidence: “So staff recommends moving forward with the acquisition of the new mulching head for the John Deere mini excavator. Is there a motion to adopt? Moe. Second. Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Source timestamp: 28:29

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-76: Ratification of emergency engagement for steel backwash gate fabrication — Adopted

    • Summary: The resolution ratifying the emergency engagement of precision piping and fabrication to fabricate a steel backwash gate was adopted seven to one.
    • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted seven to one. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-76.”
    • Source timestamp: 28:37

  • Ratification of emergency repair for wastewater sluice gate — Adopted

    • Summary: Motion to ratify the emergency repair involving a steel backwash gate at the wastewater treatment plant.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 30:57

  • Authorization for emergency box culvert repairs on Seeley Avenue

    • Summary: Motion to authorize the emergency box culvert repair invoice for Seeley Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Source timestamp: 32:33

  • Adoption of emergency boiler repair plan — Passed

    • Summary: A motion was made regarding the emergency repair of the boiler by replacing it with exterior units.
    • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Council
    • Evidence: “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0.”

  • Declaring 709 South Liberty Avenue as surplus inventory

    • Summary: A motion was made to declare the property at 709 South Liberty Avenue as surplus inventory.
    • Attribution: Alderman Seller, Council
    • Evidence: “So staff recommends moving forward with this resolution to declare it a surplus inventory. So your motion to adopt. So move. Second. The motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye.”
    • Source timestamp: 43:33

  • Resolution adoption — Adopted

    • Summary: The resolution was adopted 8-0.
    • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
    • Source timestamp: 45:43

  • Adjournment

    • Summary: Motion to adjourn the council meeting.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Source timestamp: 59:02

  • Adjournment motion

    • Summary: Vote on the motion to adjourn.
    • Evidence: “All those in favor.”
    • Source timestamp: 59:02

Procedural Actions

  • Consent Agenda Approval

    • Summary: The Consent Agenda included approval to receive and place on file minutes from several boards and commissions, adoption of resolution 2026-77, approval of finance bills payable totaling $3,593,970.04, and payroll for pay period ending May 2nd, 2026 totaling $714,634.55.
    • Attribution: City Council, Council
    • Evidence: “The Consent Agenda is approval to receive and place on file minutes from the Board and Commission meetings from the Police Pension and Fire Pension Board, and the commission meetings from the police pension and fire pension boards February 4, 2026, art and culture commission March 12, 2026, the liquor commission April 9, 2026, the greater Freeport partnership monthly report, April 26, and the building permit report. Also is the adoption of resolution 2026-77, which is the request August 15th, and also is the approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $3,593,970.04 and payroll for pay period ending May 2nd, 2026 in the total of $714,634.55.”
    • Source timestamp: 06:48

  • Final reading of Ordinance 2026-32

    • Summary: The body proceeded to the final reading for Ordinance 2026-32.
    • Evidence: “Okay so now before you is for the final reading for this ordinance. Is there a discussion?”
    • Source timestamp: 20:20

  • Roll Call Vote on Surplus Discussion

    • Summary: The roll call confirmed votes from Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.
    • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye.”
    • Source timestamp: 23:26

  • Memorial Day closure and parade details

    • Summary: A reminder was given that City Hall will be closed on Monday, Memorial Day, and the downtown parade starts at 10 o’clock; Council members should be at Main and Walnut by 9:15.
    • Evidence: “And just a reminder, Monday is Memorial Day, so City Hall will be closed. The parade downtown starts at 10 o’clock, so if you are part of the Council and would like to walk in the parade, you should be at the corner of Main and Walnut by 915.”
    • Source timestamp: 53:09

  • Adjournment motion

    • Summary: A motion was made and seconded for adjournment after confirming no further public comments.
    • Evidence: “Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:54

  • Adjournment motion

    • Summary: Motion made for adjournment of the meeting.
    • Evidence: “Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:54

Ordinances and Resolutions

  • Ordinance 2026-29 Amendment to Liquor Code

    • Summary: Second reading of Ordinance amending Chapter 806, Liquor, Section 806.02C1, Tier 3 licenses to clarify parameters of Class R Caterer License.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Item number seven is the second reading of Ordinance 2026. Is the second reading of Ordinance 202629. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Chapter 806, Liquor, Section 806.02C1, Tier 3 licenses to clarify parameters of Class R Caterer License.”
    • Source timestamp: 09:34

  • Ordinance 202630 First Reading

    • Summary: First reading of ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01d3.
    • Attribution: City Clerk
    • Evidence: “Item number 8 is the first reading of ordinance 202630. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01d3, regarding classification plan to change title of, I think it’s just city accountant, is that correct, to finance specialist.”
    • Source timestamp: 11:23

  • Ordinance 202631 First Reading

    • Summary: First reading of ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal items owned by the city.
    • Attribution: City Clerk
    • Evidence: “Item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 202631. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal items owned by the city.”
    • Source timestamp: 14:11

  • Ordinance 2026-32: Sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of personal property

    • Summary: First reading of Ordinance 2026-32 authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property owned by the City.
    • Evidence: “Item number 10 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-32. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property owned by the City.”
    • Source timestamp: 17:32

  • First reading of Ordinance 2026-33: Outdoor Lighting Regulations

    • Summary: Item number 11 was the first reading of Ordinance 2026-33, concerning Outdoor Lighting Regulations.
    • Evidence: “Item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-33. Could you please read that? Ordinance Adding a Chapter 1480 to the Codified Ordinances Concerning Outdoor Lighting Regulations.”
    • Source timestamp: 23:46

  • Adoption of Resolution 2026-75: Purchase of mulching head attachment

    • Summary: Item number 12 concerns the adoption of resolution 2026-75, approving the purchase of a mulching head attachment from Westside Tractor Sales.
    • Evidence: “We’ll move on to item number 12, which is the adoption of resolution 2026-75. Could you please read this? Approving the purchase of a mulching head attachment from Westside Tractor Sales.”
    • Source timestamp: 27:07

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-76: Ratification of emergency engagement for steel backwash gate fabrication

    • Summary: Resolution ratifying the emergency engagement of precision piping and fabrication to fabricate a steel backwash gate at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
    • Evidence: “Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-76. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency engagement of precision piping and fabrication to fabricate steel backwash gate at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.”
    • Source timestamp: 29:25

  • Adoption of resolution 2026-78: Authorization for emergency box culvert repairs on Seeley Avenue

    • Summary: Resolution authorizing emergency box culvert repairs by NYCAM construction on Seeley Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-78. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing emergency box culvert repairs by NYCAM construction on Seeley Avenue.”
    • Source timestamp: 31:05

  • Adoption of Resolution 2026-79 granting emergency repairs authority to HVAC system at wastewater treatment plant

    • Summary: Resolution 2026-79 grants authority for emergency repairs to the HVAC system of the blower building of the wastewater treatment plant.
    • Evidence: “Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2026-79. Please read this. Resolution granting authority emergency repairs to HVAC system of the blower building of the wastewater treatment plant.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:33

  • Disposal of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue

    • Summary: The resolution authorizes the city to dispose of surplus city real property located at 709 South Liberty Avenue.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 202680. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing the city to dispose of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue.”
    • Source timestamp: 43:03

Financial and Contract Events

  • Cost of HVAC Boiler Repair

    • Summary: The total cost for the emergency repair of the boiler was $74,238 and it will be funded from the capital budget.
    • Evidence: “So staff moved forward with an emergency repair of the boiler by replacing it with exterior units added to the building and the total cost of that was $74,238 and it will come from the capital budget.”
    • Source timestamp: 40:44

  • Dunkin’ Donuts Cup on Top initiative proceeds

    • Summary: The department raised $4,816.80 from the Dunkin’ Donuts Cup on Top initiative proceeds for the Special Olympics.
    • Evidence: “So I’d like to thank the public and the community who came out in order to have our Dunkin’ Donuts Cup on Top initiative. We were able to raise $4,816.80 at all those proceeds. We’ll be going to the Special Olympics.”
    • Source timestamp: 51:52

Appointments

  • Board of Library Trustees Reappointments
    • Summary: Reappointments for the Board of Library Trustees effective through May 31st, 2029.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Item number six are reappointments could you please read those? All of these reappointments are to the Board of Library Trustees all effective through May 31st, 2029, Alan Green, Betty Butler, and Tasha Mazik. Thank you.”
    • Source timestamp: 08:12

Presentations and Reports

  • Liquor Ordinance Clarification

    • Summary: Presentation regarding the ordinance clarifying parameters of the CR Class Liquor and the License, presented by Manager Boyer.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. This ordinance came through the Liquor Commission. It was presented to Council on May 4th. Steve Cox was here to present and also to take questions. And this basically clarifies parameters of the CR Class Liquor and the License, and the Liquor Commission and staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance.”
    • Source timestamp: 10:12

  • Ordinance 202630: Change of Title for Finance Position

    • Summary: The finance department is requesting to change the title of a position from City Accountant to Finance Specialist. The main duties remain the same, and there are no changes to job description or staffing levels.
    • Attribution: Director Richter
    • Evidence: “Director Richter. Thank you, Your Honor. The finance department currently employs one staff person, title of city accountant. The main duties of the position include payroll processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. The current title of City Accountant may lead a potential applicant to believe that the job duties associated with the position would include budgetary compliance, maintaining the general ledger, and preparing financial statements. As the position is currently being recruited, we thought now would be the appropriate time to change the title of the position. The Finance Department is requesting a change to Ordinance 290.01d3 to remove the position of Deputy City Accountant and replace it with Finance Specialist. We would also like to remove the title City Accountant from Section 290.01e. There are no changes to the job description or increases in staffing levels related to this change. It’s strictly just the title of the position.”
    • Source timestamp: 12:12

  • Disposal of Fire Department Turnout Gear (Ordinance 202631)

    • Summary: The fire department has accumulated equipment, including 40 coats, 45 sets of pants, 11 sets of boots and a helmet, that has run its useful life according to NFPA standards. The gear can be donated to other countries via the nonprofit organization Hearts in Motion.
    • Attribution: Chief Cordy
    • Evidence: “Chief Cordy. Thank you. According to the National Fire Protection Association, All of the gear that the firefighters wear has a life expectancy of 10 years. At the end of that 10 years, to be compliant, we have to no longer use that equipment. Back in February, this board voted to purchase some replacement gear. In the meantime, we’ve had quite a bit that has been accumulating in the station. And we’ve got a listing of it, 40 coats, 45 sets of pants, 11 sets of boots and a helmet. All that equipment has run its useful life through the NFPA, so we can no longer use that. We have two different options of what we can do with it. We can either throw it in the landfill or we can donate it. There’s other countries that do not abide by the same NFPA standards that we do. So a lot of the Central America, Southern America are able to utilize this gear because in many cases, it’s still very useful. It’s just that based on our standards, we can no longer use it. So at this point, we found a group called Hearts in Motion. It’s a nonprofit organization based in Shererville, Indiana that collects and then donates this type of equipment to those countries. And we’d like to have this ordinance approved to follow through with that. At this point, the gear has no dollar value to anybody in the United States, and it has no cost to the city to donate this.”

  • Condition of furniture at 709 South Liberty

    • Summary: Chief Rostow reported that everything in the building at 709 South Liberty has been destroyed by water, mold, rodents, fleas, and nothing is useful for the Freeport Police Department.
    • Attribution: Chief Rostow
    • Evidence: “If you go into the building, everything has been destroyed either by water, mold, rodents, fleas and nothing can be used out of there. There are miscellaneous furniture that has been rusted. As you can see with all the pictures that are there, there’s nothing that is useful for the Freeport Police Department.”
    • Source timestamp: 18:11

  • Ordinance 2026-33: Outdoor Lighting Regulations

    • Summary: The Community and Economic Development Department drafted the ordinance after discussing the lack of lighting regulations in Freeport. Chapter 1480 establishes new outdoor lighting regulations to reduce nuisance lighting, improve public safety, minimize light pollution, and create constant standards.
    • Evidence: “Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The Community and Economic Development Department was directed by the Planning Commission to draft an ordinance for outdoor lighting regulations after discussing the lack of lighting regulations within the City of Freeport. There is currently not a policy in place for outdoor lighting regulations. Staff presented a draft, Chapter 1480, Outdoor Lighting Regulations to Planning Commission, where input and corresponding edits were made. After being approved by the Planning Commission on May 8th, the newly drafted ordinance was then presented to the Building Commission for further edits last Wednesday on May 13th. Chapter 1480 establishes new outdoor lighting regulations for the City of Freeport to reduce nuisance lighting, improve public safety, minimize light pollution, and create constant standards Sanders for outdoor lighting installations throughout the community.”
    • Source timestamp: 23:57

  • Outdoor Lighting Regulations Support

    • Summary: The lighting ordinance supports the city’s goal for a safe and inclusive community, ensuring neighborhoods and vehicles are not negatively impacted by lighting on signs and buildings. It requires no additional funding.
    • Evidence: “The lighting ordinance supports the city’s goal for a safe and inclusive community as it ensures neighborhoods and vehicles are not negatively impacted by lighting on signs and buildings. This does not require any additional funding, and staff, the building commission, the planning commission recommend approval of the addition of chapter 1480 outdoor lighting regulations following a first and second reading by the city council.”
    • Source timestamp: 26:08

  • Mulching Head Acquisition for Public Works

    • Summary: Manager Boyer stated that the department wishes to buy a mulching head for the mini excavator to perform mulching, brush and nuisance weeds, and small trees removals in difficult-to-reach areas. The cost is quoted at $23,500.
    • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The current Public Works Department has a mini excavator among the equipment that we inventory and use. We’d like to buy a mulching head for the mini excavator that’ll allow us to do mulching and brush and nuisance weeds and small trees, removals and ditches in areas that are very difficult to get to with our other equipment. So this is in the 2026 capital budget. We have a source well quote for $23,500.”
    • Source timestamp: 27:48

  • HVAC Boiler Failure at Wastewater Treatment Plant

    • Summary: The boiler at the wastewater treatment plant, which heats the plant and primarily the blower building containing large screw air compressors, recently failed with a leak in the main boiler section. Staff opted for an emergency repair by replacing it with exterior units added to the building.
    • Attribution: City Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Recently the boiler at the wastewater treatment plant that heats the plant and primarily the blower building, which contains a number of large screw air compressors, recently failed. It’s very old and it sprung a leak in the main boiler section. Also staff investigated a couple of different ways to get this taken care of. One of the options was to put in some heating units and cooling units in the blower building instead of replacing the boiler, which is substantially more expensive than to do that.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:53

  • Public Works announcements and updates

    • Summary: The Hancock Shawnee Vidoc was officially opened, paving is done, and the new bridge height is 14 foot, six inches, allowing passage for commercial vehicles under state law.
    • Attribution: Public Works
    • Evidence: “So officially today, the Hancock Shawnee Vidoc was opened. The paving is done. There might be a little grass and dirt seating that needs to be done over there yet, but in all intents and purposes, it’s wrapped up. The new height of the bridge is normal height at 14 foot, six inches. So All commercial vehicles that are under state law should be able to underpass that now, which is a huge accomplishment and gives us two accesses for the businesses back there and the residents should be very happy.”
    • Source timestamp: 45:51

  • National Public Works Week recognition

    • Summary: The speaker expressed gratitude to the public works team for their dedication in keeping Freeport safe and functional, noting that their work is essential across various services like maintaining streets, managing water/wastewater, clearing snow, and responding to emergencies.
    • Attribution: Public Works
    • Evidence: “As we celebrate National Public Works Week, I’d like to extend a sincere gratitude and appreciation to the outstanding men and women who serve our community through public works. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of the city’s daily operations and their commitment helps ensure that the Freeport remains a safe, functional, and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.”
    • Source timestamp: 49:23

  • EMS/Fire Department recognition

    • Summary: The speaker acknowledged the effort of EMS personnel who handle calls day and night, noting that EMS is about 80% of what the fire department does in Freeport.
    • Evidence: “Police? Well, I’ll be sharing the public works and fire and emergency medical services week. EMS is about 80% of what the fire department does here in Freeport and those guys put a lot of time and effort into going on all the calls all times of the day and night and see lots of things that most people don’t want to see and have to deal with it.”
    • Source timestamp: 51:17

  • City Manager’s report status

    • Summary: The City Manager stated he had nothing for tonight as it was covered by everyone.
    • Attribution: City Manager
    • Evidence: “IT? City Manager. Well, thank you, Your Honor. I actually have nothing for tonight, although I think it’s been fairly well covered by everyone.”
    • Source timestamp: 53:00

  • Neighborhood Watch alerts system

    • Summary: The speaker reiterated the value of the text message notification system for projects, citing the Gladewood project where residents were informed about entrance closures.
    • Evidence: “Alderman Shadle? I just want to reiterate what Darren had said about the text message notification system. I signed up for it for the Gladewood project and getting very detailed text. As Tom said, there was instances where the south entrance was gonna be closed so that the residents knew that they needed to come in the north entrance.”
    • Source timestamp: 56:13

  • Neighborhood Watch locations and dates

    • Summary: The speaker provided details for upcoming Neighborhood Watch meetings: one on Tuesday the 19th at the church on Carroll and Empire at 6 o’clock with Officer Delvalli, and another on Thursday evening for the Second Ward at 1833 West Laurel Street at the Laurel Street Community Church.
    • Evidence: “Tomorrow, Tuesday the 19th, will be my Neighborhood Watch at the church on Carroll and Empire at 6 o’clock with Officer Delvalli. Also on Thursday evening will be the Neighborhood Watch for the Second Ward, and it is at 1833 West Laurel Street at the Laurel Street Community Church.”

  • Street name information for South 700 South Liberty Street

    • Summary: Presented signatures and financial costs related to a street name change on South 700 South Liberty Street.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “I was given information for a street name on South 700 South Liberty Street. The person that was doing it got a yield, so they passed it over to me. I have all the signatures of the homeowners that were required to get this done. Also have the financial costs also. So I’m here to see where we go forward from here.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:16

Discussion

  • Library Trustee Reappointments Process

    • Summary: Discussion regarding the reappointment process for library trustees.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “Alderman Johnson. I just wondered, now, when they’re reappointed, do they have to reapply to be on the board or? Well, the process is usually in communication with the library director and myself and just checking attendance, seeing about their involvement. And then they’re asked, if they’re in good standing, then they’re asked if they would like to continue. And all three of them said yes.”
    • Source timestamp: 08:44

  • Liquor Ordinance Clarification Details

    • Summary: Discussion regarding the meaning and presentation details of the liquor ordinance.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
    • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? What is a CR? That’s a Caterer’s License. Is that what that stands for? Yes. And who’s going to give a presentation for that? Well, who’s going to present that other than council voting on it? Is there more detailed information on this? We had that presentation, I think it was on the COW, it was presented by Attorney Cox, and then it was first reading at the last meeting. Okay, I just needed a refreshment summary of it, if I can get that.”
    • Source timestamp: 10:33

  • Ordinance 2026-32 amendments and disposal plan

    • Summary: Discussion regarding amending the ordinance and the criteria for disposing of technology.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
    • Evidence: “Does this need to be amended too? I’m sorry, Samark. Would you like this one to be amended also? Yes. Okay. … I just heard something about something technical in nature, part of this recycling disposal and is being asked to dispose of it in a way that allows someone else to intercept it and I don’t understand what is the criteria for disposing such gear or such technology to a facility or whoever is asking for this donation.”
    • Source timestamp: 20:20

  • Disposal criteria for technical recycling equipment

    • Summary: A concern was raised regarding the lack of clear criteria for disposing of technical or specialized gear to ensure it is not in a compromising position.
    • Evidence: “I just heard something about something technical in nature, part of this recycling disposal and is being asked to dispose of it in a way that allows someone else to intercept it and I don’t understand what is the criteria for disposing such gear or such technology to a facility or whoever is asking for this donation. We don’t have a list of items listed before us to determine whether or not we should make sure that anything that we’re disposing is in a compromising position.”
    • Source timestamp: 20:20

  • IT equipment disposal procedure

    • Summary: It was stated that all IT equipment being disposed of will be properly wiped, including hard drives.
    • Evidence: “Yep. Everything we’re getting rid of IT wise will be disposed properly. So hard drives strided, you know, devices wiped, all that good stuff.”
    • Source timestamp: 22:23

  • Condition of donated house

    • Summary: A speaker expressed disappointment regarding the condition of a house allegedly given to the police department, noting issues like mold and rodents.
    • Evidence: “Yes, I’m just disappointed because I’m sure this house was given to the police department and for it to be in the shape that it’s in, it’s really discouraging to see that Where was the care? I mean, and you spoke about rest, mold, rodents, and we still want to give it to somebody?”
    • Source timestamp: 22:33

  • Key ideas of Outdoor Lighting Regulations (Chapter 1480)

    • Summary: The ordinance establishes a maximum light spillover limit onto property lines; requires proper shielding for neighboring properties and traffic glare; prohibits flashing lights, searchlights, laser lighting; establishes exceptions for residential structures under four dwelling units, holiday lighting, public street lights, ADA required lighting, recreational facilities, and temporary permitted events; creates standards for illuminated signs and electric messaging centers.
    • Evidence: “Key ideas of the ordinance is that it establishes a maximum light spillover limit onto property lines and other nearby residents. So if you’re in a commercial district, it limits how much can spill into a residential so that those who are living in their homes are not impacted by commercial lighting in a negative way. It requires outdoor lighting to be properly shielded for the neighboring properties but also traffic and make sure that it’s shielded for glare for the drivers. Prohibits flashing lights, searchlights, laser lighting, and other lighting that may be distracting. Establishes exceptions for residential properties, holiday lighting, public street lights, ADA Fiering, ADA Required Lighting, Recreational Facilities, and Temporary Permitted Events. And then it creates standards for illuminated signs and electric messaging centers, which are all the new billboards that you see in town and it’s technology that’s going to be pushing that even more into the future.”
    • Source timestamp: 25:08

  • Scope of Outdoor Lighting Regulations (Chapter 1480)

    • Summary: Alderman Johnson sought clarification on whether the ordinance affects only businesses, residents, or all parties.
    • Evidence: “Alderman Johnson. Just to clarify, Gertrude, for those that are listening, who all does this affect? Just the businesses, residents, or who all does it affect?”
    • Source timestamp: 26:50

  • Scope of Outdoor Lighting Regulations (Chapter 1480)

    • Summary: It was confirmed that the ordinance affects everybody except for residential structures containing less than four dwelling units.
    • Evidence: “Yes, absolutely. So this affects everybody except for residential structures containing less than four dwelling units.”
    • Source timestamp: 26:59

  • Box culvert repair details for Seeley Avenue

    • Summary: Discussion regarding the scope and cost of the box culvert repair on Seeley Avenue.
    • Evidence: “Staff went out and found a local contractor that could take care of the work for $9,212. We did some estimating and it probably will last five to ten years where the total cost of a total replacement will be over $60,000.”
    • Source timestamp: 32:07

  • Wing wall repair and structural integrity of culvert

    • Summary: The wing wall eroded and broke off; ICAM construction pinned it with epoxy dowel bars and poured the wall back in. Public works also wrapped the east side of the culvert where Homer drainage ditch goes underground near the mobile station, which was causing erosion.
    • Evidence: “The wing wall basically had eroded and broke off of the structure. So, uh, we, we had an ICAM construction come in and pin it with epoxy doll bars and then pour the wall back in and remove everything. And then, um, we also had public works go in after they were done and we Ripp wrapped the, um, east side of the culvert. There’s where the Homer drainage ditch goes underground, uh, near the mobile station, uh, that it creates this almost washing effect down in that basin. And it was eroding the structure away.”
    • Source timestamp: 33:21

  • Cost-benefit analysis of culvert repair

    • Summary: The speaker noted that a complete wing wall replacement would cost $60,000, and the current repair was deemed prudent to last for 10 years to allow time for planning.
    • Evidence: “And with the cost of a complete wall, wing wall replacements being 60,000, I I thought this was the prudent choice to get us by for 10 years so we could plan for, for the next step. The box culvert itself is in good shape. It’s the wing walls that are, are really starting to fall apart.”
    • Source timestamp: 34:00

  • Traffic impact of repair

    • Summary: A question was raised regarding whether the construction would interfere with traffic and if there would be an obstruction after repair.
    • Evidence: “Would the, uh, construction interfere with traffic? How much traffic flow do we have in this area? And would it, and will it be obstruction to any form of traffic after repair?”
    • Source timestamp: 34:18

  • Obligation to repair culvert

    • Summary: The speaker stated that the city has an obligation to fix and repair the structure because the park district put them on notice that it was considered a hazard, especially due to children near the pool area.
    • Evidence: “Do we have an obligation to fix it and repair it? We do. The park district put us on notice that they were considering it a hazard. Uh, there are a lot of children that are right next to the pool area.”
    • Source timestamp: 35:12

  • Warranty period for construction work

    • Summary: The state statute limit for warranties on all contracts in Illinois for construction is one year.
    • Evidence: “All contracts in Illinois for construction can only have a one year warranty. That’s the state statute limit. So that’s what you get is one year.”
    • Source timestamp: 36:30

  • Reason for bringing repair to council

    • Summary: The repair was brought to council to be transparent about the expenditure, as the city has emergency authority to fix issues that would cost much more in the future if ignored.
    • Evidence: “And the reason we brought it to council was to be transparent about the expenditure of the repair. We have the emergency authority to fix things that we think are going to cost the city a lot more money in the future. And if the wing well would have fell off, we would have been a total replacement of that side.”
    • Source timestamp: 37:06

  • Budgetary implications of emergency repair

    • Summary: The expenditure for the repair was not budgeted, and budget items will need to be moved around to cover the cost, which is part of the emergency authority.
    • Evidence: “So one thing that we didn’t note in there is obviously it wasn’t budgeted. So we will move budget items around, things that we were hoping to do that we will have to use this money on towards it now. And that’s part of the emergency authority.”
    • Source timestamp: 38:40

  • Wastewater treatment plant boiler replacement

    • Summary: The discussion covered the failure of the old wastewater treatment plant boiler and staff’s proposal to replace it with exterior units instead of a full boiler replacement.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “Recently the boiler at the wastewater treatment plant that heats the plant and primarily the blower building, which contains a number of large screw air compressors, recently failed. It’s very old and it sprung a leak in the main boiler section. Also staff investigated a couple of different ways to get this taken care of. One of the options was to put in some heating units and cooling units in the blower building instead of replacing the boiler, which is substantially more expensive than to do that. So staff moved forward. There was about a $15,000 penalty if this was not approved right away. So staff moved forward with an emergency repair of the boiler by replacing it with exterior units added to the building and the total cost of that was $74,238 and it will come from the capital budget. We were budgeting for this in the capital budget. There was $400,000 set aside for this boiler replacement and we were able to do it for $74,000, a significant savings.”
    • Source timestamp: 39:53

  • Wastewater treatment plant boiler replacement

    • Summary: Clarification was sought on whether the plan involved full replacement or just repair of the failed heat exchanger.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
    • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, Manager Boyer, that blower, are we talking about replacement, repair? How did you indicate that? The the boiler failed you know the heat exchanger started leaking and failed so we replaced it with set-aside units in the building okay so we just basically don’t use the we’re not gonna use the boiler anymore we’re going to just replace the whole item yes we’re not gonna replace the boiler we’re simply gonna replace it with with heaters essentially instead of a boiler”
    • Source timestamp: 41:11

  • Disposal of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue

    • Summary: Discussion regarding the intent to liquidate the property and current interest from the Ministers Alliance.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “As previously discussed, it’s the city’s intent to liquidate the 709 South Liberty Police Department. Schmidt. It’s been vacant for many years and we’ve kind of had a brief conversation already this evening regarding it. But first, we have to approve it as surplus inventory for us to move forward with getting it into the right hands.”
    • Source timestamp: 43:20

  • Disposal of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue

    • Summary: Discussion confirmed that the current plan is to gift the property to the Ministers Alliance, but this resolution only declares it as surplus.
    • Attribution: Council
    • Evidence: “Alderman Stacey? Yes, can you say who will be receiving this? Right, at this time the plan is to essentially gift it to the Ministers Alliance. But that’s not in the writing on this particular resolution, this is just declaring it as surplus. Right, that is correct.”
    • Source timestamp: 44:28

  • Disposal of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue

    • Summary: Confirmation regarding the Ministers Alliance’s interest in using the property as a classroom for their VOTEC program.
    • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
    • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Yeah, identify the Ministers of Alliance and who is is acquiring it, who’s really bringing it to our attention? Well, it’s a group of ministers who have been working to do, I guess, a VOTEC program to teach students about installing one-mill farms, doing electrical work and that kind of thing, and they’ve expressed interest in this property for use as a classroom for their efforts.”
    • Source timestamp: 44:48

  • Ministers of Alliance interest in property use

    • Summary: A group of ministers working on a VOTEC program to teach students about installing one-mill farms and electrical work expressed interest in the property for classroom use.
    • Evidence: “Yeah, identify the Ministers of Alliance and who is is acquiring it, who’s really bringing it to our attention? Well, it’s a group of ministers who have been working to do, I guess, a VOTEC program to teach students about installing one-mill farms, doing electrical work and that kind of thing, and they’ve expressed interest in this property for use as a classroom for their efforts.”
    • Source timestamp: 44:48

  • Municipal lot progress

    • Summary: The municipal lot is making good progress with plantings done, fulfilling city requirements for green space in parking lots. Paving is hoped for by the end of next week.
    • Attribution: Public Works
    • Evidence: “Uh, the municipal lot, uh, is, uh, really, uh, making, uh, good progress. There was plantings done down there. I’ve had a lot of questions. Why so many plantings? The city of Freeport has requirements with municipal parking lots, parking lots in general that you have to have green space. So there’s a lot more plantings and islands that were put in there. It should be paved hopefully by the end of next week, if the weather allows, it still won’t be open.”
    • Source timestamp: 47:18

  • Public Works/Police/Fire appreciation

    • Summary: Alderman Johnson expressed appreciation for Public Works, Police, and Fire Department, stating it takes a whole team to make a city move.
    • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
    • Evidence: “Alderman Johnson. I say ditto to everything that Tom said. I appreciate everybody, the public works, the Police, the Fire Department, all of them. It takes a whole team to make a city move, so we appreciate all of you.”
    • Source timestamp: 54:20

Public Comment

  • Thanks to Mayor Miller and Police Department

    • Summary: A public commenter thanked Mayor Miller for their tenure and leadership, and commended the police department for seizing over more than 40 illegal firearms and executing 65 search warrants year-to-date.
    • Attribution: Ryan Walton
    • Evidence: “Ryan Walton? I’m just here to give thanks. One for you, Mayor Miller, thank you for your tenureship and your leadership through everything that you’ve served here for the community. I believe you make it and then also for the police department year-to-date it’s told that they’ve seized over more than 40 illegal firearms and 65 search warrants which is impressive which I think they don’t get enough thanks for the hard work they do and you guys literally make my community safe for every day and it’s inspiring to”
    • Source timestamp: 57:11

  • Street name change information

    • Summary: A public commenter provided information regarding a street name change on South 700 South Liberty Street, stating they have all required homeowner signatures and financial costs.
    • Attribution: Ricky Steadman
    • Evidence: “Ricky Steadman. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. Yeah. I was given information for a street name on South 700 South Liberty Street. The person that was doing it got a yield, so they passed it over to me. I have all the signatures of the homeowners that were required to get this done. Also have the financial costs also. So I’m here to see where we go forward from here.”
    • Source timestamp: 58:16

Proclamations and Recognitions

  • National Public Works Week Declaration

    • Summary: Jodi Miller declared May 17th through the 23rd, 2026, as National Public Works Week in the City of Freeport.
    • Attribution: Jodi Miller
    • Evidence: “Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare May 17th through the 23rd, 2026, as National Public Works Week in the City of Freeport and I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions that they make to protect our public health”
    • Source timestamp: 05:13

  • Staff member recognition for boiler repair solution

    • Summary: Credit was given to a staff member named Wells for devising a solution that saved over $300,000 on the boiler repair.
    • Attribution: Manager Boyer
    • Evidence: “I wanted to just give some credit to one of our staff members for that last item. Wells, which is the head of our maintenance department. Um, he really came up with the solution to save over $300,000 on the repair to that building. And I wanted to make sure that he got credit for it.”
    • Source timestamp: 41:36

  • Donations and community support for Police Week

    • Summary: The speaker acknowledged Fisher Exchange and AFSCME donations, and community members who donated cookies, brought plants, flowers, and cards during National Police Week.
    • Evidence: “I also want to acknowledge Fisher Exchange and AFSCME who donated quite a bit of money for this cause and the cause was very important and also to the community members who came out on National Police Week and donated and made terrific cookies. They actually brought us plants, they brought us flowers, they brought us cards in order to recognize all the work that my officers do.”
    • Source timestamp: 52:14

  • City employees recognition

    • Summary: The speaker thanked all city employees for their job performance, especially recognizing the police chief who had a corporal and three new recruits in attendance.
    • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm. Yes. Once again, thank you to all the employees of the city. You guys do a great job and it’s nice to be able to recognize all of you. Especially when it’s the police chief tonight, she’s got a corporal and three new recruits out in the audience and it was very good to see them here and I hope they learn something in democracy in action here.”
    • Source timestamp: 53:29

  • Police effort during graduation

    • Summary: The speaker thanked police officers for their extra effort at graduation the previous night, noting it was a good and safe way of doing things.
    • Evidence: “I want to thank the police officers for their extra effort at graduation last night. It was totally changed. I’ve worked for this district almost 25 years and it’s never been like that. But it was a good, safe way of doing things. And for that, I thank you.”
    • Source timestamp: 54:46

Follow-ups

  • Upcoming paving operations schedule
    • Summary: Paving is expected on Seminole this week, followed by Gladewood and Crate Park agreements the next week, and moving to Concord between Seminole and Laurel around the first week of June. Street replacements should start in Dewey shortly.
    • Attribution: Public Works
    • Evidence: “And then we’re about ready to kick off our 26 paving operation. It looks like Seminole will be paved sometime this week I believe then the following week we’ll hopefully be doing some of the paving in Gladewood and the Crate Park agreements that we had and then we should be moving to Concord between Seminole and Laurel sometime around the first week of June, and also Dewey, the street replacements should be starting over there very shortly as well.”
    • Source timestamp: 47:44

Attendance

  • Roll Call Vote Tally
    • Summary: Klemm voted Aye; Johnson voted Aye; Simmons voted Aye; Parker voted Aye; Stacy voted Aye; Shadle voted 8-0.
    • Evidence: “Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? 8-0.”

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