Meeting Events

Meeting: qolbmot4esq.city_council_meeting_4-7-2025

Meeting date: 2025-04-07

Meeting type: city_council

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

Decisions and Votes

• Approval of agenda — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the agenda.
  • Evidence: “Item number one is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:27

• Approval of minutes from March 3rd, 2025 meeting — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on March 3rd, 2025.
  • Evidence: “Item number two is the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on March 3rd, 2025. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Monroe.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Yes. The first and the second, please. Shadle and Monroe. Thank you. That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:37

• Approval of consent agenda items — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the entire consent agenda package, including various reports and payments.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:14

• Motion to approve appointments

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Parker regarding the appointments.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:50

• Motion to approve reappointments

  • Summary: Motion to approve the reappointments.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:50

• Roll Call Vote on Reappointments — Passed

  • Summary: A roll call was taken for the motion to approve reappointments.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Motion passes six to two.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:46

• Ordinance adopting the official zoning map of the city of Freeport — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance passed by a vote of 8-0.
  • Attribution: City Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy. Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:37

• Ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain property owned by the city

  • Summary: Motion to approve and suspend the rules regarding Ordinance 2025-15.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “Alderman Parker? You may make a motion to approve and to suspend the rules. Second. Okay, we have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move Ordinance 2025-15 on.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:01

• Suspension of rules for Ordinance 2025-15 — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules, which must pass by two-thirds majority and is non-debatable.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers, City Council
  • Evidence: “Settlers also motion to suspend the rules, which the suspension of the rules must pass by two-thirds majority and is non-debatable. So Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only?”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The suspension passes seven to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:18

• Ordinance Passage Vote — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance passed with a vote of 8 to 0.
  • Evidence: “The ordinance passes 8 to 0.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:15

• Move Forward with Ordinance 2025-17

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Parker to move ordinance 2025-17 forward and suspend the rules to vote on it tonight.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this forward? A motion to move it forward and also to suspend the rules to vote on tonight. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:58

• Suspension of Rules Vote — Passed

  • Summary: The suspension of the rules was voted upon, requiring a two-thirds majority.
  • Evidence: “We also have a suspension of the rules, which is again non-debatable and is passed by two-thirds majority.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:55

• Suspension of Rules Vote Roll Call

  • Summary: The roll call for the suspension vote was taken.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please take the suspension vote, please? Did we get a second on the suspension, Mayor? No. Alderman Shadle. Shadle, thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:55

• Suspension of Rules Vote Outcome — Failed

  • Summary: The motion to suspend the rules failed to achieve a two-thirds vote.
  • Evidence: “The motion fails to get two-thirds vote.”
  • Source timestamp: 34:55

• Request for Alderman Sanders to speak a third time — Passed

  • Summary: The chair asked for permission to allow Alderman Sanders to speak a third time according to ordinance.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders you’ve had your hand up for a little bit but I just want to remind you of what the ordinance is and I’m happy to allow you to speak a third time but it’s according to the ordinance so it would have to be by a unanimous pass of the entire council in order for you to do that okay so would you like me to ask the council that”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:39

• Allowing Alderman Sanders to speak a third time

  • Summary: Vote on allowing Alderman Sanders to speak a third time.
  • Evidence: “madam clerk can you take the role on allowing Alderman Sanders to speaking a third time. Stacy? Yes. Shadle? No. Sanders? Yes. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. Monroe? Yeah. Simmons? I just love how we selectively enforce ordinances. Yes. Let that man talk. Parker? No.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:39

• Council vote on Alderman Sanders’ third speech — Passed

  • Summary: The chair questioned if the required vote was a simple majority or unanimous.
  • Evidence: “We are tied four to four. Attorney, is this a simple majority? It needs to be a unanimous vote for our ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:24

• Allowing Alderman Sanders to speak a third time

  • Summary: Vote tally regarding allowing Alderman Sanders to speak a third time.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Yes. Shadle? No. Sanders? Yes. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. Monroe? Yeah. Simmons? I just love how we selectively enforce ordinances. Yes. Let that man talk. Parker? No. We are tied four to four.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:10

• Ordinance amending City of Freeport Code regarding wells and septic systems

  • Summary: Motion to move Ordinance 2025-19 forward for consideration.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Well actually I need a motion to move this forward. So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:16

• Suspension of rules for wells and septics ordinance — Failed

  • Summary: A motion was made to suspend the rules to allow the ordinance concerning wells and septics to be put forward quickly.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Yes, this would like to be put forward as quickly as possible to get these ordinance in place concerning our wells and septics Was that was that a motion? Are you thinking? Yeah motion.”
  • Evidence: “Seconded by Alderman Shadle”
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion, Alderman Klemm? Would you request for suspension of rules? Yes, this would like to be put forward as quickly as possible to get these ordinance in place concerning our wells and septics Was that was that a motion? Are you thinking? Yeah motion. Okay.”
  • Evidence: “Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Klemm Seconded by Alderman Shadle again suspension of the rules is non-debatable must pass by two-thirds majority Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:23:55

• Ordinance approving amendment to vehicle lease agreement with senior resource center for pretzel city area transit — Passed

  • Summary: Motion by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers, to move the ordinance forward and request a suspension of the rules.
  • Attribution: Alderman Monroe, Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Madam Mayor, I’d like to make a motion to move this forward and also to request a suspension of the rules. Second. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers, to move this ordinance forward as well as suspension of the rules.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension? And we have Monroe and Sellers as both. Correct. First and second on both. On the suspension only, Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? No. And Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:28

• Final reading for ordinance 2025-20 concerning transit lease amendment

  • Summary: Roll call vote on the final reading of ordinance 2025-20.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:27

• Ordinance 2025-20 Passage — Passed

  • Summary: The ordinance passed unanimously.
  • Evidence: “And the ordinance passes unanimously.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:37

• Moving Ordinance 2025-21 Forward

  • Summary: A motion was made to move the ordinance forward.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So moved. Second.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:21

• Suspension of the rules for moving forward with a sign — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm, Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “So move. Second. We have a motion to suspend the rules by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension? Stacy? I have a say. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. We have six of the eight attorneys, Zito, do I need? That’s that’s enough that’s two thirds of eight so that’s six zero six to zero to one two thirds of eight is six okay so then six to zero one is the final passage for this six one one with this ordinance is there any further oh wait a second one two three four six one one thank you welcome any further discussion Council, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? I’m saying. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? No. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 6-1-1.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:43

• Staff recommendation on hangar leases approval

  • Summary: Staff recommends approving five specific leases for the council to approve tonight.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. So, again, as staff is working through these leases, getting them signed, we have a group of five that we’d like you to approve tonight, so staff recommendation is to approve all five leases. I need a motion to move this forward.”
  • Review flags: unattached_motion_request
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:30

• Approval of five hangar leases

  • Summary: Motion to approve the five recommended hangar leases.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:43

• Suspension of the rules for hangar leases

  • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules regarding item number 14 (ordinance approving hanger leases).
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion, there is an ask of the suspension of the rules. I would make that motion, Joy. I just say some of, I request it, the suspension of the rules. Yes, Tom, you, okay, all right, we have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules, again, same standards.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:07

• Suspension of the rules — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Sellers and seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules.
  • Evidence: “we have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules, again, same standards.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, we do have 6 favorable votes, 6, 1 no, 1 absent, it passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:24

• Approval of leases before council — Passed

  • Summary: The motion to approve the leases passed by a vote of seven to zero.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? And she is absent Parker the motion passes seven to zero six to zero thank you thank you”
  • Source timestamp: 01:47:08

• Ordinance to set public hearing date for Gladewood Drive special service area

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Sellers to move the ordinance on to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers, Alderman Stacey
  • Evidence: “So move. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm to move this ordinance on to the next regularly scheduled meeting.”
  • Evidence: “Alderman Stacey? I would like to see this go to the COW so that we can look into this Gladewood or Gladwood and see the information gathered from that community and really see for ourselves how many is on board, how many is off board, and I would just like to move it to the count. Is that a motion?”
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion of moving this to the next committee of the hall. Is there any discussion on moving it to the committee of the whole?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:50:02

• Amendment to set hearing date for ordinance — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to amend the setting of a hearing date from 20 to 40 days from now.
  • Evidence: “So we have a motion to amend this setting in this hearing date for 20 to 40 days out. Is there a second?”
  • Evidence: “Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, and Parker. Aye. The motion passes seven to one.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:13:02

• Suspension of rules for moving forward with ordinance — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to suspend the rules.
  • Evidence: “Motion to suspend the rules. Second. We have a motion made by and Suttman.”
  • Evidence: “So, Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only for settings hearing? Stacy. No. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Monroe. Nope. Simmons. No. Parker. Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:14:15

• Ordinance 2025-24 advancement

  • Summary: Motion to move Ordinance 2025-24 forward.
  • Attribution: Shadle
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Shadle, seconded by Sellers to move Ordinance 2025-24 forward.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:00

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-31: United Diagnostic Service agreement

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution ratifying the agreement with UDS.
  • Attribution: Alderman Seller
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”

• Adoption of resolution regarding screenings — Passed

  • Summary: A motion to adopt was made by Alderman Seller and seconded by Alderman Shadle.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0.”

• Resolution authorizing application for Pretzel City Area Transit grant applications — Passed

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Sellers to authorize an application for these grant applications.
  • Evidence: “is there a motion to adopt so move second motion made by Alderman Klemm seconded by Alderman Sellers”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted eight to zero.”

• Adoption of resolution accepting special warranty for public transportation funding — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution accepting the special warranty for public transportation funding.
  • Evidence: “So in line with this, staff is recommending approval of this resolution. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:27:35

• Joint Participation Agreement for rock salt program

  • Summary: Motion to approve the joint participation agreement for the state Rock Salt program.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? Motion to approve. Second.”
  • Evidence: “Seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Review flags: unattached_second, unattached_motion_request
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:49

• Adoption of resolution 2025-36 ratifying emergency repairs

  • Summary: Motion made by Alderman Klemm to adopt the resolution.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Abstain. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. Seven to zero with one abstentia.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:32:42

• Adoption of plan for street light installations

  • Summary: Seconding the motion to adopt the plan for street light installations.
  • Evidence: “So staff recommends moving Moving forward. Is there a motion to adopt? So move.”
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle?”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:49

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-38 — Adopted

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted with a vote of 7-0.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted, 7-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:27

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-38 (Charging Smart)

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the resolution regarding becoming a Charging Smart designated community.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”

• Adoption of motion regarding unspecified item

  • Summary: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the current proposal.
  • Attribution: Alderman Seller
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:46:56

• Adoption of Resolution (Item 27) — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted by a vote count of 6-2.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Stacy? I’m reluctant because I don’t know enough about this. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Resolution is adopted 6-2.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:52:43

• Adoption of Hydrant Replacement Proposal

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the proposal from Kennedy hydrant for hydrant replacements.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “So moved. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:55:53

• Adoption of Resolution 202540 — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution approving a proposal from OEC for repairs and upgrades to the Albertus Airport fuel station payment system was adopted.
  • Attribution: Clerk
  • Evidence: “Aye Shadle aye Sanders aye Sellers aye Klemm aye Monroe aye Simmons and Parker aye the resolution is adopted eight to zero item number 25 is the adoption of resolution 202540 could you please read this resolution approving a proposal from OEC for repairs and upgrades to the Albertus Airport fuel station payment system thank you manager Boyer”
  • Source timestamp: 02:56:50

• Adoption of Airport Fuel Payment System Contract

  • Summary: Motion to adopt the contract for the payment program equipment upgrade at Albertus Airport.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? Motion to adopt. So second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:58:05

• Adoption of payment program contract for equipment — Passed

  • Summary: Vote on the motion to adopt the payment program contract for the payment equipment.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? Motion to adopt. So second.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. Resolution is adopted, 7-1.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:59:52

• Adoption of utility upgrade agreement

  • Summary: Motion to move forward with the utility upgrade project.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:46:56

• Adoption of resolution 2025-42 — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted by an eight to zero vote.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted, eight to zero. Item number 27 is the adoption of resolution 2025-42.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:06:38

• Adoption of EV Charger Design program — Passed

  • Summary: Vote on the motion to adopt the EV Charger Design program.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to adopt so move was that Klemm yeah I moved to move it forward”
  • Evidence: “Stacy I Shadel I Sanders all Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted eight to zero.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:10:17

• Approval of I-DOT funding for hot mix asphalt materials

  • Summary: Motion to approve the resolution for I-DOT funds.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt?”
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:02

• Approval to get item out to bid for IDOT money

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the item so it can be put out to bid tomorrow.
  • Evidence: “So moved. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:02

• Adoption of resolution by Alderman Sellers and Alderman Monroe — Passed

  • Summary: The resolution was adopted 8-0.
  • Evidence: “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:26

• Approval of low bid from Five Star Energy Services, LLC — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the low bid from Five Star Energy Services, LLC in the amount of $2,525,000.
  • Evidence: “Chair motion to approve as stated. Second.”
  • Evidence: “The motion passes 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:14:48

• Motion to approve the bid for video cameras in public transportation vehicles — Passed

  • Summary: The motion passed with 8-0 votes.
  • Evidence: “Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:14:57

• Approval for Angel Tracks project bid — Approved

  • Summary: Motion to move forward with Angel Tracks for the security camera project.
  • Evidence: “So staff is recommending moving forward with angle angel tracks for this project is there a Settlers. Do we have a motion to approve? So move.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Plem? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion is approved, 8-0.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:16:52

• Discussion and Possible Adaption of Resolution 2025-32 — Approved

  • Summary: The motion was approved with a vote tally of 8-0.
  • Evidence: “The motion is approved, 8-0.31 is Discussion and Possible Adaption of Resolution 2025-32.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:19:13

Procedural Actions

• Consent agenda consideration

  • Summary: The consent agenda was considered routine in nature and acted on by one motion.
  • Evidence: “There were no public comments signed in, so we’ll move on to the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless the member of the council would like to have something removed for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda is to approve and place on file the board and commission minutes from the Liquor Commission, February 6, 2025, and the Board of Fire and Police Commission from February 25, 2025. The finance department report and the cash and investment report for January 25, the building permit, the fire department, the police department, the finance department and the cash and finance report dated February, 2025 and the greater Freeport partnership as well as the building permit report for March, 2025. Also is approval of the pine finance bills payable in the total of 3,521,665.74 cents and payroll for pay period ending March 8th, 2025 in the total of $672,488.13 as well as payroll for March 22nd, 2025 in the total of $676,893.96. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:14

• Discussion on appointments approval

  • Summary: A council member questioned if the reappointments were part of the council’s discussion.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “At any point in time that these reappointments have been part of the council’s discussion? That’s what tonight is, they’re a mayor appointment and council approval.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:58

• Roll Call Request

  • Summary: A request was made for the clerk to take the roll call.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?”
  • Source timestamp: 21:38

• Roll Call Vote for Ordinance Passage

  • Summary: The roll call was taken following the passage of an ordinance.
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. » Stacy? » Aye. » Shadle? Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:07

• Second Reading Scheduling for Ordinance 2025-17

  • Summary: It was determined that the ordinance would come back to council at the next City Council meeting for a second reading and vote.
  • Evidence: “So this is first read, so it will come back to council at the next City Council meeting for second read and vote by the City Council.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:42

• Speaking order adherence

  • Summary: The chair warned Alderman Sanders and Alderman Sellers about speaking twice.
  • Evidence: “Just a reminder, Alderman Sanders and Alderman Sessler, you’ve already both spoken twice. No. Yes, sir, you have. You spoke twice, and I would appreciate that you stay in order.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:24

• Maintaining decorum during meeting

  • Summary: The chair warned against inappropriate speaking conduct.
  • Evidence: “Don’t do that again, Mayor. Don’t do that again. And I’m going to call that out of order, so please refrain from speaking like that. You are out of order.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:41

• Alderman Sanders’ third speech status

  • Summary: The chair informed Alderman Sanders that he was not allowed to speak a third time.
  • Evidence: “I’m sorry Alderman Sanders, you’re not allowed to speak a third time.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:38

• Allowing Alderman Sanders to speak a third time

  • Summary: The chair asked for the role on allowing Alderman Sanders to speak a third time.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “madam clerk can you take the role on allowing Alderman Sanders to speaking a third time.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:39

• Motion to call the question

  • Summary: Alderman Parker made a motion to call the question.
  • Attribution: Alderman Parker
  • Evidence: “I make a motion to go call the question. Well, there isn’t a question. This is just first reading.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:38

• Speaking order management

  • Summary: The chair addressed speaking order among several aldermen.
  • Attribution: Mayor Miller
  • Evidence: “So Alderman Sanders, again, you were voted down on your third talk. So Alderman Parker, Alderman, you’re out of order. I’ve warned you once. Let’s stop. Alderman Simmons, Alderman Parker, Alderman Shadle, you have the ability to speak more Moore, if you’d like, otherwise this discussion will move on to the next regular city council meeting.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:04

• Maintaining meeting decorum

  • Summary: The Chair intervened to stop a back-and-forth discussion between staff members and reminded participants of proper procedure.
  • Evidence: “Let’s stop this back and forth. This is a day-to-day task. Kass. She’s the chair of this meeting. She maintains decorum in this meeting. I think she’s telling both of you guys this is not a back and forth between staff.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:21:58

• First Reading of Ordinance 2025-21

  • Summary: The first reading for ordinance 2025-21 was conducted, concerning a variation application.
  • Evidence: “Item number 13 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-21. Could you please read this? Varian’s application at 1209 South Wallen Avenue submitted by Madonna Renewal Center to seek relief from 1468.25B1 regarding restrictions of one sign per zoning lot and to not exceed 16 square feet in area and relief from 1468.25B3 regarding restriction of height of sign of less than one storey or 15 feet above curb level Sorry, oh yeah it is, nevermind, go ahead.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:46

• First reading of ordinance 2025-22: Ordinance approving hanger leases

  • Summary: The first reading of ordinance 2025-22 concerning the approval of hangar leases.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “And we’ll move on to item number 14, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-22. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving hanger leases. Tonight we have C-7, K-5 Aviation, K-5, which is where the name came from, K-5 Aviation, K-6, Stan Tepper, K-7, Jeff Matica, M-5, MIG Aviation.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:34:58

• Withdrawal of motion to lay over to council

  • Summary: Attorney Zito withdrew a motion to lay an item over to the council.
  • Evidence: “Are you withdrawing your motion to lay this over to the council? I did withdraw.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:55:25

• Suspension of rules for ordinance hearing date setting

  • Summary: A speaker advised that if suspending rules to pass an ordinance, a range of dates should be set rather than a specific date due to statutory requirements.
  • Evidence: “Well, we do have a request for suspension of the rules. If we want to go to attorney tax, you want to add to something first? Just if we’re going to suspend the rules the ordinance is presented doesn’t have a date currently scheduled for that hearing the idea was that that would be scheduled at some point so I would suggest if you’re going to suspend the rules and pass that this evening you just want to set a range of dates that staff can set that somewhere outside of 15 days. There’s a statutory requirement there.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:08:18

• Recommendation for amending ordinance date setting

  • Summary: A speaker recommended a motion to amend the ordinance first to set a generic hearing date range, such as after the next council meeting and within 20 days.
  • Evidence: “So again, this is just about moving the setting of the hearing forward. I would probably recommend a motion to amend the ordinance first to set a date and it can be something generic like after, after the cow meeting, you can set it after the cow and then, you know, within, you know, 20 days after the cow or something like that.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:12:29

• Moving to next agenda item

  • Summary: The council decided there was no further discussion on the current topic and moved to the next meeting’s items.
  • Evidence: “No further discussion. And we will move this on to the next city council meeting.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:42

• Adoption of resolution 2025-36 ratifying emergency repairs

  • Summary: The council considered adopting resolution 2025-36 to ratify emergency repairs for a blower at the city’s wastewater treatment plant by Per Precision Drive Control.
  • Evidence: “Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2025 36 could you please read this resolution ratifying emergency repairs of a blower at the city’s wastewater treatment plant by per precision drive control”
  • Source timestamp: 02:31:24

• Adoption of resolution 2025-37 approving street light purchase

  • Summary: The council considered adopting resolution 2025-37 for approving the purchase of street light fixtures from Electrical Resource Management.
  • Evidence: “Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2025-37. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of street light fixtures from Electrical Resource Management.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:33:27

• Roll Call Vote for Resolution Adoption

  • Summary: The roll call was taken to vote on the resolution.
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Is absent. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:19

• Roll Call Vote for Resolution Adoption

  • Summary: The clerk called the roll to vote on a resolution.
  • Evidence: “If there’s no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:06:15

• Next agenda item

  • Summary: The next item to be discussed was Item number 31: Discussion and Possible Adaption of Resolution 2025-32.
  • Evidence: “31 is Discussion and Possible Adaption of Resolution 2025-32.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:19:13

• Adjournment motion

  • Summary: A motion for adjournment was introduced and seconded.
  • Evidence: “any other public comments and I will entertain a motion for adjournment second we have a motion by Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Shadle all those in favor have a good evening”
  • Source timestamp: 03:40:39

Ordinances and Resolutions

• First Reading of Ordinance 2025-17

  • Summary: Ordinance amending the codified ordinances regarding residency requirements for certain positions was read for the first time.
  • Evidence: “And item number 10 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-17. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending the codified ordinances regarding residency requirements for certain positions.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:15

• Ordinance amending City of Freeport Code regarding wells and septic systems

  • Summary: First reading of Ordinance 2025-19, which amends various parts of the City of Freeport Code of Ordinances regarding the regulation of wells and septic systems.
  • Attribution: Mayor Miller
  • Evidence: “Item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-19. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending various parts of City of Freeport Code of Ordinances regarding the regulation of wells and septic systems.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:31

• First reading of ordinance 2025-23 establishing a special service area Gladewood subdivision

  • Summary: The first reading of ordinance 2025-23 was for establishing a special service area in the Gladewood subdivision.
  • Attribution: Clerk
  • Evidence: “item number 15 is the first reading of ordinance 2025 23 could you please read this ordinance establishing a special service area Gladewood subdivision”
  • Source timestamp: 01:47:15

• First reading of ordinance 2025-24 amending codified ordinances chapter 806 alcoholic liquor sales and deleting chapter 844 mechanical and electronic games and devices

  • Summary: The first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 806 (alcoholic liquor sales) and deleting Chapter 844 (mechanical and electronic games and devices).
  • Evidence: “number 16 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-24 could you please read this ordinance amending the codified ordinances chapter 806 alcoholic liquor sales and deleting chapter 844 mechanical and electronic games and devices”
  • Source timestamp: 02:14:57

• Adoption of resolution 2025-33

  • Summary: Item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2025-33, authorizing execution and amendment of federal 5311 grant agreement for pretzel city area transit.
  • Evidence: “Item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2025-33. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing execution and amendment of federal 5311 grant agreement for pretzel city area transit.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:23:46

• Adoption of resolution 2025-34

  • Summary: Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 2025-34, accepting the special warranty for public transportation funding for the federal 53-11 grant for Pretzel City Area Transit.
  • Evidence: “Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 2025-34. Could you please read this? Resolution accepting the special warranty for public transportation funding for the federal 53-11 grant for Pretzel City Area Transit.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:27:07

• Adoption of resolution 2025-35 regarding Rock Salt contract joint participation agreement

  • Summary: Resolution adopting a certificate of authority to vote regarding Rock Salt contract joint participation agreement with the state of Illinois.
  • Evidence: “Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 2025-35. Could you please read this? Resolution adopting a certificate of authority to vote regarding Rock Salt contract joint participation agreement with the state of Illinois.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:13

• Authorization for Charging Smart Designated Community Status

  • Summary: Resolution authorizing a letter of commitment to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council to become a charging smart designated community.
  • Evidence: “Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2025-38. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing a letter of commitment to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council to become a charging smart designated community.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:44:27

• Approval of Fire Hydrant Purchase (Item 24)

  • Summary: The council considered Resolution approving the purchase of fire hydrants from J&R Supply.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “Item number 24 is the adoption of resolution 2025-39. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of fire hydrants from J&R Supply.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:53:11

• Approval of agreement with Fehr Graham for utility upgrades

  • Summary: Resolution approving agreement with Fehr Graham to provide civil engineering services related to water and sewer equipment rehabilitation and electrical upgrades at Laurel lift station, Galena lift station, and well number eight.
  • Evidence: “Item number 26 is the adoption of resolution 2025-41. Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement with Fehr Graham to provide civil engineering services related to water and sewer equipment rehabilitation and electrical upgrades at Laurel lift station, Galena lift station, and well number eight.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:00:06

• Adoption of resolution 2025-43: approving Illinois Department of Transportation resolution for the 2025 motor fuel tax or MFT hot mix asphalt materials.

  • Summary: Resolution approving I-DOT’s allotment from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund to buy hot mix for paving streets.
  • Evidence: “Item number 28 is the adoption of resolution 2025-43. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Illinois Department of Transportation resolution for the 2025 motor fuel tax or MFT hot mix asphalt materials.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:10:17

Financial and Contract Events

• Special assessment contribution for entryway improvements

  • Summary: Residents are contributing a special assessment of $400 per year on each property, with an estimated total cost of about $90,000.
  • Evidence: “Yes. There’s a $400 per year special assessment on each property out there. I think the total will be about $90,000 when it’s all said and done.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:11:15

• Cost of Firefighter Health Screenings

  • Summary: The total cost of the screenings was $14,625, equating to $325 per individual, and this full cost was covered by funding from the department’s Foreign Fire Insurance Board fund.
  • Attribution: Settlers
  • Evidence: “The cost of the screenings was Settlers. $14,625 Is $325 per individual, and the full cost was covered by funding from the department’s Foreign Fire Insurance Board fund.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:22:51

• City Street Department budget allocation for street lights

  • Summary: The City Street Department budgeted $20,000 for street lights in 2025, with $10,000 anticipated to fund this project.
  • Evidence: “And the City Street Department budgeted $20,000 for street lights in 2025. $10,000 Was anticipated to fund this project.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:15

• Recent spending on crime reduction lighting

  • Summary: The city has spent $23,000 on the new crime reduction lighting recently.
  • Evidence: “However, please note the city has spent $23,000 on the new crime reduction lighting recently.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:15

• Cost of design work for utility upgrades

  • Summary: The overall cost of this additional design work will be $125,000.
  • Evidence: “So overall the cost of this additional design work will be $125,000”
  • Source timestamp: 03:02:10

• Fehr Graham scope of work for EV chargers

  • Summary: Fehr Graham will complete detailed reconnaissance and collect topo survey on the two EV charger locations to create a full civil site layout plan, develop proposed electrical drawings, and coordinate utility interconnect with ComEd.
  • Evidence: “Fehr Graham will complete the detailed reconnaissance of the two EV charger locations and collect topo survey on each site. This information will be used to create a full civil site layout plan as well as develop We have proposed electrical drawings. The charger selection, specification, and station layout will be coordinated between Fehr Graham and Thayer Energy Solutions and the selected local EV supplier. The engineering firm will coordinate the layout and proposed EV charging station utility interconnect with ComEd and lead the efforts on the grant initiatives for connections.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:44

• Cost of Fehr Graham services

  • Summary: The cost for Fehr Graham’s services is $90,730.
  • Evidence: “The cost of these services is $90,730.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:08:21

Projects

• Street light installation timeline and funding

  • Summary: The project is described as a quick hitting project that must be completed by June of 2025, primarily due to working with the ComEd grant. The estimated cost for fixtures is currently less than $10,000, and after the ComEd grant and IDOT share of reimbursement are completed, it will cost the city less than $10,000.
  • Evidence: “This is a quick hitting project that must be completed by June of 2025. And that is primarily due to the fact We are working with that ComEd grant. So the project cost for the fixtures are currently estimated to be less than $10,000. It will cost the city less than $10,000 after the ComEd grant and the IDOT share of reimbursement are completed”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:07

• EV Charger Grant funding details

  • Summary: Grants are available for interconnect at each location, up to $240,000 each. These opportunities expire in 2025.
  • Evidence: “Additionally, comments, grants now available for the interconnect for each location for for which Freeport will qualify up to $240,000 each interconnect on each interconnect installation. These grant opportunities are good only through 2025.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:07:19

• EV Charger Project Budgeting

  • Summary: This charger project was budgeted in the 2025 year budget.
  • Evidence: “This charger project was budgeted in the 2025 year budget, and staff recommends moving forward with the EV Charger Design program.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:08:21

Appointments

• Appointment of Eric Bornemann

  • Summary: Eric Bornemann was appointed to the Enterprise Zone through January 1, 2028.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Appointment of Eric Bornemann to the Enterprise Zone through January 1, 2028.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

• Appointment of Dustin Wilkinson

  • Summary: Dustin Wilkinson was appointed to the Planning Commission through October 31st, 28.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Dustin Wilkinson to the Planning Commission through October 31st, 28.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

• Appointment of Brad Hartog

  • Summary: Brad Hartog was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals Commission through June 30th, 2030.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Brad Hartog to the Board of Zoning Appeals Commission through June 30th, 2030.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

• Reappointment of Jeff Williams (Firefighters Pension Board)

  • Summary: Jeff Williams was reappointed to the Firefighters Pension Board through April 30th, 28.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Reappointments of Jeff Williams to the to the Firefighters Pension Board through April 30th, 28”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

• Reappointment of Jeff Williams (Police Pension Board)

  • Summary: Jeff Williams was reappointed to the Police Pension Board through April 30th, 2027.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “Jeff Williams to the Police Pension Board through April 30th, 2027”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

• Reappointment of Randy Bukas

  • Summary: Randy Bukas was reappointed to the Board of Housing Authority Commission through October 31st, 2030.
  • Attribution: Madam Clerk
  • Evidence: “and Randy Bukas to the Board of Housing Authority Commission through October 31st, 2030.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

• Reappointments of board members

  • Summary: Jeff Williams to the Firefighters Pension Board through April 30th, 28; Jeff Williams to the Police Pension Board through April 30th, 2027; and Randy Bukas to the Board of Housing Authority Commission through October 31st, 2030.
  • Evidence: “Reappointments of Jeff Williams to the to the Firefighters Pension Board through April 30th, 28, Jeff Williams to the Police Pension Board through April 30th, 2027, and Randy Bukas to the Board of Housing Authority Commission through October 31st, 2030.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:10

Presentations and Reports

• Blue Bow Symbolism in Child Abuse Prevention

  • Summary: The blue bow is recognized as the national symbol of child abuse prevention, originating from a Virginia grandmother who tied one on her car antenna.
  • Attribution: Speaker
  • Evidence: “It all started 35 years ago when a Virginia grandmother tied a blue bow on her antenna of her car to honor her 18-month-old grandson who was a victim of child abuse. Her simple act ignited a national campaign to raise awareness of child abuse and to prevent it and to take action to stop it. The blue bow is now recognized as the national symbol of child abuse prevention.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:39

• Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Campaign Origin

  • Summary: The Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Campaign began in 1989 by a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie and by a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie Finney.
  • Attribution: Allegra Cozier
  • Evidence: “The Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Campaign began in 1989 by a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie and by a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie Finney.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:51

• Week of the Young Child Declaration

  • Summary: Jodi Miller declared April 5th through the 11th, 2025 as Week of the Young Child in Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Oh yes. Hi. On behalf of the Week of the Young Child, whereas Birth to Five Illinois and other local organizations, in conjunction with the National Association of Education of Young Children, we are celebrating the Week of the Young Child… now therefore I Jodi Miller declare April 5th through the 11th 2025 as week of the young child in Freeport”
  • Source timestamp: 11:45

• Childcare and Education Needs

  • Summary: The speaker emphasized the need for more buildings and home/nonprofit childcare to prepare children for kindergarten.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “We need more. We need more buildings. We need more home childcare. We need more nonprofit childcare. We need more. We have got to get our children ready for kindergarten. That is the best thing that we can do as a community, to give them a good start in school.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:20

• Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Funding Impact

  • Summary: The speaker highlighted that IMLS funding, despite being a small percentage of the federal budget, helps libraries provide services supporting over 1.2 billion in-person patron visits annually.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “With just 0.003% of the federal budget, IMLS funding helps libraries across the country provide programs and services that support more than 1.2 billion in-person patron visits annually plus countless additional”
  • Source timestamp: 18:26

• Ordinance adopting the official zoning map of the city of Freeport

  • Summary: The ordinance adopts the official zoning map of the city of Freeport; it is an annual requirement by statute.
  • Attribution: director Duckman
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, could you please read this ordinance adopting the official zoning map of the city of Freeport thank you director Duckman thank you madam mayor I put up the zoning map for you to view nothing’s changed since the first reading of this ordinance and it’s an annual requirement by statute for the city to pass an ordinance for the current zoning map so staff is recommending approval of this ordinance”
  • Source timestamp: 28:03

• Ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain property owned by the city

  • Summary: The ordinance concerns disposing of property at the Freeport City Yards, including abandoned bikes from the Freeport Police Department (at least six months old), three office chairs, and a round table with six chairs.
  • Attribution: Chief Shenberger
  • Evidence: “Item number 9 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-15. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain property owned by the city. Tonight we have public works equipment and Police Department equipment, including bicycles at city yards. Chief Shenberger. Thank you. The Freeport Police Department and the City Public Works Department, as well as the Water and Sewer Department are currently in need of disposing property at the Freeport City Yards. As far as the police department’s concerned, we have abandoned bikes that have been in the possession of the Freeport Police Department for at least six months, an outdated and unusable property that’s being stored at the city yards. The property that the Police Department elected to destroy includes three office chairs, a round table with six chairs, and then abandoned bikes that were collected throughout the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:56

• Ordinance 2025-17 Details

  • Summary: Manager Boyer presented a proposal to remove several positions from city residency requirements, except for the city manager position.
  • Evidence: “This came out of a discussion a few a couple of meetings ago related to what the residency requirement was for city directors and officers of the city. So the city is, I am putting forward the proposal to remove certain positions from the residency requirement except for the city manager position.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:27

• Police department non-bargaining employee residency requirements

  • Summary: The current ordinance requires non-bargaining employees (sergeants, lieutenants, deputy chief) to live within a 15-mile radius of City Hall, unless they fall under the prior ordinance which allowed up to 20 miles. Only the Chief of Police is required to reside in the city.
  • Evidence: “Our bargaining employees do not have a residency requirement, so our non-bargaining employees, sergeants, lieutenants, deputy chief, the most recent, I think the most recent ordinance, this has changed at least three times since I’ve been here for, in the 26 years I’ve been here, now have to live within 15 mile radius of City Hall unless they’re under the prior ordinance, which was 20 miles. So if they’re under the prior resident, our prior ordinance, they can be within 20 miles, but if they move again, it has to be within 15 miles. So the only one that the ordinance requires to reside in the city would be the chief of Police, not the other officers.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:05

• Labor market flexibility and hiring

  • Summary: The City Manager stated the need for flexibility due to a dynamic labor market to remain competitive with surrounding communities.
  • Evidence: “I just wanted to add one point to that, which is we are in a dynamic labor market. We have to be as flexible as we can to get the best candidates for the jobs that we have available. This is just one thing that we can do to make ourselves more competitive with the rest of the communities in our area.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:15

• Status of residency ordinances

  • Summary: Attorney Zito confirmed that while the council set residency requirements in 2017, staff proposals regarding such ordinances may become outdated due to trends.
  • Evidence: “We are allowed to have that, and the council at one point in 2017 did set residency requirements there. Now, what staff is proposing right now is ordinances, whether they be residency requirements or other types of ordinances, sometimes become outdated. Sometimes, you know, trends cause an ordinance to be outdated.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:26

• Fire department residency requirements history

  • Summary: A speaker detailed that throughout their 27 years with the fire department, the contractual radius extended three times, covering an area up to right before Monroe, Wisconsin.
  • Evidence: “Throughout their career contracts are established that establish the radius under which people can live. To piggyback on Chief Shenberger throughout our career the radius has has extended three times throughout the 27 years that I’ve been with this fire department. As far as that radius is a circle, it extends up into right before Monroe. It doesn’t make Monroe, it’s right before Monroe, Wisconsin.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:06

• Ordinance restricting wells and septics

  • Summary: The ordinance aims to restrict wells and septics within the city to protect the water supply, noting that only westward expansion and Woodside are areas where service would be difficult without major investments.
  • Attribution: Darren
  • Evidence: “We would like to pass this ordinance to restrict wells and septics within the city. This would still allow the city to have an exception if in fact we couldn’t serve somebody. But for the most part, there’s only two areas of Freeport that we currently don’t have systems to that we really would struggle to service at this time, which is the westward expansion and also Woodside with the wooded area back there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:47

• Variation Application for Madonna Renewal Center Sign

  • Summary: The application seeks relief from zoning restrictions regarding sign size and height. The proposed sign is 16 by 13 feet, which exceeds the current limits of 15 feet in height and 16 square feet in area.
  • Evidence: “Varian’s application at 1209 South Wallen Avenue submitted by Madonna Renewal Center to seek relief from 1468.25B1 regarding restrictions of one sign per zoning lot and to not exceed 16 square feet in area and relief from 1468.25B3 regarding restriction of height of sign of less than one storey or 15 feet above curb level”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:49

• Zoning Board of Appeals Recommendation for Sign Variation

  • Summary: The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions on March 6th, 2025.
  • Evidence: “So this was brought to the staff in November 20th and on March 6th of 2025 the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:29

• Planning Commission Recommendation for Sign Variation

  • Summary: The Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 6-2 on March 13th, noting Director Stiegel and Commissioner Huffines as the two dissenting votes.
  • Evidence: “And then on March 13th the Planning Commission also recommended approval by a vote of 6-2 and then 6 yeas, 2 nays and 0 abstentions and the 2 nays was Director Stiegel and then also Commissioner Huffines”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:21

• Staff Recommendation for Sign Variation

  • Summary: Staff recommended approval of the variation, aligning with both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission recommendations.
  • Evidence: “staff in their own review, Their recommendation is in line with both Sonia Board of Appeals and Planning Commission recommends approval of this variation.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:52

• New lease format signing

  • Summary: Angie confirmed she signed off on the leases regarding the lease itself, and the purpose of the council meeting is solely for approving the new lease format.
  • Evidence: “That’s all that’s bringing forward to you guys is everyone that has already been in place, they’re coming forward and signing the new lease. That’s all we’re doing here is just approving. You guys are approving the new leases, the new format.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:15

• Gladewood neighborhood road status

  • Summary: The Gladewood neighborhood was established in the 1960s, and while residents believed Gladewood Drive was a dedicated city street, research revealed its private status, leading to the suspension of city maintenance.
  • Attribution: Attorney Cox
  • Evidence: “So the Gladewood neighborhood was established in the 1960s the Park District raised funds by selling a portion of its land the developer built the Gladewood neighborhood and Gladewood Drive as a private street with specific conditions for a city acceptance that were never met such as proper width and Drainage. Over the years, residents and city officials often believed Gladewood Drive was a dedicated city street, public street, leading to occasional city maintenance. However, research related to the Demeter Bridge revealed the roads private status leading to the prompt suspension of city maintenance activities.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:47:15

• Gladewood Group representation at meeting

  • Summary: A speaker noted that several people from the Gladewood area were present, with John Larson speaking on behalf of the Gladewood Group.
  • Evidence: “I was just going to comment that there’s several people from the Gladewood area here tonight, one of which Mr. Larson was kind of their spokesperson. B. Bates, and John H. Bates. And a great group of people that are here today. And we’re going to talk about that in a little bit. So, I’m going to start with John. He was speaking on behalf of the Gladewood Group. Not me. He was not speaking for me. I’m the president.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:11:46

• Changes to gaming fees provisions in Chapter 806

  • Summary: The Liquor Commission suggests instituting a one-time issuance fee for new licenses, increasing the annual fee to $500 and the per terminal fee to $500.
  • Attribution: Attorney Cox
  • Evidence: “There’s a suggestion from the Liquor Commission that the gaming fees provisions in 806, you’ll see the changes on the chart there for the licensing fee. We currently charge $250 for an annual fee and then $250 per terminal for video gaming. The Liquor Commission is suggesting that we institute an issuance fee for new licenses that would only be paid once. Feebe paid once. Currently we have issuance fees for most tiers of licenses and then the annual fee be increased to $500 and then $500 per terminal.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:15:40

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-31: United Diagnostic Service agreement

  • Summary: Presentation regarding the adoption of a resolution ratifying an agreement with United Diagnostic Services, LLC, for firefighter health and safety screenings.
  • Attribution: Attorney Cox
  • Evidence: “Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2025-31. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying agreement with United Diagnostic Service or UDS to provide firefighter health and safety screenings. … Before you is a request for adoption ratifying an agreement with United Diagnostic Services, LLC, to provide firefighter and health safety screenings.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:54

• Firefighter Health Screenings Details

  • Summary: Details on the completed screenings provided to 45 department members across three days (March 20th, 21st, 22nd), covering conditions like cancers, thyroid, liver, gallbladder, bladder, prostate, heart functioning, and aorta/carotid arteries.
  • Attribution: Deputy Chief
  • Evidence: “The dates of the screening were established on three consecutive days, March 20th, 21st, 22nd. These screenings again utilized ultrasound and looked for conditions related to cancers, related to thyroid, liver, gallbladder, bladder, prostate, proper heart functioning, and assessment of the aorta and carotid arteries. These screenings have now established a baseline for our department and we hope to continue them, the recommended every two years.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:22:51

• Process for Pretzel City Area Transit grants

  • Summary: There is a four-step process for approving grants related to the Pretzel City area transit. The first step, an ordinance adopting transportation services within Freeport and Stephenson County, has already been passed.
  • Evidence: “There’s a four-step process for approving grants related to the Pretzel City area transit. So the first step, which has already been passed, is an ordinance which adopts the transportation services within Freeport and Stephenson County.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:24:24

• Special grant application for Intermortal Project implementation

  • Summary: A special grant will be held in the next few weeks for the city of Freeport to receive the application of the Intermortal Project implementation from IDOT for financial assistance under two grants.
  • Evidence: “I wanted to mention that we’re going to be having a special grant in the next few weeks. We’re going to be having a special grant for the city of Freeport to be able to receive the application of the Intermortal Project implementation, which is IDOT, for financial assistance under the two grants.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:24:55

• Rock Salt Joint Participation Agreement for snow removal

  • Summary: Staff explained that the city buys Rock Salt annually and needs to approve the joint participation agreement early due to state bid changes.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. The city of Freeport buys Rock Salt for snow removal operations every year. We are part of the state bid and they’ve made some changes so we need to approve things a little earlier than in the past. So staff requests council move forward with this joint participation agreement so that Freeport can become part of the state Rock Salt program.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:28:25

• Blower repair cost comparison

  • Summary: The project to rebuild the blower is about $17,000, which is compared to $41,000 to replace it.
  • Evidence: “So this particular project to have it rebuilt is about $17,000. That’s compared to $41,000 to replace it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:32:26

• Street light replacement project details

  • Summary: The city needs to replace 70 aging street lights with LEDs as part of a $20,000 grant awarded by ComEd. The project must be completed by June of 2025.
  • Evidence: “And the city staff submitted a grant proposal to ComEd and was awarded $20,000 toward the 70 light replacement project, which includes changing to LEDs… This is a quick hitting project that must be completed by June of 2025.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:33:57

• ComEd and IDOT funding details for street lights

  • Summary: Approximately $20,000 will be received from ComEd, with IDOT’s cost share depending on the cost of each intersection. The total project is estimated around $40,000.
  • Evidence: “Okay. So did you say there’s 17 of them? 70.70. 70 Of them. And we’re getting 20,000 from ComEd and IDOT? Yeah, we’ll get approximately 20,000 from ComEd, and then I think IDOT’s a cost share depending on the cost of each intersection.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:37:01

• Charging Smart Designated Community Program Details

  • Summary: The program is 100% funded by the U. S. Department of Energy and involves developing codes, ordinances, and technical assistance for providing charging infrastructure.
  • Evidence: “The program is 100% funded by the U. S. Department of Energy. Smart is committed to transforming the transportation system in ways that positively benefit the environment, the economy through access to charging infrastructure.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:45:17

• Charging Community Support from Region 1

  • Summary: Director Duckman explained that Isaac Guerrero of Region 1 reached out regarding an opportunity for communities to become ‘charge smart’ communities, which helps with future grant applications.
  • Attribution: Director Duckman
  • Evidence: “Director Duckman? I did want to add, too, because I was put in the email chain with Region 1. It looks, because they’re both talking about charging, they look similar. They could be connected, but honestly what happened was is Isaac Guerrero is their community development director and services director in Region 1. He reached out to us and said, hey, this is an opportunity. Sanders. We’re reaching out to all communities, looking for support to become a charge smart community and then that would help us down the road if we wanted to apply for grants, they would essentially help, we’d essentially be getting their help down the road. So while they look similar, they are different items. Thank you.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:47:47

• Fire Hydrant Status and Replacement Needs

  • Summary: The city has 87 fire hydrants older than 1960, with around 47 from the 1930 era that lack steamer nozzles. The budget only allowed for enough funds for 5 replacements.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “I believe we have 87 fire hydrants currently that are older than 1960. And I believe we have around 47 of them that are still from 1930 era. So those don’t have steamer nozzles… we did look through the budget and we only had enough budget for 50,000 this year.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:55:13

• Albertus Airport Fuel Payment System Upgrade

  • Summary: The city-owned Albertus Airport’s credit card fuel payment system is antiquated and requires upgrading. The total cost for the upgrade is $14,954, with a recurring software update fee of $1,400 annually.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So the city owned Albertus Airport has been experiencing issues with our our credit card fuel payment system the system’s been attempted to be fixed several times but it’s basically antiquated and requires upgrading… So the total cost of Upgrade is fourteen thousand nine hundred fifty four dollars and the fuel master software will have a reoccurring software update fee of fourteen hundred dollars annually.”

• Utility upgrade projects for 2025

  • Summary: The city of Freeport is planning utility upgrade projects for 25. The Laurel lift station and Galena lift stations were originally built in 67.
  • Evidence: “The city of Freeport is planning utility upgrade projects for 25. The Laurel lift station and Galena lift stations were originally built in 67.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:00:06

• Utility upgrade scope details

  • Summary: Fehr Graham design team will provide plans and specifications for the completed rehabilitation of the existing lift stations, including a new pumping system, full control panel, SCADA ready, so that’s the over the air computer control system, and level transducers, backup floats, alarms, lights, electrical systems, and startup training.
  • Evidence: “Fehr Graham design team will provide plans and specifications for the completed rehabilitation of the existing lift stations, including a new pumping system, full control panel, SCADA ready, so that’s the over the air computer control system, and level transducers, backup floats, alarms, lights, electrical systems, and startup training.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:01:29

• Resolution approving agreement with Fehr Graham for EV charging station project

  • Summary: The city is receiving $320,000 in 2025 for EV Charger Grant funding through the Illinois EPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act program to install four chargers at two locations: the municipal lot and the Lindo lot.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide civil engineering services related to EV charging station installation project. Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. So the city is receiving $320,000 in 2025 for EV Charger Grant funding through the Illinois EPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act program. This will incorporate EV chargers in two locations, the municipal lot and the southwest corner of, I’m sorry, it would not be the southwest corner, it would be the Lindo lot. Each location is planned to have four chargers.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:06:44

• Lead service line replacement program phase four bid opening details

  • Summary: A bid opening was held on March 18th, 2025, for lead service line replacement phase 4. Five contractors submitted final bids, and 5 Star Energy Services LLC from Waukesha, Wisconsin submitted the best bid at $19,731 per base bid. The total contract project award for this phase will be $2,525,000.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “A bid opening was held on March 18th 2025 for lead service line replacement phase 4… five contractors submitted final bids and 5 Star Energy Services LLC out of Waukesha, Wisconsin was a little better at $19,731 per base bid. The total contract project award for this phase will be $2,525,000 for service equipment, I’m sorry, for service replacements.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:12:34

• Next bid opening for video cameras in public transportation vehicles

  • Summary: Another bid opening was held on March 21st, 2025, for installation of video cameras in public transportation vehicles for Pretzel City Transit.
  • Evidence: “Item number 30, could you please read the next bid? Another bid opening was held on March 21st, 2025 for installation of video cameras in public transportation vehicles for Pretzel City Transit.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:15:05

• Bid opening for video cameras in public transportation vehicles

  • Summary: A bid opening was held on March 21st, 2025, for installing video cameras in Pretzel City Transit vehicles. Staff received five bids; two were disqualified.
  • Evidence: “Another bid opening was held on March 21st, 2025 for installation of video cameras in public transportation vehicles for Pretzel City Transit… So staff received a total of five bids. Two of them were disqualified”
  • Source timestamp: 03:15:16

• Lowest responsible bidder for security cameras

  • Summary: Angel Tracks was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $36,000, offering options including front bus cameras and a wireless access point for an additional $4,600, keeping their total at $41,000.
  • Evidence: “the lowest responsible bidder was Angel Tracks. They had a bid of 36,000, a little over 36,000. They also provided a few options and the options were to add cameras at the front of the bus as well as also having a wireless access point in their parking lot that would add another four thousand six hundred dollars that kept them still as the lowest responsible bidder at forty one thousand”
  • Source timestamp: 03:15:41

• Structure Fire Report: East Stephenson Street

  • Summary: A report was given on the grass fire that occurred on Saturday afternoon, March 22nd, at 607 East Stephenson Street.
  • Evidence: “On Saturday afternoon, March 22nd, approximately 4:16 PM units from and the Freeport Fire Department were dispatched for a grass fire that was reported to be located at 607 East Stephenson Street here in Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:20:45

• Fire Incident Report Summary

  • Summary: The 13-hour fire event involved nearly 120 individuals and required roughly 2.3 million gallons of water to achieve final extinguishment.
  • Evidence: “In entirety, this event spanned, like I said, 13 hours. It involved nearly 120 individuals and required roughly 2.3 million gallons of water to achieve final extinguishment.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:26:40

• Fire Incident Injuries

  • Summary: Three firefighters sustained minor injuries during the event, all assessed by on-scene EMS and determined not to require transport.
  • Evidence: “During the course of this event, three firefighters sustained minor injuries. All were assessed by on-scene EMS and were determined not to require transport.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:27:00

• Police Department Grant Funding

  • Summary: The Council approved the purchase of new body-worn cameras, and a federal small rural tribal grant provided about $25,000 towards that purchase.
  • Attribution: Police
  • Evidence: “Just real quick, last year, the Council approved the purchase of new body-worn cameras. And when I presented that memo, I said that I was gonna apply for a grant. So I applied for a federal small rural tribal grant. And it was about a month ago or so we received about $25,000 towards that purchase, so.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:27:29

• City Manager Report Status

  • Summary: The City Manager reported no report for the evening.
  • Evidence: “No report tonight. I’m sorry, Curt? No.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:28:01

Metrics

• New housing construction in Freeport over 10 years

  • Summary: The speaker could not provide an exact number of new houses built in Freeport over the last 10 years, noting that only a few were built on Rye Ridge this year.
  • Evidence: “I mean, in the city of Freeport, how many new houses have been built in the last 10 years? Darren, you know that answer? I don’t know the exact number, but we just had houses built on Rye Ridge this year, two or three. But I couldn’t give you a number over 10 years. It’s not many.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:43

• Screening costs and coverage for health screenings

  • Summary: The cost of the screenings was $14,625, amounting to $325 per individual, with the full cost covered by funding from the department’s Foreign Fire Insurance Board fund.
  • Evidence: “The cost of the screenings was Settlers. $14,625 Is $325 per individual, and the full cost was covered by funding from the department’s Foreign Fire Insurance Board fund.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:22:51

• IDOT cost-sharing structure for intersections

  • Summary: Cost sharing percentages for individual intersections can range from 30% to 100%.
  • Evidence: “So one intersection might be 30%, the next one might be 50, and the next one might be 100.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:37:37

• Fire Spread Details

  • Summary: The initial grass fire spread from a fire pit, involving a nearby structure at 525 East Stephenson Street.
  • Evidence: “Initial size-up revealed the grass fire had spread from a fire pit and was increasing in both size and intensity and was now involving a nearby structure. This structure was located at 525 East Stephenson Street.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:21:54

• Fire Confirmation Time

  • Summary: A working structure fire was confirmed in the rear of a 450-foot-long structure at 525 East Stephenson Street at 4:28 PM.
  • Evidence: “At 4:28 PM, it was confirmed that a working structure fire was present in the rear of a 450-foot-long structure located there.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:22:03

• Fire Progression

  • Summary: The fire advanced westward from the first involved structure to the main building complex at 525 E. Stephenson.
  • Evidence: “Despite all initial efforts, the fire within the rear of the first involved structure advanced westward into the rear of the second and much larger structure, also located at 525 E. Stephenson. This was determined to be the main building of the complex.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:22:35

• Alarm Call Issued

  • Summary: A Mavis division box alarm was placed through city dispatch at 5:06 PM requesting additional resources.
  • Evidence: “At 5:06 PM, a Mavis division box alarm, that’s an all call for area departments around us, was placed through city dispatch requesting additional resources of manpower and apparatus to the scene from surrounding communities.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:22:49

• Firefighting Duration and Conclusion

  • Summary: Firefighting efforts continued until 3:30 AM when extinguishment was completed, with all units clearing the scene by 4:30 AM.
  • Evidence: “Firefighting efforts continued throughout the rest of the evening and into Sunday morning, and by 2 AM an excavator from Fisher Excavating arrived on scene and was utilized to gain safe access throughout the main structure, thus assisting our crews with overhaul and and finally extinguishment efforts. These efforts were completed by 3:30 AM and all units had cleared the scene by 4:30 AM.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:23:28

• Total Incident Scope

  • Summary: The event spanned 13 hours, involved nearly 120 individuals, and required roughly 2.3 million gallons of water.
  • Evidence: “In entirety, this event spanned, like I said, 13 hours. It involved nearly 120 individuals and required roughly 2.3 million gallons of water to achieve final extinguishment.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:26:40

Discussion

• Need for Early Childhood Education Resources

  • Summary: A speaker noted that while Freeport School District is doing great things with preschool, more buildings and nonprofit childcare are needed to prepare children for kindergarten.
  • Attribution: Speaker
  • Evidence: “Freeport School District is doing some great things with preschool, which owns Farrar, putting all the preschool classrooms together, which I think will be a great success. But we need more. We need more buildings. We need more home childcare. We need more nonprofit childcare.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:10

• Discussion regarding reappointments and public notification protocols

  • Summary: A discussion was held questioning whether the board was open to public opportunities for joining boards when reappointing members, citing concerns about redundancy and lack of public notification protocols.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I wanted to address the fact that we’re indicating reappointments of individuals and then We’re re-appointing people that has already been part of these boards and the fact that we have not talked about whether or not the board was open to public opportunities to join these particular boards so we don’t have a redundancy of re-appointing the same heads of these boards… I just want to know what are we doing in regards to that because I don’t see any protocols here.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:38

• Mayor’s statement on appointment authority

  • Summary: The Mayor stated that the mayor appoints who she chooses to these boards and the council can only vote yay or nay.
  • Attribution: Mayor
  • Evidence: “your answer to that is yes okay every time I speak somewhere I I just wanted to say, Audemars Sanders, that we don’t have say so in this matter. The mayor appoints who she chooses to these boards. And we vote yay or nay, but she has the say so of who she appoints.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:08

• Disposition of abandoned property (bicycles)

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether the disposed bicycles could be given out to the community or if they all needed destruction.
  • Attribution: Alderman Monroe
  • Evidence: “Chief, have we, are any of the bikes that you’re looking to dispose of, are they something we could give out to the community? Or are all of them just needing to be destroyed? They’re in pretty poor condition. However, there was somebody, I prepared this memo a while ago. But since that time, there was somebody who approached one of our employees Huffines. That is associated with the Salvation Army that has asked to look at them before we get rid of them.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:52

• Disposition of abandoned property (bicycles)

  • Summary: A citizen inquired about the possibility of retrieving a missing bike by providing a description.
  • Attribution: Suttman
  • Evidence: “Yeah. I mean, we opened up, we have it opened up, I mean, we can’t just go there, but to come down the police department, if somebody is missing a bike, they can come down the police and Suttman, and we can take them or if we get a description of it and they can provide a description of it, then we can see if it’s there. But generally, most of these are in pretty poor condition. They were just abandoned and stuff like that.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:36

• Residency Requirements Discussion

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether more positions currently reside outside city limits than inside.
  • Evidence: “Out of these 15 positions, how many of them already reside in Freeport? I’ll have to get back to you on the specifics. I know we have some folks that are not currently in city limits. Of course, that is something that happened before I was here. We have more out of city limits than we do in.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:56

• Residency requirement for city employees

  • Summary: The discussion covered the impact of residency requirements on hiring and recruitment, with suggestions to modernize or alleviate these requirements for all positions except the City Manager.
  • Evidence: “So what I’m asking is that we modernize this ordinance and we alleviate these residency requirements for anyone except for the city manager.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:21

• Ordinance creation date

  • Summary: The ordinance in question was stated to have been created around 2017.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Stacy, the answer to your question is 2017.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:19

• Exemption from residency requirement

  • Summary: A request was made regarding an exemption status for residents concerning the city’s residency ordinance.
  • Evidence: “Well I understand that there’s an exemption being asked according to this agenda in regards to residency and and the fact and I have been asked to get rid of the status of our residents. I would like that an individual or individuals, in other words, to get rid of the residency, we’re asking to exempt their status for our residency.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:49

• Exploratory review of local candidates

  • Summary: A question was raised about whether the opportunity for internal city residents to fill positions had been fully explored before considering outside residents.
  • Evidence: “Have we done the exploratory surgery for the citizens of the city of Freeport as far as their qualification is concerned? Have we done that?”
  • Source timestamp: 42:09

• Information source for outside candidates

  • Summary: A question was raised about how outside residents received information regarding open positions.
  • Evidence: “And I’m curious. I’m really curious. How did outside residents get this information? And if we don’t have a list of people that has applied for these positions, and we need to know whether or not that even happened.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:05

• Hiring pool size

  • Summary: The speaker stated that when a posting is put out for a director position, the pool of applicants is very small, and it is even smaller if limited to city residents.
  • Evidence: “Well let me see if I can address your concern. Number one, when we put a posting out for one of our directors or whatever, there is a very, very small pool of people that apply, period. And folks from city limits, it’s even smaller, okay if any.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:12

• Trend toward removing residency requirements

  • Summary: The speaker noted that there is a trend in communities to move away from residency requirements because they hinder hiring the best people.
  • Evidence: “So we were kind of in an environment where it’s been a trend of all communities to move away from the residency requirement because they understand how it ties their hands in terms of hiring the best people for the job.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:42

• Goal of adjusting residency requirements

  • Summary: The goal was stated as making an adjustment to the residency requirement for everyone except the city manager.
  • Evidence: “So one of the things that we were trying to do here is make get a higher quality staff by just making a small adjustment to the residency requirement here for everyone but the city manager.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:27

• Residency requirement for city employees

  • Summary: The discussion centered on the trend of communities moving away from residency requirements to hire the best people, suggesting an adjustment might be needed for all positions except the city manager.
  • Evidence: “we were kind of in an environment where it’s been a trend of all communities to move away from the residency requirement because they understand how it ties their hands in terms of hiring the best people for the job. So we may end up having a position sit empty if we continue to abide by the residency requirement when we would simply be able to hire someone from a surrounding community whether that’s Lena or Pearl City or our surrounding communities or or whether that’s some of the larger metro areas okay so one of the things that we were trying to do here is make get a higher quality staff by just making a small adjustment to the residency requirement here for everyone but the city manager. The city manager still has to live in city limits.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:42

• Residency requirement for job applicants

  • Summary: Alderman Sellers questioned if a radius requirement could be added concerning Stephenson County residency.
  • Evidence: “I was wondering, was there a radiance that they have to be in? And I also had someone that called me and said, could they also just be, they live in Stephenson County? Is that part of a requirement that we could add to it?”
  • Source timestamp: 45:56

• Hiring practices and local accountability

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern about the lack of local connection among employees who do not reside locally, arguing that those who live in the community understand its problems better.
  • Evidence: “And the people that accepted them knew that they were not moving to Freeport. It’s not because a lack of interest or filling a position… I just feel that it’s just a little different when it’s your city or your town.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:46

• Legality of residency requirements

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm asked Attorney Zito if the city is legally allowed to mandate where an employee must live for a job.
  • Evidence: “Attorney Zito, could you politely tell me if we can legally tell somebody where they can live today for a job? So the city is allowed to have residency requirements.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:09

• Recommendation on removing residency requirement

  • Summary: Mr. Miller sought clarification on whether the City Manager recommended removing the residency requirement due to hiring difficulties.
  • Evidence: “I have a question. You guys can impose one or you guys cannot have one. I think the city manager is saying that at this time he is recommending to not have a residency requirement just because of the hiring difficulties and the such. Was that a yes or no?”
  • Source timestamp: 49:53

• Fire department employee residence comparison

  • Summary: A speaker questioned why accountability rules (like those passed by council tax increases) are applied unevenly, citing examples like district chiefs living in Wisconsin or lieutenants driving from outside the area.
  • Evidence: “And we’ve got district chiefs living in Wisconsin from the fire department. And a fire lieutenant that drives a vehicle to Stockton every day and back. That’s 11,000 miles a year just on that vehicle.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:14

• Concerns about non-residents influencing local issues

  • Summary: A speaker argued that people who do not live in the community do not understand its problems because they do not communicate with locals daily.
  • Evidence: “Why don’t we do it for everybody? And the point is this, the people that don’t live in our community don’t We don’t understand the problems, they don’t communicate with our local community on a daily basis, they’re trying to establish relationships without knowing the people, and these are big issues, because if you don’t know where the problems are at, you don’t live here, you don’t get it, you don’t drive through the town every day, you don’t understand really what’s going on.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:03

• Ordinance enforcement and fraud allegations

  • Summary: The speaker discussed ignoring existing rules and alleged that staff members claiming to live in Freeport have proof of otherwise.
  • Evidence: “Right. We totally ignored it. That would be like me driving down the street at 50 miles an hour and tell the chief well I’ve been driving fast my whole life and nobody’s giving me a ticket so it’s Fremont. It’s okay. His officers would tell me, well, here’s a piece of paper, but yet we haven’t done the same thing. We’ve got members of this staff, your staff, who have said they lived in Freeport and we have proof they haven’t. It’s fraud. Plain and simple.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:21

• Tax dollars usage by non-residents

  • Summary: The speaker questioned the use of tax dollars for things like gas when people who live outside the city spend money in Freeport.
  • Evidence: “You can’t tell me that that district chief who lives in Monroe buys any gas here, buys anything in the city of Freeport. And that’s a problem because when we depend on those tax dollars to fix our streets, to fix our infrastructure, but yet those people use it every day and they take $100,000 plus a and I, and they go right out of town.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:11

• Candidate pool for city roles

  • Summary: The speaker expressed disbelief that the citizens of Freeport cannot provide qualified candidates for certain roles.
  • Evidence: “And to even hint that the citizens of Freeport, that we can’t get qualified candidates out of 25,000 people for some of these roles, that’s crazy. That’s crazy to me.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:20

• Staffing flexibility and candidate pool management

  • Summary: Manager Boyer stated that allowing non-residents to work creates ‘management flexibility’ and a broader pool of candidates.
  • Evidence: “To say to you Alderman Monroe is you brought up a couple of individuals yet we’re not talking about the fact that we’ve got them on call, they come back whenever they need to, they’re on call 24-7 in some cases, we’ve got situations where we’ve got outlying communities where a lot of folks live, they get promoted and then all of a sudden now they’re outside city limits and all this does is create management flexibility and allows us a broader pool”
  • Source timestamp: 55:27

• Internal hiring preference vs. candidate availability

  • Summary: Miller stated that while the goal is to hire qualified people, internal hires are preferred but there are not enough applicants from Freeport.
  • Evidence: “We always look at our internal hires as people who live within city limits, but we do not Kessler. There’s just not enough applicants from the City of Freeport. There’s just not enough.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:18

• Eligibility requirements for city vehicles and positions

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm inquired if it is true that city employees use city vehicles while living outside town.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Klemm, did you have your hand up? The only thing I was going to ask, if that’s the absolute truth, that we’ve got guys using city vehicles driving out of town in those positions?”
  • Source timestamp: 57:00

• Residency requirements for key city roles

  • Summary: Alderman Sellers stated that while he could not give a straight answer on all jobs, the Fire Chief has an apartment in town and the Police Chief’s hiring included residency discussions.
  • Evidence: “I will tell you that Chief of Police, Fire Chief, obviously the Fire Chief has an apartment here in town. The Police Chief, that was part of his hiring, what was discussed when he was hired.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:31

• Recommendation to remove residency requirement

  • Summary: The speaker recommended moving forward with removing a residency requirement for city positions to allow for appropriate candidates.
  • Evidence: “For the police department and the sergeants for the police department and these are listed here but as I understand chief these aren’t these aren’t required to be residents anyway it’s just a radius yeah a radius so all we’re asking for here is let’s just move forward in any way that’s productive for the city which is going to allow us to have appropriate level of candidates for our empty positions and not punish the folks that have been doing a good job for the city for many years there’s no real reason to have this anymore and it’s it’s my recommendation we move forward and remove it.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:53

• Residency requirement for police department sergeants and chief

  • Summary: A speaker questioned the necessity of residency requirements for police department personnel, stating that it is not required to be residents.
  • Evidence: “I’m guessing it’s one of those was promoted into that position over a period of time. For the police department and the sergeants for the police department and these are listed here but as I understand chief these aren’t these aren’t required to be residents anyway it’s just a radius yeah a radius so all we’re asking for here is let’s just move forward in any way that’s productive for the city which is going to allow us to have appropriate level of candidates for our empty positions and not punish the folks that have been doing a good job for the city for many years there’s no real reason to have this anymore and it’s it’s my recommendation we move forward and remove it.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:44

• Compensation and spending autonomy

  • Summary: A speaker argued that once personnel are compensated for their work, the money is theirs to spend as they choose, citing examples like going to Rockford or the Dells.
  • Evidence: “As far as compensation, I understand that, you know, it’s a touchy topic for people to talk about compensation. But my people and myself, we work hard for our money. You know, tonight I’ll end up speaking about 13 hours worth of work that happened two weeks ago. It’s hard work. People can get hurt. People could get killed. But we’re compensated for our work. That’s part of our contractual arrangement, just like everyone else gets paid. And once you are compensated for the work that you do, that money is each of ours to spend how we choose.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:13

• Fire Marshal’s duties and response time

  • Summary: A speaker detailed that the fire marshal serves as a trained arson investigator certified by the state and county, often working with the state fire marshal’s office.
  • Evidence: “In the course of her duties beyond just being the fire marshal for our city, she is a trained arson investigator that is certified by this state and throughout our county, other chiefs and other towns call her to investigate their fires, to begin those investigations. She works side by side with state fire marshal’s office.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:02:16

• Support for department personnel regardless of residency

  • Summary: A speaker stated that the department provides service whether it rains, snows, or is 20 below, and argued against assuming staff are not committed because they do not live in the city.
  • Evidence: “We go, whether it rains, whether it’s snowing, whether it’s 20 below, we don’t care if you’re green and eight feet tall. If you call, we come and we deliver to you the best service that we can, dependent on whatever the emergency is.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:53

• Ordinance requirement for speaking time

  • Summary: A council member stated the ordinance requires a unanimous pass of the entire council for Alderman Sanders to speak a third time, and noted that the current vote was past unanimous.
  • Attribution: Council
  • Evidence: “I just want to remind you of what the ordinance is and I’m happy to allow you to speak a third time but it’s according to the ordinance so it would have to be by a unanimous pass of the entire council in order for you to do that okay so madam clerk can you take the role on allowing Alderman Sanders to speaking a third time. … Oh. We are way past unanimous. I’m sorry Alderman Sanders, you’re not allowed to speak a third time.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:39

• Residency requirements for Illinois employees

  • Summary: A speaker argued that while ordinances require city employees to live in the city limits of Freeport, other people are not held to the same standard.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “The rules have changed. The state of Illinois requires that Illinois employees live in the state of Illinois. But yet, Freeport Fire Department, you can live in Wisconsin, we’re good. … If you read the ordinance, it says, you live in the city limits of Freeport. Period. Just like you’re holding him accountable. But yet, you can’t hold other people accountable.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:08

• Equal application of rules and ordinances

  • Summary: A speaker argued that the rules must be followed equally for everybody, citing examples where rules were applied to some but not others.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “So my situation is this, you need to follow the rules for everybody equally, but you don’t and that’s because you get a benefit from them for not following the rules. That’s where the problems underlie. … It was equal justice under the law. It was equal justice under the law, and we don’t have that in this city.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:08:56

• Approval of Chief Shenberger

  • Summary: A speaker reminded the council that it was this council that approved Chief Shenberger.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “Held to the standard, I’ll just remind this council that it was this council that approved Chief Shenberger, because I know that’s where you’re pointing the fingers at. Boyer said he does not live within the city limits and you tied his hands to not allow him to go out with a further search and he said then that’s where his appointment will go and you all said that was fine. It was this council.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:06

• Fixing city governance issues

  • Summary: A speaker suggested the need to fix how the city is managed, referencing a proposed fix.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “So I guess in my opinion it comes down to how do we fix this? If it’s broke, how do we fix it? We pass this. This is the fix.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:10:37

• Residency requirement removal for unions

  • Summary: A speaker asked if all three of the council’s unions have removed the residency requirement.
  • Attribution: Council Member
  • Evidence: “Madam Clerk, did you have an add on? I just haven’t heard a concept all tied together. It kind of piggybacks on Alderman Shadle’s fix it. It kind of piggybacks on the mayor saying this seated council tasked or approved to hire from within. But whoever can answer, all three of our unions have removed the residency requirement, correct?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:02

• Residency requirement for hiring

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the removal of residency requirements for police and fire departments.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “But whoever can answer, all three of our unions have removed the residency requirement, correct? Am I wrong on that? So fire and police have removed the residency requirement. I believe by removing the residency requirement is forward thinking. We already have an issue. We have. We can agree on that. But I’m trying to tie some points together, sir, because I have been here for the eight years.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:21

• Residency requirement for hiring

  • Summary: Concerns were raised that if residency requirements are not changed, it will compound issues when hiring people who do not live within city limits.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “I’m just going to propose if we don’t change it, we’re going to compound this issue and we’re going to keep running up against this because we’re going to be hiring people that don’t have the residency requirements. And then as Mayor Miller said, we were directed to hire from within the police department, but you’re going to have people who don’t live in city limits and that’s just going to compound itself if something isn’t changed.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:12:31

• Ordinance restricting wells and septics

  • Summary: The ordinance is supported by EPA and IDPH for protecting the water supply, as county efforts outside city limits already include a blocked zone within a thousand feet of the border.
  • Attribution: Darren
  • Evidence: “We’re a developed community, EPA is backing this 100%. The county also backs this as well. Outside of our city limit territory, they have a blocked zone within a thousand feet of our borders that people have to connect to the city. This is so people can’t just pick up and move right outside the city limits and draw a bunch of water from the aquifer that most of the residents.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:55

• Ordinance restricting wells and septics

  • Summary: A request was made for documentation demonstrating due diligence regarding compliance with EPA requirements concerning water wells and septic tanks.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Director, Darren, when we’re talking about the whales and the septics, the possibilities of having documentation and this demonstrating that these things are in compliance with what your studies are. When we talking about installing water wells and understanding the contamination of the septic tanks in conjunction or they’re adjacent to one another or parallel to one another or anything like that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:16

• Ordinance restricting wells and septics

  • Summary: The ordinance is supported by the Source Water Protection Act, which requires municipalities to enact such measures.
  • Attribution: Darren
  • Evidence: “Anybody can Google that and look at it. It’s called the Source Water Protection Act. We’re required to enact this as a municipality, just like every other municipality is source water.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:11

• Source Water Protection Act compliance and ordinance updates

  • Summary: The need to enact ordinances regarding Source Water Protection Act, covering wells, septic systems, and stormwater, is discussed as necessary for Freeport’s water supply protection.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “It’s called the Source Water Protection Act. We’re required to enact this as a municipality, just like every other municipality is source water. If anybody does the research is a huge thing. And it also includes stormwater as part of this as well because stormwater goes to drinking water eventually, right? So this is a big blanket portfolio. This is just really cleaning up our ordinances so people that are moving here or building here or want to do something here can entertain the code and ordinance on the source water protection better.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:18

• Documentation of tasks related to water and contaminant safety

  • Summary: A concern was raised regarding the lack of tangible documentation demonstrating that necessary tasks concerning well water, contaminants, and general city confidence have been processed or completed.
  • Evidence: “We don’t have documentation that demonstrates the fact that these tasks are actually been taken through and processed. We don’t have anything tangible as counsel.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:10

• Disclosure of information to citizens regarding water safety measures

  • Summary: A point was made that if the city is not disclosing everything concerning wells, septic systems, and stormwater, the residents are uninformed.
  • Evidence: “Well, the thing about it is if we’re not doing a disclosure to everything that concerns our Miller, our septics, our storm waters and things of that nature, then the people in the city of Freeport is in the dark. We’re in the dark about what you’re doing, what your task is.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:21:27

• Scope of proposed ordinance regarding wells and septics

  • Summary: Clarification was provided that the ordinance only pertains to the City of Freeport corporate limits, does not extend outside city limits, and only applies to new construction, grandfathering existing wells.
  • Evidence: “This would apply only within the city limits of Freeport. This doesn’t extend to those homes and the properties just outside the city limits or does it? So for the city of Freeport, this only applies to our corporate limits, but the county also has an ordinance in act that does the first thousand feet on our corporate limits. That’s their policy, not ours, but that’s pretty much what the state is directing them to do. This ordinance only pertains to the City of Freeport, and it also does not pertain to somebody else that has a well already. They’re grandfathered in. It’s only, it’s only for anybody building a new one.”

• Sign Size and Height for Madonna Renewal Center

  • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding whether the sign needed to be that large and high, with staff noting petitioners were passionate about moving forward with the proposed size.
  • Evidence: “So does it have to be that big and that high? It doesn’t have to be. I mean, we had those discussions with them and said, hey, why don’t We make it smaller. They were really animate and passionate about wanting to have their sign out in the community.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:31:40

• Responsibility for Sign Maintenance

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding who would be responsible for maintaining a large, weather-prone sign if damage occurred.
  • Evidence: “and that my question would be is who’s going to be responsible to maintain such a sign if that ever occurs? It’s theirs and certainly if the signs weathered the city would issue violations for it and then they would have to fix it you know but just like McEvoy.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:39

• Responsibility for maintaining large, weather-prone signs

  • Summary: Question raised regarding who would be responsible for maintaining a large, weather-prone sign if damage occurs.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Olderman Sanders yeah since they’re being passionate about it and they’re asking you for your expert opinion about it is that what we’re looking at because this has nothing to do with taxpayers investments things of this nature because a sign that big and it’s weather-prone can receive some damage to it and that my question would be is who’s going to be responsible to maintain such a sign if that ever occurs?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:39

• Outstanding hangar leases status

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the number of outstanding and finalized hangar leases.
  • Attribution: Alderman Monroe
  • Evidence: “How many, it seems like we’re getting closer and closer to having a complete list of all the leases redone. How many are outstanding beyond this list so far? I think we still have about 20. So we’re only half? Yeah, we have 25 executed. We got more to go.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:54

• Hangar lease compliance and status

  • Summary: Discussion confirming that leases are in compliance with the format approved last year and clarifying missing/added lease identifiers (N2, M5).
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Yeah, also have those leases been upgraded to, you know, regular standards? Yes, they’re in compliance with what the lease format the council approved at the end of last year. … Okay, so N2, are you telling me that N2 has not been leased? The lease has not been finalized. Okay. And then M5 came in since that time. And what, honey? M5 was also not on there the last time, but we’ve received it since, so it got added too.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:37:36

• Airport lease approval process

  • Summary: Discussion regarding whether the airport director can handle lease decisions without council ordinance approval.
  • Evidence: “So before you counsel, is the passage of these hanger leases? Is there no further discussion or did you have something? I do have a question. We have a director over the airport and why can’t she handle this? Why can’t she make these decisions and she decide and she take care of all of this? That’s why we have a director.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:01

• Ordinance requirement for lease approval

  • Summary: Attorney Zito stated that leases must be approved by ordinance, meaning only the council can vote to approve them.
  • Evidence: “Well, as far as like to approve the leases, they have to be approved by ordinance if that’s what you’re referring to so that only the council can can vote to approve the I’m going to vote to approve the ordinance that approves all the leases because they have to be approved by ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:30

• Ordinance creation timeline

  • Summary: A question was raised about when the relevant lease approval ordinance was created, with a response suggesting it was three or four weeks ago.
  • Evidence: “And when was this ordinance created? The one that’s in the packet was probably created, well, it was on the agenda three weeks ago, so probably about three, four weeks ago.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:52

• Nature of lease approval ordinance

  • Summary: It was clarified that the existing document is not a code book type ordinance but rather an ordinance specifically approving the listed leases.
  • Evidence: “I suppose you could change the ordinance, but the ordinance is not like in the code book type ordinance. It’s literally just an ordinance that approves the lease agreement.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:40:05

• Authority to approve ordinances

  • Summary: It was stated that directors do not approve ordinances; that is the job of the council.
  • Evidence: “No, she’s not a director. And our directors don’t approve ordinances. That’s your job.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:40:47

• Alternative approval mechanism for leases

  • Summary: A question was raised about amending an ordinance to allow the airport manager or city manager to approve leases, rather than requiring council meetings.
  • Evidence: “I think is what other person Stacy’s asking is could there be an ordinance amendment to have the airport manager and or the city manager approve these since they approve the contracts instead of them all coming to the meetings is that correct”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:01

• Necessity of council approval for new leases

  • Summary: A participant questioned why simply approving a new lease format requires coming before the council.
  • Evidence: “I’m just trying to understand, why do every one of these, since we’re just approving the new lease, why do it have to come to the council?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:29

• Ordinance requirement for leases

  • Summary: Attorney Zito reiterated that an ordinance exists requiring all such leases to come before the council.
  • Evidence: “There’s an ordinance that says, and that’s what Attorney Zito would like, that all these leases come forward to the council.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:41

• Lease approval process for airport leases

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the necessity of bringing all airplane leases to the council for approval and potential ordinance changes to grant authority to city/airport managers.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So it’s still the same people. I’m just trying to understand, why do every one of these, since we’re just approving the new lease, why do it have to come to the council? Why can’t that be worked out? There’s an ordinance that says, and that’s what Attorney Zito would like, that all these leases come forward to the council. But if we gave, if we created an ordinance directing you to hand her. That is correct. That can be changed, if I am correct on that. And are you skilled and capable of doing that? And that. I can end up doing that, but I am not a director. I am just, I am a contracted manager. I’m contracted to run the airport. Correct.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:42:29

• Lease approval process for airport leases

  • Summary: Alderman Klemm stated that before 2018, no leases were signed by the council and suggested that if city/airport managers cannot sign off on leases, two other people should be designated.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “After we get through this, I’d like to discuss as Alderman Stacy has, before 2018 we never signed any of these leases. There’s no sense for us to see them. You’ve got a city manager. You’ve got an airport manager. If those people can’t sign off on the leases, we better get two other people. So there’s no sense for them to come through us, but I’d like to just bring that up.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:43:15

• Contractual review of lease format

  • Summary: Aldrin Sanders stated that the ordinance needs an amendment because the format of the leases is incomplete, and no individual name should be on a contract without council review.
  • Attribution: Aldrin Sanders
  • Evidence: “Aldrin Sanders. Yeah, I like to say that this particular ordinance needs an amendment to it, simply because the format of these leases are not completed. We have a jurisdictional kind of situation here when it comes to contracts and I don’t think no one individual name should be on a contract without the council going through the process of looking at that particular contract, any contract as far as I’m concerned, so we’re not just going to be passive about contracts and who signs it and who signs Fowler. We have to be responsible for what we’re looking at when it comes to contracts, and that means that those format, the format of a contract lease should be what it is, it should have an update upgraded or whatever the case is, but some changes needs to be made and there needs to be an amendment to that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:07

• Gladewood Drive road status and special service area petition

  • Summary: Research revealed Gladewood Drive’s private status, leading to the suspension of city maintenance. A petition was circulated among subdivision property owners regarding a special service area, proposing raises of about $90,000 over 15 years for resurfacing.
  • Attribution: City Staff
  • Evidence: “However, research related to the Demeter Bridge revealed the roads private status leading to the prompt suspension of city maintenance activities. The city staff engaged in discussions with Gladewood residents to explore possible solutions for addressing the neighborhood’s road condition through these efforts a mutually acceptable resolution was developed leading to the circulation of a petition among subdivision property owners. Over half of the property owners have signed the petition expressing interest in creating a special service area based on the term outlined in the petition. The agreement is in raises in short raises about $90,000 over 15 years from the property owners to go toward the eventual resurfacing of the Street before deciding whether to adopt the special service area a public hearing must be held to allow for objections and the ordinance before the council tonight simply sets the hearing upon passing this ordinance notice of the hearing will be published and the proposed plan will be presented to the public for feedback after a 60-day period for objections if fewer than 50% of the property owners and I will say 10 I believe that’s actually my correct on I believe that’s actually, am I correct on that? The matter would come back for the council for a final vote to establish the special service area. Accordingly, tonight’s vote neither approves nor disapproves the special service area itself, but merely initiates the formal process for its consideration and staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:47:15

• Scheduling a special hearing date for service area

  • Summary: Discussion regarding setting a special hearing date, with preference given to after the COW hearing and requiring at least 15 days.
  • Attribution: Dovie
  • Evidence: “I don’t know. And be a special hearing special service area hearing so we don’t have a date at this moment okay but since you don’t have a date if we agree to let this move forward for the purpose of getting a date would it be before the cow or after the cow because I don’t have a problem with moving forward with a date but I want it after the cow hearing after the after the and I think that’s 15 days at minimum. Thank you for sharing that.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:52:46

• Motion to move item to COW

  • Summary: Discussion on whether to proceed with a motion to move an item to the COW.
  • Evidence: “So then do you still want to have your motion on the floor of moving this to the COW or not? I do want it at the COW. Okay, so then, let’s take the role on moving this to the COW.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:53:59

• Implications of moving ordinance to COW

  • Summary: Discussion regarding what moving the ordinance to the COW means for proceeding with establishing something.
  • Evidence: “Moving it to the COW, is that saying that we can’t go forward with establishing? Yeah. Yeah, we can. No, you can’t, you don’t get to keep going forward with this. This is.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:54:17

• Approval of ordinance moving item to COW

  • Summary: Discussion on approving the ordinance to move an item to the COW.
  • Evidence: “Huffines. Do you approve this ordinance of moving it forward or you go to the COW? So which one do you want to do?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:54:30

• Discussion on first reading of ordinance setting hearing date

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the purpose and timing of setting a hearing date for an ordinance.
  • Evidence: “so now before you is the discussion of the first reading of this ordinance which is the purpose of setting a hearing. Is there any other discussion on setting Huffines.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:55:37

• Nature of property status (private vs annexed)

  • Summary: Discussion questioning whether a specific location/property is private or annexed into the city.
  • Evidence: “It should not matter until we understand that this property or this location is a private matter. Am I correct on that? Have they been annexed? Are they annexed into the city of Freeport? Is what I’m asking.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:56:42

• Purpose of special service area assessment

  • Summary: Explanation that the ordinance relates to setting up a special service area for residents on Gladewood to fund maintenance via special assessment.
  • Evidence: “this is to set up a special service area for that community that lives on Gladewood, so that there can be a special assessment to those residents that will contribute to the maintenance of Gladewood.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:58:10

• Procedure for Special Service Area Ordinance

  • Summary: Explanation of the three-step process required by state statute for special service areas.
  • Evidence: “For special service areas state statute says there’s a it’s a two step well let’s call it three step process you have this initial ordinance that will set the date for the hearing there so you have to adopt this here I call I refer to it as the proposing ordinance you’re proposing the the special service area and you’re setting the date for the hearing then you have the hearing after you have the hearing there’s a 60-day wait period where citizens have the the ability to file a petition objecting to the creation of the special service area. If 51 percent of the owners within the proposed special service area object to it, then you can’t form it.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:58:45

• Special Service Area (SSA) process requirements

  • Summary: The special service area process requires a three-step process: an initial ordinance to set the hearing date, the public hearing itself, and a final establishing ordinance. If 51 percent of property owners object, the SSA cannot be formed.
  • Evidence: “For special service areas state statute says there’s a it’s a two step well let’s call it three step process you have this initial ordinance that will set the date for the hearing there so you have to adopt this here I call I refer to it as the proposing ordinance you’re proposing the the special service area and you’re setting the date for the hearing then you have the hearing after you have the hearing there’s a 60-day wait period where citizens have the the ability to file a petition objecting to the creation of the special service area. If 51 percent of the owners within the proposed special service area object to it, then you can’t form it. But let’s assume that you don’t get 51 percent objecting to it, all right? Then the last step, the third step would be the establishing ordinance that actually establishes it.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:58:45

• SSA process steps confirmation

  • Summary: Adopting an ordinance means agreeing to move forward with a process involving picking a hearing date, publishing notice, conducting the public hearing, and then having a final ordinance if 51% do not object.
  • Evidence: “And that process that involves, number one, picking a hearing date, two, publishing notice in the newspaper of what that hearing date is, conducting the public hearing so the public can come and express their opinion, and then having a final ordinance if 51 if you don’t have the records of number of objectors because again if you’re 51% of the owners property owners say they don’t want the SSA then you can’t form it there but let’s assume you don’t get 51 objecting to it then it comes right back to the council for that second ordinance where you guys can vote on whether or not or not”
  • Source timestamp: 02:00:51

• Gladewood road work funding and responsibility

  • Summary: If approved, the city would have to schedule taking down the entrance and exit, installing a new base, and re-asphalting. The final placement in the road program would be up to council.
  • Evidence: “Essentially we would have to schedule there’s two main parts of this three actually the entrance and the exit need to be basically taken down and new base installed and the re-asphalted at that point that’s kind of the most problematic areas at this time outside of just normal maintenance and then it would be up to council as we look forward in our road program as to where that falls in terms of a reconstruct.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:02:02

• SSA funding mechanism

  • Summary: The special service area is a way to recapture some expenses related to the road by having residents on Gladewood participate with the renovation, rather than the city fixing it as a city street.
  • Evidence: “However, the special service area is a way to recapture some of the expenses related to the road by adding that to the residents that currently live on Gladewood to participate with that renovation.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:02:02

• Need for due diligence on proposed investment

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern about investments without proper due diligence and documentation regarding a specific project.
  • Evidence: “We’re asking for things that you have not conveyed to us. And if we have not been exposed to any of this, we don’t know what we’re getting. You know, we don’t know whether we’re getting a clown in a bucket. We don’t know that yet until we look at the condition and what we’re accepting. Because right now, as it looks right now, the investment that I’m hearing is that it’s and I have been working on this for a long time, and I think it’s time for us to make a proper investment into the project of this thing, of this nature. And so my thing is, where does the taxpayers come in or the city come in to help that particular service? Are we being used, in other words? Are we being compromised with an area that we don’t know We don’t know anything about so we need to we need to be able to Justify why it is that we want to look into this matter, and we’re not doing that And I don’t feel that I don’t feel comparable. I don’t feel comfortable with the fact that I’m sitting here with my mind Scrambling about this whole thing.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:04:44

• Need for documentation on water well and septic issues

  • Summary: A speaker emphasized the lack of tangible documentation regarding the water well and septics issue.
  • Evidence: “The same thing about the water well and the septics over there. We still don’t know what’s the going on and things of this nature. Why? Because we don’t have nothing tangible. We don’t have no documentation. We don’t have nothing in writing.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:05:01

• Meeting status update for Alderman Sanders

  • Summary: A speaker addressed confusion regarding the meeting schedule and stated they had attempted to contact Alderman Sanders multiple times.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders, just to answer that, Alderman Sanders, we have not met in many months, I have called you, I have asked you to come in, I have invited you to lunch, I have done everything I know what to Schaedle. So I apologize that you’re confused and don’t understand what we’re doing here, but please come in. I’ll be happy to enlighten you.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:06:22

• Information disclosure regarding Bates and Lennon

  • Summary: A speaker mentioned that they had discussed topics involving B. Bates and John Lennon with Manager Boyer over the last nine months.
  • Evidence: “I was actually just going to mention how odd it was that you hadn’t been abreast of any B. Bates, and John Lennon. We have a lot of discussion about this. I’ve discussed it with Manager Boyer numerous times over the last nine months because I get into his office and we have discussions.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:07:47

• Timeline for entryway construction approval

  • Summary: A speaker clarified that if the hearing passes, the entryways would not be done right away but were projected for 2026.
  • Evidence: “Didn’t you say that there, the entryways to the streets would be done right away? Well, when I say right away, we’re looking at 2026. It’ll be in the construction plan for 26.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:09:48

• Rationale for deleting Chapter 844

  • Summary: Chapter 844 is suggested for removal because it generates minimal revenue (around $100 or $200 a year) and creates significant staff time in the clerk’s office without collecting fees.
  • Evidence: “And then Chapter 844 is simply that it’s being suggested that we remove Chapter 844 simply because that brings in probably around 100 bucks or 200 bucks of revenue a year and creates a lot of staff time in the clerk’s office.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:16:27

• Mechanical gaming provisions and fees

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the purpose of mechanical gaming provisions (from 80s/90s arcades) versus current state-regulated video gaming, and a recommendation to eliminate Chapter 844.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “So we create a bunch of work in the clerk’s office and then don’t collect any fees for it. Is, I certainly remember, I’m sure most of you do, the reason for the mechanical gaming provisions in the first place were the arcades from the 80s and 90s. That’s what those were intended for. Those weren’t regulated by the state. They weren’t, so you had all this local regulation. We don’t have those anymore. Now we have video gaming and that’s all regulated heavily by the state. So we regulate that locally, we charge fees on that. But we just are not dollars ahead on Chapter 844. So the recommendation is we just get rid of that.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:17:10

• Ordinance 2025-24 removal of mechanical gaming part

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the request to remove the mechanical part of Ordinance 2025-24, noting that Chapter 844 only applies to mechanical gaming.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah you’re requesting for the removal of the mechanical part of it. Is there a reason why you want that to be removed? Again it’s the the chapter 844 mechanical gaming only applies to as Clark Anderson indicated.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:11

• Impact of proposed tax increases on Freeport citizens and businesses

  • Summary: Concerns raised about raising taxes/fees, specifically mentioning that increased revenue ($60,000) is achieved by taxing citizens who already pay city property taxes.
  • Attribution: Monroe
  • Evidence: “and and double the tax on the machines which is double dipping it’s my boggling that we’re gonna double the the rates the rates and increase of taxes generates $60,000 more in revenue and you know here we are again raising a tax on the citizens of Freeport and we’ve been doing that over and over and over again and we hide it in the water bill, we hide it in the tax on the machines, we hide it into every tax and you know at some point you have to draw the line and you say enough is enough. And the citizens of Freeport, a gentleman that was in here earlier is upset about having to pay an extra fee when he’s already been paying city taxes on his property.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:18:11

• Justification for gaming fees increase

  • Summary: Argument presented that the current local fees are low compared to other cities of similar size, and more revenue is needed for the city.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “We found that we are completely, completely way under what other cities of our size are charging for these units. And if you take a look at the gaming board that you can go to and look at everybody’s making a nickel, there isn’t one of those people going broke and all that we’re asking for is a little more fair share for the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:21:19

• Support for Pretzel City Area Transit grant processing

  • Summary: A council member commended the effort in getting involved with the grant processing, noting it is much needed for those who are unfortunate to be unable to be mobile.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders oh yeah well I I really don’t want to inject because it’s such a valuable tool and I just wanted to commend you for getting involved in this with the grant processing and that it is so much needed for those that are unfortunate to be able to be mobile as accessible that they like to be and so yeah just keep up the good”
  • Source timestamp: 02:25:18

• Concerns regarding rock salt use on new roads

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders questioned the destructive nature of rock salt, especially on newly installed and unsettled roads, and requested information on gentler alternatives.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders? Yeah, Manager Boyer, looking at the rock salt, we’re just finalizing some roads that we’re just installing, and my question is, which we know that salt rock can be very, very destructive on roads, and especially on new roads, that have not settled within the front line. So, I’m going to go back to the framework that we got everything placed on the surface. My thing is, my question would be is, there any other resources or source that is more gentle on roads and still be able to be effective for the snow conditions and the road condition? I don’t know if it’s if they had that or not if they’re going to cost us we I like to hear the difference between the comparisons and things of that nature.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:29:03

• Comparison of road de-icing materials

  • Summary: Manager Boyer stated that rock salt is the most cost-effective per ton, while sand plugs stormwater systems, and other melt products are far more expensive.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Just to answer your question I think there’s nothing more cost-effective per ton and then rock salt obviously the city used sand for a number of years sand plugs up the stormwater system we end up having a lot more maintenance doing that and there’s some other melt products out there but they’re far more expensive and Rock Salt. So I hope that answers your question.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:30:05

• Joint participation commitment for rock salt program

  • Summary: Alderman Stacey explained that joint participation is a commitment to the city to work with the state on the Rock Salt program, noting past issues where communities backed out.
  • Evidence: “What does joint participation consist of? It’s essentially the commitment to the city to work with the state on this Rock Salt program in the past. We essentially order it. And what’s happened is some communities that didn’t need it backed out.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:30:28

• Commitment for rock salt purchase volume

  • Summary: The commitment requires paying for 300 tons or whatever amount is ordered, and there is storage available if not all material is used.
  • Evidence: “No, it’s just a commitment to the state that we’ll be buying 300 ton or whatever we order and then we will pay for that. I think there was an issue with some of the communities just trying to back out at the last minute. And so if we don’t use all that we order or all that we commit to, we have some place to store it? That’s correct for the most part we we use everything we order”
  • Source timestamp: 02:31:02

• Project scope and funding for street light installations

  • Summary: The project involves installing lights at intersections where signals have power shut off and are accessible to staff; the Works Department can charge IDOT for the installation costs, which include traffic controls. Each intersection has a varying allowable percentage of established replacement cost share between 30% and 100%, per the maintenance agreement with IDOT.
  • Evidence: “The city crews can self-perform these installations to these lights as the signals have power shut off that are accessible to staff. Works Department can charge IDOT for our installation. The costs include traffic controls that are needed. Each intersection area has a varying allowable percentage of established replacement in cost share on the schedule between 30% and 100%. And that’s per our maintenance agreement with IDOT.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:34:40

• Contracting method for grant-funded project

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding whether the project would be a contract even though a grant is being presented.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Sanders. Yeah. This will be a contract, even though a grant is being presented.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:35:57

• In-house vs. contracted labor for installation

  • Summary: Staff stated they would perform the work in-house using their own skilled personnel.
  • Evidence: “No, the staff is going to reduce the cost We’re going to do the in-house. We’re going to do it in-house. We have our own, what I want to say, skill guys that can go out and do this work.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:36:13

• Scope of street light coverage

  • Summary: The lights needing repair are located on the map included with the agenda’s back page, covering Galena and parts of South Street and West Street.
  • Evidence: “No. The map that’s included with your agenda is the back page and it’s including Galena and parts of South Street and West Street where we have failed fixtures.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:36:36

• Estimated city cost for street light project

  • Summary: The city’s out-of-pocket cost is projected to be less than $10,000.
  • Evidence: “It will be less than $10,000. I can’t gauge that until we have the time to put it up, but we’ll get 20 from ComEd and we should be able to bill out of the remaining 20 at least 10 if not 15 to IDOT.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:38:21

• Funding source for initial streetlight fund allocation

  • Summary: The less than $10,000 cost is expected to come from the original streetlight fund.
  • Evidence: “And this is coming out our original, this 10 or less is coming out our original streetlight fund? That was the plan in the budget.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:38:37

• Manpower availability for project completion

  • Summary: The Public Works Superintendent committed that staff will make time to complete the work, even if overtime is required, as overtime costs can be built out.
  • Evidence: “I talked to the public works superintendent, the street superintendent, and he said that they’ll make time to get it done. Even if we went into overtime ranges to get it done, we can build the overtime out because our guys don’t make the same as what union contractors do, so we’ll be able to build that out just like we normally would in our wages.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:09

• Staff staffing status and necessity of project funding

  • Summary: The speaker noted current staff shortages due to turnover but confirmed the superintendent is committed to securing resources for the grant because there is no other way to pay for the lights.
  • Evidence: “Speaking with him, we are a little short-staffed at the moment. We had a couple turnover positions, but he’s committed to get the resources to get it done to get the grant because we don’t have another way to pay for the lights.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:27

• Nature of replacement street lights

  • Summary: The lights are described as ‘seven-pin lights,’ which can be unbolted, slid on, and bolted back up after power is shut down.
  • Evidence: “These are, they’re called seven-pin lights, so they unbolt. You shut the electric down, you unbolt them, you slide them on, bolt them back up, test the power. It’s a relatively simple process outside of traffic control and our equipment which is the bucket truck that we already own.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:39:48

• Concerns regarding streetlight funding allocation

  • Summary: A concern was raised about using existing streetlight money for this project when other areas still need fixing.
  • Evidence: “Director Darin, I am a little concerned using our streetlight money on on that project because of the amount of areas we still need to fix. And there’s money available for our streetlights and polls where there’s not money available for our streetlights.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:40:05

• Future funding options for light exchanges

  • Summary: The speaker mentioned that reapplying next year for the select communities grant is an option, but continued light exchanges require finding a separate funding source.
  • Evidence: “We can reapply next year for the select communities grant. This is the select or whatever the heck they’re calling it this day. That is what this grant is. That’s the $20,000 that’s coming from ComEd for it. We can continue on the light exchanges, but as I told you before, those are going to be roughly about $400 a piece installed, and we can order as many of them as we want as council approves. It’s just we have to find a funding source for that if we’re going to continue to do it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:41:08

• Cost and funding for street lighting replacements

  • Summary: The cost for installing the lights is roughly $400 a piece, and funding must be secured from council approval.
  • Evidence: “We can continue on the light exchanges, but as I told you before, those are going to be roughly about $400 a piece installed, and we can order as many of them as we want as council approves. It’s just we have to find a funding source for that if we’re going to continue to do it.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:41:23

• I-DOT corridor lighting condition

  • Summary: The lights in the I-DOT corridors are not the right size wattage because they were filled in with available stock due to inability to afford new replacements.
  • Evidence: “So the issue is we applied for them all at once to make it advantageous for ComEd to help us fund it and we’re having issues on most of the lights and if you went around town right now and you looked in the I-DOT corridors, the lights that are up there are not the right size wattage right now because we just tried to fill them in with something that we had on hand because we couldn’t afford to go buy the new light replacements.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:41:39

• Lighting warranty and maintenance cost savings

  • Summary: The lights should last at least 10 years per their warranty, which will reduce future maintenance costs in I-DOT corridors.
  • Evidence: “These lights should last per their warranty at least 10 years of life. So it’s a longevity and it will help us in the future because we’ll have less maintenance cost in the I-DOT corridors because they actually pay us annually to maintain these as part of our, it’s about $238,000 we get from them.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:42:13

• Funding allocation for lighting project

  • Summary: Ten thousand dollars of a specific kitty is required for the lighting project, which will limit funds available for other activities that year.
  • Evidence: “Okay so long as the rest of the council understand that 10,000 of that money, for those who wanted more than Fifth Ward, 10,000 of that kitty is going to have to go to this project, which is going to limit what we could do for the rest of the year.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:42:32

• Budget allocation for lighting repair

  • Summary: The street department set ten thousand dollars in the budget for this project because repairing them with public works and getting materials is difficult.
  • Evidence: “I was just stating that when Rob and I and the street department worked on the budget we had set ten thousand in that budget for this project because we we knew that we’re we’re having a tough time repairing them with public works even just getting the materials anymore is difficult”
  • Source timestamp: 02:43:00

• IDOT reimbursement process for lighting changes

  • Summary: IDOT will reimburse costs, and the reimbursement percentage varies by intersection (e.g., 30%, 50%, or 70%).
  • Evidence: “So again, my example is if we had $1,000 for a four-legged intersection to change the lights, depending on the intersection, because every one of them has a different reimbursement amount. Some of them are 30%, some of them are 50, some of them are 70, it depends.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:43:35

• Impact of residential EV chargers on local network

  • Summary: Residential charging units are equivalent to four households and could strain the existing infrastructure.
  • Evidence: “Most of these charging units that are in people’s homes are the equivalent of four households, so it could put quite a strain on our network of infrastructure as they come on.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:45:58

• Purpose of establishing EV charger codes and ordinances

  • Summary: Establishing baseline codes and ordinances is necessary regardless of becoming Charging Smart to handle future charging needs.
  • Evidence: “This one particularly is just helping us establish codes and ordinances and some baseline for the City of Freeport because while if we become charge smart or not, we’re still going to have people that want to have charged cars in this community that we’re going to have to deal with.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:46:18

• E. V. Charging Station (Item 27)

  • Summary: Concerns were raised regarding charges associated with Item 27, the E. V. Charging Station, and clarification was provided that while it involves establishing best practices, it will not cost anything to the community.
  • Attribution: Alderman Monroe
  • Evidence: “Alderman Monroe? No, it’s, thank you, Darren. You know, I think the question I’ve got is as we scroll down to item number 27, resolution and the E. V. Charging Station. There actually are charges associated with where we’re going with this. Is that correct? There’s grants with that. And we, if we move forward 27, I don’t want to skip too far ahead, but those will be paid for charging there. They won’t be free chargers. But these are We’re just establishing the best practices to be a charging community.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:47:03

• Codes and Ordinances Updates (Item 27)

  • Summary: A discussion occurred regarding the cost of establishing codes and ordinances, with one speaker stating it would not cost anything to the community if done through this program.
  • Evidence: “I was looking at this and I had a chance to kind of like evaluate what this is talking about and I understand you like to change them out, do away with them because they’re not available parts and things of this nature. Have we decided, am I on the wrong subject? This is not- You can move to 23 honey. Oh, 23, okay, I was in the management room. Okay, sorry about that. Yes, okay, so I understand that there’s 0% funded, no financials currently, But as codes and updates come and is needed come and is needed I mean we could get it free this year and next year it cost us $10,000 to upgrade everything to be active and powerful. Not in this program it would not cost us anything and there would be no required updates to the solar ordinances unless the council felt that was necessary this is is just trying to make sure that we get some guidance and some expertise helping us make sure that we’re doing the right codes and ordinances originally to get this section set up. Most communities don’t have charging codes or ordinances established, so they’re trying to help communities. That’s why it’s funded by the Department of Energy. But it will, it won’t ever cost us anything? Should not, nope. And if it would come back to where it would cost money we could opt out of it at that point but the only time when I talked to them and we had meetings the only thing is the investment of our time to work with them.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:48:25

• Demand for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

  • Summary: A discussion took place regarding the current demand for EV charging in Freeport, noting that existing chargers are primarily at dealerships and that the proposed system is intended for traveling visitors rather than residents.
  • Evidence: “What is the demand? How great of a demand is it here in Freeport with electric cars? So I don’t have a ton of experience with it but I do know that we get calls frequently if not weekly for people looking for places to charge. I believe right now there’s one or two spots in Freeport that they can charge, which is I believe at the Ford dealership and at the Chevy dealership. Those are the only two that I’m aware of right now… Old MacLennan. Yes, I was at an event Saturday night and a guy came up to me and talked to me about this. And he said, keep one thing in mind when you’re talking about chargers in the city of Freeport, We aren’t talking about chargers for the people that got electric cars here, every one of them has got one in their house. You’re talking about people that are traveling, like you want them to go through.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:50:30

• Fire Hydrant Replacement Budgeting

  • Summary: The council discussed the need to purchase fire hydrants, noting that while 12 were desired this year, only five replacements are budgeted for.
  • Evidence: “Annually we do fire We were wanting to buy 12 hydrants this year, but we went back through the budget and we don’t have the money to buy 12 this year, so in the budget we’re looking to buy five replacements.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:53:11

• Flushing Program Status

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the seasonal nature and assessment capabilities of the flushing program.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Do we still have the flushing program going on? Yes. And that’s during a particular part of the year that we do that, or is that all seasonal? Spring and fall. And are we making discoveries of those conditions of those hydrants at that time? Yep. And we’re taking an assessment of what’s needed to be done.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:56:14

• Utility equipment failure and required upgrades

  • Summary: Old equipment at the lift stations is failing due to lack of availability of parts and beyond its useful life, requiring updates for electrical systems.
  • Evidence: “While the building facilities are in acceptable shape for their age, the old equipment is failing due to lack of availability of parts and beyond its useful life. Our maintenance staff is running out of We have options for system repairs, so electrical systems are outdated, unsafe, and in need of updates.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:00:06

• Generator backup requirement for water well 8

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding existing generators at the lift stations and wells in case of emergency breakdowns.
  • Evidence: “Alderman Shadle, did you have a question? Sanders, I’m sorry. Yeah. I’m sorry. I do not look like this guy. Anyway, anyway, question is about the pumps. Are we, I know at any point in time it can be an emergency situation because of the seasonal time and the rainy period times and things like that when these stations really can break down on you and things of that nature. But did I hear you say something about additional generators at certain, do we have generators in place at these facilities at this point in time? No.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:02:43

• Emergency preparedness for water stations and generators

  • Summary: Discussion regarding the need to update remote sites with backup generator capacity due to seasonal breakdown risks.
  • Evidence: “Are we, I know at any point in time it can be an emergency situation because of the seasonal time and the rainy period times and things like that when these stations really can break down on you and things of that nature. But did I hear you say something about additional generators at certain, do we have generators in place at these facilities at this point in time? No.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:02:53

• Water system infrastructure planning

  • Summary: A need to develop a plan first to determine the scope of work, generator size, and then move forward with a bid and contractor for water pump installations.
  • Evidence: “Just to address what you’re saying, we need to get the plan together first, and that’s what this is, okay? This is get the plan together, figure out the scope of work, get the generator size, get everything lined up, and then we’ll move forward with a bid, with a contractor, with a plan that everything’s already been thought out.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:04:56

• Remote site backup power capacity

  • Summary: The system has many remote sites and only one portable generator; efforts are underway to systematically update these sites to ensure individual backup capacity.
  • Evidence: “But this is basically one of the issues as you noted is we have a lot of remote sites in the system. We only have one portable generator. There’s a few sites that have back up generator, but only like field circle and maybe a couple and the rest of them you have to drive all the way around the city with a generator in the middle of an emergency because you have no power so we’re trying to very systematically go through, update all these remote sites and ensure that they have their own backup capacity if they need it.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:05:02

• Scope of security cameras installation

  • Summary: Discussion confirmed that the cameras are for general security purposes, including vandalism and inappropriate behavior in addition to being part of the bid.
  • Evidence: “But anyway, the cameras will provide security, part of the bidding. It’s part of the bid that the cameras are going to be also subject to security for the transportation vehicles when they’re at the company or whatever the case is. We also would have that available for possible vandalism or something of that nature.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:18:06

• Contract Termination with Nordic for Electrical Aggregation

  • Summary: Nordic has canceled the agreement for residential and small business electrical aggregation, meaning residents on the citywide aggregation program will transfer back to ComEd within the next month.
  • Evidence: “The resolution if adopted is terminating a contract with Nordic for residential and small business electrical aggregation I think your honor I kind of were behind a little bit on this one apparently Nordic has already extras they have already canceled this agreement so the residents that are on the citywide aggregation program will be transferred back to ComEd so there’s Do you know how soon that will happen? My guess would be very shortly within the next month.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:19:19

• Alternative Suppliers for Freeport Residents

  • Summary: Currently, there are no other suppliers available for the city of Freeport besides committing to ComEd, but the council plans to re-bid the service if it does so.
  • Evidence: “There’s no other suppliers that the customers, the city of Freeport can have and adopt as opposed to commit. Are there other suppliers that will be available to the residents of Freeport? Well, not at the moment, but we’ll bring back, we’re going to re-bid this thing if its councils will do so and then we’ll have some other options. But not right this minute No.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:20:21

• Ordinance Violation Regarding Residency

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders raised concerns about an ordinance violation related to residency ordinances where nobody was held accountable for the violation, and requested clarity on adherence to such ordinances.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “Alderman Shadle? Nothing to that. Alderman Sanders? Yeah, I’d like to make a comment since I didn’t get a chance to make it earlier. And I just wanted to bring it to our attention and I want council to know it as well because there was a violation with one of the ordinances and it had to do with our residency ordinances. And the fact that it was a violation and it took effect, it was played out anyway and nobody is held accountable for the violation of this ordinance.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:28:16

• Public Comment on Residency Ordinances

  • Summary: A public commenter expressed concern about individuals working in the city being paid by tax dollars and taking those funds elsewhere, and also raised concerns regarding grandfathered residency status for future council positions.
  • Attribution: Public Commenter
  • Evidence: “One of the first things I’d like to talk about is this situation with residency. Some of you know that I’ve been talking about residency in Freeport for years. I have an issue with individuals working here, getting paid by us, and taking their dollars someplace else, tax dollars, property taxes, so forth and so on. But I also have another issue in talking to somebody who this would possibly affect. I don’t agree with this either and I’m going to tell you what it is. An individual who is already grandfathered into their home, if they decide that they want to run for another position or if the chief somehow decides he’s going to leave, they then would not be grandfathered in and they’d have to move their livelihood, their home, and their family back to Freeport based around it and I don’t think that’s right. If they’re grandfathered in, leave them grandfathered in. Don’t mess with them.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:32:26

• Public Comment on Fire Hydrants

  • Summary: A public commenter questioned the removal of fire hydrants from the Eastside area and questioned the plan for installing new ones.
  • Attribution: Public Commenter
  • Evidence: “The other thing is, on the east side, I was over there doing that fire. And yeah, they did a wonderful job. But nobody’s talking about the hydrants that have been removed from over there. I know of two that have been taken out. We also know that there had to be additional waters brought in because hydrants weren’t working. Let’s tell the truth about what is really happening in this town. We’re talking about bringing in new hydrants. Where are you gonna put them? Are you gonna put them on the side of town where the hydrants weren’t working? Are you gonna put them on the other side of town where they’ve been taken out?”

• Concerns regarding city development and adherence to rules

  • Summary: A speaker expressed frustration over perceived destructive development in Freeport and the failure of council members to follow established rules.
  • Evidence: “Rob Boyer I don’t know why you just keep cooling them for that you either you spoke on it y’all tearing people homes up y’all tearing down the history of Freeport everywhere and don’t care about nobody here and then the fact that let’s speak on how y’all don’t never follow y’all rules I wouldn’t want to live here either y’all are a mess up here more than half of Fia. Nobody knows what they’re doing, dude sitting next to you. He don’t never do his job until somebody calls him out and actually look him in the eye and tell him, hey, what’s this mean? What’s this mean? Robert’s rules have been violated on this council since I’ve been here, since I’ve been coming here. You can’t ask for a city ordinance to be followed if y’all ain’t following them.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:39:17

Public Comment

• Fire hydrant status and city infrastructure issues

  • Summary: A speaker raised concerns about removed fire hydrants on the east side of town, noting specific locations like Bucky’s shop and Taylor Park School where hydrants were taken out. They also addressed the maintenance of a private road that was mistakenly treated as city property.
  • Evidence: “There’s no fire hydrant in front of Bucky’s shop anymore. There’s no fire hydrant in front of Taylor Park School anymore, they’ve been removed. As far as the situation with the private road, I want to make it very clear to everybody sitting in this audience and everybody that’s listening to my voice, that private road has been a private road forever, but for 30 years we thought it was a part of the city, so we’ve been maintaining, we’ve been plowing, we’ve been doing all of this stuff for 30 years on a road that is not a part of our city, that is a private road, asked to contribute, and not with our money, but with theirs.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:33:37

• Street lighting installations

  • Summary: A speaker thanked the council for lights placed on Iroquois Street (eight street lights) and noted that Chicago and the four blacks have sixty street lights.
  • Attribution: General Altman
  • Evidence: “I wanted to say thank you for the lights that were placed. Could you please state your name? I drove down Iroquois Street. Could you please state your name for the record? General Altman. Drove down Iroquois Street. We have eight street lights on the whole street of Iroquois. Drove down Chicago and the four blacks and there’s 60 street lights.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:35:06

• City property tax concerns and development

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern over city plans to buy properties via tax sale, arguing it uses taxpayer money to build competing housing against existing landlords, and questioned the purpose of paying taxes for services like roads.
  • Evidence: “The worst thing is you’re gonna take taxpayers money to buy this stuff and then you’re gonna put houses on it to compete against the taxpayers who have property here and who are landlords. The second thing is, why am I paying taxes on my electric and gas bill for the city? What am I getting for that? I don’t see anything, no roads, no nothing.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:36:12

• Raleigh Building structural hazard

  • Summary: A speaker criticized the council for not fast-tracking repairs on the Raleigh Building, despite it being a greater hazard than properties in Freeport Park.
  • Evidence: “Wasn’t it four or five years ago that we had to shut Liberty Street down because the bricks were falling? I was told by one of Wayne’s employees any houses that have a hole or windows broke will be fast-tracked so why is a will why is the Raleigh building not fast-tracked that you go up and down those alleys there’s thousands and thousands of broken windows glass all over and trees growing through it in the roof cave in it but that Raleigh building sits there and that’s more of a hazard than anything in this free park so you know I appreciate you calling the and the people of Slumlord.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:37:11

• Support for James and criticism of council actions

  • Summary: A speaker thanked James for his advocacy and criticized others for taking credit for Cecelia Stacy’s efforts regarding street lights. They also criticized Wayne Dugman for allegedly causing a lawsuit through poor judgment.
  • Attribution: Akia Sanders
  • Evidence: “I just want to say thank you, James, for always sticking up for what you truly, truly believe in and for the people. And I don’t like the fact that you guys took a lot of credit for Cecelia and Stacy fighting for those lights. […] And then I want to say something about that residency. The part that bothers me is that people are here that don’t care, don’t know people, like he said. […] But he came here and he walked you right into a lawsuit. Is still going to pay me for what he did and use his poor judgment, disrespected the council, not brought the matter that spend city money on a property that he tore down, then he asked y’all to pay for it after the fact that it was already done.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:38:30

• General criticism of city management and rules adherence

  • Summary: A speaker criticized the general state of Freeport, suggesting many people do not know what they are doing and only act when called out.
  • Attribution: Akia Sanders
  • Evidence: “And Rob Boyer I don’t know why you just keep cooling them for that you either you spoke on it y’all tearing people homes up y’all tearing down the history of Freeport everywhere and don’t care about nobody here and then the fact that let’s speak on how y’all don’t never follow y’all rules I wouldn’t want to live here either y’all are a mess up here more than half of Fia. Nobody knows what they’re doing, dude sitting next to you. He don’t never do his job until somebody calls him out and actually look him in the eye and tell him, hey, what’s this mean?”
  • Source timestamp: 03:39:17

• Request for council respect and attention during meetings

  • Summary: Micaiah Stacy asked the council for more respect, noting instances of members using phones while others were speaking, and reminded them that they are paid by city taxes.
  • Attribution: Micaiah Stacy
  • Evidence: “Hi, my name is Micaiah Stacy. I just want to ask the council for a little bit more respect. Recently, when Akia was talking, I watched Joy Sellers pick up her phone and I watched Gregory Shadle, who has his phone in his hand right now as I do, pick up his phone and scroll. And I know a couple weeks ago, there was a comment made that I don’t work for the city or something of that sort. You do. You are elected and you get a paycheck from the city and our taxes pay for it. So I’m just asking, when we’re talking, please listen. I know you don’t want to be here. It’s been what, three and a half hours or whatever. I’ve been up since 6 AM to I don’t want to be here but in order for us to feel like we’re being listened to and feel like we’re respected I ask that you give your undivided attention thank you”
  • Source timestamp: 03:40:10

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation

  • Summary: Reading of proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month by All Our Kids Network.
  • Attribution: All Our Kids Network
  • Evidence: “I would like to end child. So I wanted to read the proclamation on your behalf, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. You know what? I’m going to need my glasses. It’s a lot of reading. Okay so whereas all our kids network is a group of community stakeholders who collaboratively work to influence system change that will strengthen the overall family well-being and whereas Freeport’s future prosperity and quality of life depends on the healthy development of the children residing across our city and whereas preventing child abuse and neglect must be a priority that requires individuals, families, child-serving and others. We are working with different organizations, schools, faith-based groups, organizations, government agencies, and civic leaders to support the physical, emotional, social, and educational well-being of all of our children. And whereas child abuse is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging societal consequences as data shows the link between abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of costly Huffman, John, and John.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:26

• Child Abuse Prevention Month and Blue Ribbon Week Declaration

  • Summary: Jodi Miller declared April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the second week of April as Blue Ribbon Week throughout the City of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller, declare April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the second week of April as Blue Ribbon Week throughout the City of Freeport”
  • Source timestamp: 07:08

• National Library Week 2025 Declaration

  • Summary: Jodi Miller declared April 6th through the 12th as National Library Week in the City of Freeport.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, declare April 6th through the 12th as National Library Week in the City of Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:49

• Advocacy for Libraries of Illinois and US

  • Summary: The speaker urged residents to advocate by calling their representatives for libraries.
  • Attribution: Jodi Miller
  • Evidence: “Please take time to make your voice heard by calling your representatives and advocating for libraries. If you need resources to help advocate, you can find me at the library and and last but certainly not least happy National Library Week. Thank You”
  • Source timestamp: 19:37

• Recognition of service awards for Lieutenant Dylan Markham

  • Summary: Lieutenant Dylan Markham was recognized for service, having been hired on April 10th, 2016, and serving in various roles including emergency response team member, school resource officer, corporal on patrol, patrol sergeant, and administrative lieutenant since January 16th, 2024.
  • Evidence: “So tonight, we’d like to recognize Lieutenant Dylan Markham. Markham was hired on April 10th, 2016. Lieutenant Markham has served the city in a variety of positions, as a member of our emergency response team, a school resource officer, a corporal on patrol, a patrol sergeant, and Lieutenant Markham was promoted into who are at current position in the administrative lieutenant on January 16th, 2024.”
  • Source timestamp: 26:21

• Personnel involved in Eastside Fire

  • Summary: The speaker publicly thanked all personnel who worked on putting out the fire on Eastside, noting about 125 people were involved.
  • Evidence: “I just would like to publicly thank all of the personnel that worked on putting out the fire on Eastside. As the Chief mentioned, there were about 125 people involved and Rob and I had a meeting next Miller, and really got some good insight of everything.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:29:54

• Firefighting Efforts Praise

  • Summary: Alderman Simmons thanked others for their work putting out the fire and specifically asked for clarification regarding why certain fire hydrants on Stephenson Street were not used.
  • Attribution: Alderman Simmons
  • Evidence: “Alderman Simmons. Yeah, I just want to second what Klemm said. I was gonna say that too. It was amazing watching all y’all fight that fire and put it out. So thank you for that. And also thank you for clarifying why you didn’t use the fire hydrants right there on Stephenson Street because that caused a lot of confusion.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:31:03

Attendance

• Roll Call for Ordinance 2025-20 Passage

  • Summary: The following individuals were present or voted on the passage of ordinance 2025-20: Sellers (Aye), Klemm (Aye), Monroe (Aye), Simmons (No), Parker (Aye), Stacy (Aye), Shadle (Aye), Sanders (Aye).
  • Evidence: “Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? No. And Parker? Aye. The suspension passes seven to one. So then before you council, is the final reading for ordinance 2025-20, is there any further discussion concerning the transit? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:15

• Roll Call for Council Meeting

  • Summary: Attendance confirmed for council members Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Plem, Monroe, Simmons, and Parker.
  • Evidence: “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Plem? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:18:58