Meeting Events

Meeting: xfxqifa5wbu.committee_of_the_whole_3_9_2026

Meeting date: 2026-03-09

Meeting type: committee_of_the_whole

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

Decisions and Votes

• Approval of agenda item number four — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve agenda item number four was made and seconded.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers, Governing Body
  • Evidence: “And item number four is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:13

• Approval of minutes from February 9th, 2026 meeting — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 9th, 2026 was made and seconded.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sellers, Governing Body
  • Evidence: “Number five is the approval of the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 9th, 2026. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:13

• Ordinance amendments to move forward

  • Summary: Motion made to move the ordinance amendments forward to the next city council meeting.
  • Evidence: “Is there a motion to move this ordinance amendments forward to the next city council meeting?”
  • Source timestamp: 20:58

• Moving ordinance forward regarding part six

  • Summary: A motion was made to move the ordinance forward to the next meeting concerning part six.
  • Evidence: “Okay, so is there a motion to move this ordinance forward to the next meeting regarding part six? So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:18

• Moving ordinance changes forward (Item 8)

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Shadle and seconded by Alderman Sellers to move the ordinance change regarding item number 8 forward.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Sellers to move this forward.”
  • Evidence: “All those Alderman Sanders. Can I ask one question? Piggybacking off of what Sister Johnson was just saying, is this an ordinance on the 660? Is that an ordinance? Yes, it’s item number 8. It’s the ordinance change on those parts. And it’s asking us to amend it to?”
  • Evidence: “so we’ll just take a voice vote on this all those in favor of moving this ordinance changes forward signify by saying aye opposed”
  • Source timestamp: 55:30

• Moving ordinance concerning erosion control (Item 7)

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Shadle and seconded by Alderman Klemm to move the ordinance forward concerning erosion control.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “we had the motion to move that ordinance forward concerning the erosion control made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Klemm”
  • Evidence: “all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That moves forward as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:23

• Moving ordinance amending utility code (Item 9)

  • Summary: A motion was made by Manager Boyer to revisit the discussion on new utility laws, suggesting a pause before moving to item number 10.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor and I want to everybody Put a pause on what our conversation’s been. We’re going to come revisit it with item number 10, but we’re going to get out of sequence just slightly and discuss new Julie laws that require new requirements from us moving forward with utility locates.”
  • Source timestamp: 57:23

• Motion to move ordinance amending part 10 forward — Passed

  • Summary: The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle, was voted upon.
  • Attribution: Procedural
  • Evidence: “Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor of moving this forward, signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:30

• Ordinance change amending part 10 regarding stormwater management

  • Summary: A motion was made to amend part 10 of the ordinance related to stormwater management.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle
  • Evidence: “So is there a motion regarding this ordinance change amending part 10? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:15

• Moving forward with discussion item — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to move forward with the current item.
  • Attribution: Alderman Shadle, N/A
  • Evidence: “We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor of moving this forward signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:46

• Adjournment of meeting

  • Summary: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.
  • Attribution: procedural_action
  • Evidence: “I will entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor signify by saying aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:47:21

Procedural Actions

• Call to Order and Roll Call

  • Summary: The meeting was called to order, followed by a roll call.
  • Attribution: Mayor Miller
  • Evidence: “Now we’ll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Here Simmons is absent Parker here oh I thought I saw Stacy is she’s out here um she’s she’s not at the dais at the moment Shadle here Sanders here and Sellers here thank you”
  • Source timestamp: 02:08

• Pledge of Allegiance

  • Summary: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Stacy.
  • Attribution: Alderman Stacy
  • Evidence: “if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Stacy”
  • Source timestamp: 02:13

• Recording of Alderman Simmons’ arrival time

  • Summary: The clerk noted for the record that Alderman Simmons entered at 6:05.
  • Evidence: “And then Madam Clerk, could you please note for the record at 6.05 Alderman Simmons entered.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:31

• Procedural reminder regarding speaking limits

  • Summary: A procedural reminder was given about a limit on questions, stating that speakers are welcome to ask questions.
  • Evidence: “I’m sorry, Alderman Stacey, you’ve already gone twice. Anyone else? I didn’t think there was a limit at the cow. There is. Okay. So you are more than welcome to pick up the phone. We want your questions answered. It’s just, that’s the rule.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:10

• Adjournment to next meeting item

  • Summary: The body moved on to the next meeting item after concluding discussion.
  • Evidence: “Okay, then this will be moving on to the next meeting. Thank you, Randy.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:25

• Motion to move ordinance amending part 10 forward

  • Summary: A motion was made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle, regarding moving the ordinance amending part 10 forward.
  • Attribution: Procedural
  • Evidence: “Okay, so is there a motion to move this ordinance amending part 10 forward? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:25

Financial and Contract Events

• Annual streets budget funding sources

  • Summary: The annual streets budget is about three million dollars from the one percent tax, supplemented by about three and a half million dollars (tops) and about a million dollars from MFT for materials.
  • Evidence: “Our streets budget annually is about three million dollars from our one percent. And we get about, we might be three and a half tops, and we get about a million dollars from MFT that we buy materials with.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:56

• ADA ramp replacement cost and matching funds

  • Summary: Replacing ADA ramps, along with surface pavement work on multiple streets, is estimated at approximately $3 million worth of work, requiring the city’s 20% match.
  • Evidence: “Michelle and I went over the numbers this afternoon, and that’s approximately $3 million worth of work, and the city has a 20% match to do that work, and it was kind of a surprise that these streets got pulled forward.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:28:32

Projects

• Additional infrastructure projects

  • Summary: Planned and ongoing work includes Galena, Laurel, and/or Park Street renovations (called lift station renovations), Sierra Tank renovations (the two million gallon storage tank west of town), a new $800,000 assault shed by Public Works, 87 manholes of storm and sanitary repairs on Galena Avenue, $100,000 worth of tuck pointing at City Hall, and the Hancock Bridge going out to bid in July for nearly a two and a half million dollar renovation.
  • Evidence: “Additional projects, some of these are already under construction. We’re looking at the Galena, Laurel and or Park Street. Some people call it a lift station renovations. We’re also planning on doing Sierra Tank renovations this year. That’s our two million gallon storage tank out on the west side of town. John. The Public Works Department is building a new $800,000 assault shed that we’ve already committed to. Galena Avenue, we’re also doing about 87 manholes of storm and sanitary repairs too. City Hall is having $100,000 worth of tuck pointing done this year. The Hancock Bridge is supposed to go out to bid in July of this year. That will be nearly a two and a half million dollar project, um, for renovations to the deck,”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:28

• Wastewater treatment plant upgrades

  • Summary: The city is in the middle/slightly over phase one/phase two design for wastewater treatment plant work. City crews plan to do clarifier equipment upgrades this year in-house, and are looking at blower building replacements because the old boiler is beyond its useful life, opting for gas heaters instead of a full boiler replacement.
  • Evidence: “wastewater treatment plant, we’re in the middle, maybe a little bit over the middle of phase one, phase twos in design and the city crews are planning to do clarifier equipment upgrades this year, uh, in-house. And we’re also looking at some blower building, uh, replacements because the old boiler there is beyond its useful life. And we need to go to gas heaters in the blower building.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:24:45

• Additional utility and street repairs

  • Summary: Planned work includes a generator pad pour today; ADA ramps on South Street; new sewer and street for Meadowbrook Lane (a fall project); and new street and storm work for West Demeter Drive. The Walnut Lift Station groundbreaking occurred today, with construction expected to finish late summer.
  • Evidence: “well, number eight, we’re doing a generator. The pad was poured there today. Um, obviously we’re doing the ADA ramps on South street. Meadowbrook Lane is going to get new sewer and street this year, this will be a fall project and West Demeter Drive is also looking at new street and storm. Well 12, we have the groundbreaking today and the Walnut Lift Station is already under construction and should be finished late summer.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:33

• Infrastructure projects planned for the current year

  • Summary: Planned infrastructure work includes ADA ramps on South street, new sewer and street for Meadowbrook Lane (a fall project), and new street and storm work for West Demeter Drive.
  • Evidence: “Um, obviously we’re doing the ADA ramps on South street. Meadowbrook Lane is going to get new sewer and street this year, this will be a fall project and West Demeter Drive is also looking at new street and storm.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:33

• Utility infrastructure status updates

  • Summary: The groundbreaking for the Walnut Lift Station was today, and it is already under construction with an expected completion date of late summer.
  • Evidence: “Well 12, we have the groundbreaking today and the Walnut Lift Station is already under construction and should be finished late summer.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:26:54

• Federal funding for FAU routes

  • Summary: Bonus streets were funded using federal dollars to help with what the city of Freeport calls the FAU routes, determined by IDOT many years ago.
  • Evidence: “We were able to get some federal dollars to help with what the city of Freeport calls the FAU routes. And this is something that was determined by IDOT many years ago.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:10

• Targeted street mill and overlay projects

  • Summary: Currently targeted streets for approval include South Walnut from Empire to South Street (mill and overlays), Lincoln Boulevard from Locust to West (this year), and Stephenson Street basically from Locust all the way to where we stopped at Sunset on a mill and overlay.
  • Evidence: “The targeted streets that are in approval right now is South Walnut from Empire to South Street. Again, these are mill and overlays. They’re not full reconstructs. That street was determined it could be mill and overlay. And then we have Lincoln Boulevard from Locust to West this year. And then we’re hoping for Lincoln the second part to be on next year’s schedule. We don’t have a commitment to that yet. And then Stephenson Street basically from Locust all the way to where we stopped at Sunset on a mill and overlay.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:42

• Crack sealing package for the year

  • Summary: A large crack sealing package is planned costing about $150,000, targeting streets constructed in the last couple of years.
  • Evidence: “This year is an awful large package. This is about $150,000 worth of crack seal. These are all to streets that have already been done in the last couple of years.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:29

• Sewer lining and repair evaluation

  • Summary: Sanitary sewers within the routes will undergo an evaluation for point repairs, and there is a half-million dollar budget allocated for lining.
  • Evidence: “So sanitary sewers within the routes that we’re doing, we’re having an evaluation done by a company of all the sewers looking for point repairs, things that might need to be dug up prior to doing the streets. And then we have a half a million dollar budget for lining.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:29:51

• Manhole lining requirement on Galena Avenue

  • Summary: Sixteen brick manholes on Galena Avenue require lining before IDOT’s project to prevent potential failure.
  • Evidence: “And just doing inspections on Galena Avenue, we have 16 manholes on Galena that are brick and they all need to be lined prior to IDOT doing their project, or we would potentially have failure in those old brick manholes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:15

Presentations and Reports

• Ordinance amending Chapter 1448 Erosion Control Permits

  • Summary: The City Manager presented on proposed amendments to Chapter 1448 regarding erosion control and land disturbing activities, noting the need to maintain an MS4 permit with the EPA.
  • Attribution: City Manager
  • Evidence: “We’ll move on to item number seven, which is the discussion regarding ordinance amending Chapter 1448 Erosion Control Permits, City Manager. Thank you, Your Honor. Everybody’s looking at this and wondering why now are we bringing and all these modifications to our ordinances related to erosion control and at least illegal discharges and that kind of thing. And kind of the purpose is we actually have to maintain a MS4 permit with the EPA. And that is municipal drainage, essentially dealing with stormwater or whether that’s dealing with any kind of runoff situation.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:46

• Ordinance amendments for Chapter 1448 Erosion Control Permits

  • Summary: The City Manager detailed the proposed amendments to Chapter 1448, which aim to clarify permit classifications based on project size and type of land disturbance, strengthen erosion and sediment control plans, and expand enforcement authority.
  • Attribution: City Manager
  • Evidence: “The proposed amendments here tonight for item number seven, which is chapter 1448, the proposed amendments establish clear permit classifications based on project size and type of land disturbance. The ordinance strengthens erosion and sediment control plans, requires to ensure appropriate best management practices are designed and implemented, and in addition, the ordinance expands enforcement authority, including the issuance of stop work orders when necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:11

• Explanation of Chapter 1448 Scope (14-4801)

  • Summary: A representative explained that section 14-4801 outlines the chapter’s scope, referencing MS4 permit requirements for pre-construction and post-construction to prevent soil erosion into streams or systems.
  • Evidence: “So the first part is 14-4801 is scope that just kind of lays out the entire chapter. Some of the stuff in the beginning is mostly just legal jargon. So your findings, finds that excessive quantities of soil may erode areas, undergoing development, that kind of just language there talks about what is in our MS4 permit. In our MS4 permit, we have two sections. There is pre-construction and post-construction. We are required to ensure that during pre-construction and post-construction there is no soil eroding into our streams or Into our system which would impact our infrastructure So the purpose kind of lays that out as well”
  • Source timestamp: 11:29

• Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Requirements (1448-17)

  • Summary: The erosion and sediment control plan section details required contents for the plan to ensure a standard format for review.
  • Evidence: “Then we have 1448-17, which is the erosion and sediment control plans. This just lays out what you need in your plan there had been questions and we kind of put together like a cheat sheet originally but by putting it in here and just kind of having a standard that everyone can see everyone can have the same information and always have the same looking plan that way it’s easier for review and everybody’s on the same page.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:33

• Permit Duration, Renewal, and Denial

  • Summary: Permits are valid for one year and can be renewed or extended; permits can be denied if they do not meet established standards.
  • Evidence: “Permits are good for a year which which is the same as it was previously renewal and extensions basically after the one year if or if you think you’re going to go over you’re welcome to renew with us or extend the permit permits can be denied if they don’t meet any of the section which is standard for most of our permits that we issue it goes through standard or conditions of approval so basically making sure that you’ve met everything we’ve asked for or everything that our permit with the state asked for”
  • Source timestamp: 15:33

• Erosion Control Plan Revisions Process

  • Summary: A process is established for submitting revisions to a previously submitted erosion control plan.
  • Evidence: “if any revisions need to be done, we now have a process for that.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:33

• Inspections and Supervision Requirements (144826)

  • Summary: The state requires on-site inspections to ensure compliance with submitted plans.
  • Evidence: “144826 Talks about inspections and supervision, which just the state requires that we do inspections on site to ensure that everything is going the way you said it would go.”
  • Source timestamp: 16:56

• Construction Responsibility for Site Maintenance

  • Summary: The contractor or permit holder is responsible for grading and revegetation during and after construction.
  • Evidence: “maintenance during construct during and after construction the contractor is responsible or whoever pulls the permit is can is responsible for making sure that everything is graded and grass is coming back up or something is there to keep that from running away”
  • Source timestamp: 17:31

• Stop Work Orders Authority

  • Summary: The authority exists to issue stop work orders if safety or permit requirements are not met.
  • Evidence: “and cost of recovery, stop work orders, which we didn’t previously have, this just gives us the power that if there is something that’s off, whether it’s safety wise, or it doesn’t meet our permit, we can say, Hey, you need to stop until this gets fixed.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:31

• Small Scale Land Disturbance Requirements

  • Summary: A section addresses BMP requirements for small-scale land disturbances not covered by the main classes.
  • Evidence: “Then there’s a section in here that talks about requirements for small scale land disturbance. Smith, it talks about BMPs, everything that was required by our permit to cover just additional things that wouldn’t fit into one of the classes.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:20

• City Authority and Enforcement Obligation

  • Summary: The City of Freeport is the local authority for stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water, and must enforce related codes or face state penalties.
  • Evidence: “So if we don’t enforce these types of policies, these fines and penalties, if get a state inspection will actually come to the city of Freeport. So we are obligated by our permits to enforce these codes and ordinances.”
  • Source timestamp: 19:14

• State Monitoring Requirements for Large Disturbances

  • Summary: The State of Illinois monitors areas one acre and larger during construction, requiring a state permit.
  • Evidence: “The state of Illinois has always had a program that they monitor an acre. That they monitor an acre and larger during construction. So you have to get a state permit for that, which we honor those state permits.”
  • Source timestamp: 19:53

• Stormwater permitting and enforcement practices

  • Summary: The speaker detailed the city’s role in monitoring stormwater permits, mentioning state requirements for construction over an acre, BMP checks (like geo tubes and socks) at sites like a landfill with solar panels, and the need to enforce proper concrete washout procedures.
  • Evidence: “She goes out there on a regular basis and checks their permitting and checks to see that they have all their BMPs, which is the best management practices like the geo tubes and socks in place to make sure the runoff’s not coming off. So, very important to the City of Freeport that we remain vigilant to this for our stormwater permitting.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:39

• Current compliance status of MS4 permits

  • Summary: The current status indicates no active construction sites with compliance issues.
  • Evidence: “So currently we have nobody that has compliance issues because we really don’t have active constructions at this point, right? There might be a couple carryover permits from last year because MS4 permits or stormwater permits are only good for 12 months from the time they’re submitted.”
  • Source timestamp: 29:57

• Stormwater testing procedures and requirements

  • Summary: The city conducts required stormwater testing, although water metering is done but not stormwater flow metering because it is not state-required.
  • Evidence: “We do actually do stormwater testing and it’s required by our MS4 designation. Miller, and we meter water, but we don’t meter stormwater. All the outfalls are open basins. We don’t meter stormwater for the actual flows? No. Why is that? Because it’s not required by the state to monitor it.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:17

• Stormwater testing regulation and reporting cycle

  • Summary: All testing is regulated by the state, with quarterly testing and annual reporting.
  • Evidence: “All the testing that you asked about is all regulated by the state. So unless we get a bad stormwater sample, our testing is done for the quarter and they’re and Randy has to report that annually.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:08

• MS4 compliance inspection frequency and process

  • Summary: MS4 compliance inspections must be done weekly or anytime it rains more than a half an inch, within 24 hours. Inspections are random, with contractors having 48 hours to correct deficiencies.
  • Evidence: “The MS4 compliance on a site has to be done weekly or anytime it rains more than a half an inch. That’s the state law. Within 24 hours. Right? Now, we don’t inspect every site every time it rains a half an inch. That’s the contractor’s requirement. Ms. Kolbauer randomly selects people to check after rainstorms to see that everything’s in place.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:11

• Ordinance amending part six of the General Offensive Code (MS4 Stormwater)

  • Summary: The proposed amendments to Chapter 660 aim to clarify and modernize language regarding additional hazardous materials to improve consistency with current practices and MS4 Stormwater requirements.
  • Evidence: “Item number eight is discussion regarding ordinance amending part six of the General Offensive Code. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. And just a point. Each one of these items on the agenda tonight are all related. So if you have questions, we’re going to have an opportunity to ask those. So just going over this one is chapter 660, The MS4 Stormwater Additional Hazardous Material and Chapter 660 of the City Code regulates additional hazardous materials. Staff has reviewed the existing language and has identified areas that require clarification, modernization, and administrative updates to improve consistency with current practices and the updates from the MS4 Stormwater requirements.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:35

• Proposed amendments to Chapter 660 for regulatory clarity

  • Summary: The proposed changes revise specific provisions within Chapter 660 to clarify regulatory requirements and improve administrative efficiency, updating language for consistency.
  • Evidence: “The proposed amendments are intended to update the code, eliminate outdated provisions, and ensure Miller, the ordinance reflects current operational procedures. The proposed amendments revise specific provisions within Chapter 660 to clarify regulatory requirements and improve administrative efficiency. The change updates the language for consistency within the code.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:55

• Scope of MS4 Stormwater enforcement updates

  • Summary: Updates include increased enforcement opportunities for hazardous materials and illicit discharge, redefining definitions, adding layout for administrative hearings, and detailing access to premises.
  • Evidence: “Sure. So part of the updates to our MS4 was to increase enforcement opportunities for hazardous materials, illicit discharge, a couple of the other things that you’re seeing tonight. So with this one, we went through and we redefined a lot of the definitions to make them more clear. Went through and we added the layout for administrative hearings and how that looks.”
  • Source timestamp: 37:53

• Purpose of access to premises provisions

  • Summary: The ‘access to premises’ section allows inspection for issues like sewage dumping in backyards or oil dumping in driveways, determining if a public health hazard exists.
  • Evidence: “You’ll see the access to premises. This also needs to have the and or designee added to it that was missed in the draft. This section basically is if there’s an issue such as ones that we’ve had in the past that we haven’t had good enforcement measures for were people dumping sewage in their backyard.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:13

• Hazard assessment criteria for discharges

  • Summary: The inspection process determines if a hazard exists for public health, or if it could contaminate drinking water, or if domestic dumping is killing bacteria at the wastewater plant.
  • Evidence: “Um gentlemen dumping oil in the driveway because that’s what they used to do um it’s situations like this where we can go look at what’s going on okay does this like create a hazard for public health does this create a hazard that could get into our drinking water does this create a hazard somebody’s dumping something down their drains at home and now we’re killing the bacteria at the at the wastewater plant.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:46

• Notification requirements for hazardous material discharge

  • Summary: The ordinance includes language requiring notification of any hazardous materials discharge, either by the discharger or by authorities.
  • Evidence: “So that’s the intent of this. It’s not really access into a home necessarily. It’s more so just the ability to go and look at what’s happening, inspect and see just how bad it is. There’s a notification of the discharge where we have to notify you of what’s happening or you have to notify us if you have a hazardous materials discharge.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:13

• Violation notice and activity suspension procedures

  • Summary: The amendments cover language regarding notices of violation, how they are issued, and provisions for suspending activities during both emergency and non-emergency situations.
  • Evidence: “Language on notice of violation and how that happens. Suspension of activities for emergency situations, non-emergency situations. Emergency situations, non-emergency situations, and then language for the abatement.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:44

• Utility education materials availability

  • Summary: The city has created a quarterly newsletter released through water and sewer bills containing educational material, often in a two to four page pamphlet format.
  • Attribution: Mr. Stiegel
  • Evidence: “Mr. Stiegel? Yeah, just as part of Randi’s everyday role with the city is she’s one of our education officers as well. So she educates on water, sewer, stormwater, everything resulting in this, and we’ve started We’ve created a quarterly newsletter where we’re releasing information quarterly out to everybody through their water and sewer bill, trying to educate people on these different facets of the utility business. So I would recommend that everybody look to there for information because there’s lots of tidbits that we’re constantly putting in there and it’s usually a two to four page pamphlet that we’re putting out with education materials like this.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:30

• Ordinance amending part 10 concerning section 10, 46.59 Section 1050.08

  • Summary: Staff presented on amendments to sections 10-46.59 and 10-50-08 to align with current MS4 stormwater requirements, clarifying prohibited connections and strengthening enforcement authority.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “Item number 10 is discussion regarding ordinance amending part 10 concerning section 10, 46.59 Section 1050.08. Manager Boyer? Thank you, your honor. So Section 1046.59 prohibits stormwater, groundwater, sump pumps, and other clear water sources from discharging into the sanitary sewer system.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:53

• Amendments to section 10-46.59 (Prohibited Acts)

  • Summary: The amendments to Section 10-46.59 prohibit changing natural or manmade water flow, including placing debris or filling construction materials, and include provisions for correcting existing conditions.
  • Attribution: Staff
  • Evidence: “So, starting with 1046.59. So, we went through and added prohibited acts. Basically, this says that you can’t change any natural or manmade water flow. So, you can’t place or deposit any debris or fill, any construction such as ditch pipe, culvert coursework. It’s not permitted to fill, obstruct, dam, divert, or otherwise change natural or artificial flow of waters.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:05:32

• Amendments to section 10-50-08 (Illicit Discharge)

  • Summary: The amendments in 10-50-08 update the definition of illicit discharge and reinforce the city’s authority to investigate and enforce violations.
  • Evidence: “and then we go into 10-50-08, which is illicit discharge and connection prohibited.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:31

• Overview of 2026 road work and city infrastructure metrics

  • Summary: The city has 140 miles of streetway, about 60 miles of alleyways, five wells, 137 miles of water main, 127 miles of sanitary sewer, 2800 sanitary manholes, nine lift stations (with one more being built), a wastewater treatment plant capable of treating 16 million gallons a day, 50 miles of stormwater, 20 stormwater basins, almost 2,700 stormwater manholes, one bridge (Hancock Bridge), and three closed landfills.
  • Attribution: Mr. Stiegel
  • Evidence: “The city has 140 miles of streetway that we take care of. Just about 60 miles of alleyways, five wells currently. … Currently in our distribution system we have 137 miles of water main, 127 miles of sanitary sewer. We have about 2800 sanitary manholes. We also have nine list stations with another one on walnut being built right now. We have one large wastewater treatment plant capable of treating 16 million Gailens a day. We have 50 miles of stormwater within the city limits. We actually have 20 stormwater basins, which basins are what lead to the waterways that take the water out to the river. We have almost 2,700 stormwater manholes. We have one bridge, the Hancock Bridge, and we have three closed landfills right now.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:16:54

• 2026 planned infrastructure projects

  • Summary: Planned 2026 work includes water main replacement, street reconstructs, mill and overlays, additional added projects, crack sealing, paving of several IDOT streets in main corridors, special federal funding for STU streets, and cleaning and lining within sanitary sewers.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “Miller, we have water main replacement, street reconstructs, mill and overlays, we have some additional projects that were added, we have crack sealing that’s going to happen, we have several IDOT streets in main corridors that are going to get paved, we have, we call them STU streets, there’s some special federal funding that we’ve been able to get for some Streets, and then we have cleaning and lining that we’re doing within our sanitary sewers.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:38

• Overall city infrastructure projects for Freeport

  • Summary: The city plans various projects including water main replacement, street reconstructs, mill and overlays, crack sealing, paving of IDOT streets in main corridors, STU streets using federal funding, and cleaning/lining sanitary sewers. Additional work includes addressing about 200 remaining lead service lines, airport terminal design, PAPI light program at the airport, building repairs (fire department and city hall), and removal of large dangerous trees.
  • Evidence: “This is the overall 2026, uh, map of projects that’s going to happen. Um, I’m going to break that down in the next few slides, but I wanted everybody to see how much work is going to be happening all over the city of Freeport. Miller, we have water main replacement, street reconstructs, mill and overlays, we have some additional projects that were added, we have crack sealing that’s going to happen, we have several IDOT streets in main corridors that are going to get paved, we have, we call them STU streets, there’s some special federal funding that we’ve been able to get for some Streets, and then we have cleaning and lining that we’re doing within our sanitary sewers. Additional projects that really couldn’t show up on here is we still have about 200 remaining lead service lines after the last inventory was done last week. We’re working on airport terminal design for that build out. We’re also working on the PAPI light program at the airport and some crack and also we have various building repairs that are going to happen between the fire department and city hall and then we’ve already contracted 31 trees to come down on top of our crews. Those trees are the large dangerous trees that our crews don’t have the equipment to take down.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:20:31

• City street projects for this year (Water main replacements, street constructs, mill and overlays)

  • Summary: The city plans work on Concord Drive, Seminole Drive, South Demeter, Gladewood Entrances, North Stewart Drive, Police Alley, the large municipal lot downtown, South Benton Avenue, South Carroll, Pershing, and Dewey for reconstruction. This list represents about six to six and a half million dollars worth of work.
  • Evidence: “So this next sheet shows the water main replacements and street constructs and mill and overlays that the city crews are planning on doing this year. This is a full complete list of everything that we’ve gone over. We have bid projects A, B and C that are currently out on the two of them are on the street. The other one goes out Wednesday and those bids will all be coming to council in April for approval. I’m just going to say we’re doing Concord Drive, we’re doing Seminole Drive, we’re doing South Demeter, we’re doing the Gladewood Entrances, we’re doing North Stewart Drive, the Police Alley, the large municipal lot downtown, South Benton Avenue is getting done, South Carroll is getting is getting done, Pershing is getting done, and Dewey is getting reconstructed. So that’s our list of city street projects for this year. And I want to remind everybody, this is probably about six, six and a half million dollars worth of work.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:22:10

• Additional planned street projects (Galena Avenue, South Street)

  • Summary: For Galena Avenue from Park Street to Clark Street, an entire mill and overlay of about three and three quarter inch is planned, along with replacing approximately 75 ADA ramps. Additionally, all stop signals in that area are planned for replacement with new ADA detectable signals. A commitment was received from IDOT: if the city replaces the ADA ramps on South Street, IDOT will repave that corridor, which is planned for this fall.
  • Evidence: “This summer, they’re planning to bid Galena Avenue from Park Street to Clark Street. Oh, that’s going to be an entire mill and overlay of the section. It’s about three and three quarter inch mill and overlay. They’re also going to replace somewhere around 75 ADA ramps in the corridor and I was I found out at a meeting last week that they’re also planning to replace all of the stop signals with the new ADA detectable signals that beep and talk to people as they as they cross because that is a high traffic area of Freeport for our and our handicapped travelers. The other project that a lot of people know about is South Street. We got a commitment from IDOT, a memorandum of understanding that if the city of Freeport replaced the ADA ramps in that corridor, that they will repave that. And we’re planning on having that done this fall as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:23:23

• Federal funding for FAU routes

  • Summary: Additional streets mentioned are bonus streets where federal dollars were secured to assist with what the city calls the FAU routes.
  • Evidence: “Again, we have the lead service lines, the work at the airport and the trees that were just too much to make this list. Additional streets. These are kind of bonus streets. We were able to get some federal dollars to help with what the city of Freeport calls the FAU routes.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:27:03

Metrics

• City maintenance staffing capacity

  • Summary: Staffing levels cover nearly 200 miles of infrastructure with 10 street employees (about 20 miles per employee).
  • Attribution: Mr. Stiegel
  • Evidence: “So currently we take care of nearly 200 miles and we have 10 street employees. So that’s about 20 miles per employee.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:49

• Tree removal effort metrics

  • Summary: Last year, the city took down nearly 300 trees, with crews handling most of the work after only contacting about three trees out of the total.
  • Attribution: Mr. Stiegel
  • Evidence: “So that’s more than a tree per day. Out of the 300 or I think it was like 285, we only contacted about three of those trees out. Our crews did the rest.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:03

• Staffing roles and capacity

  • Summary: The city has dedicated staff for painting/sweeping (two full-time mechanics), cemetery groundskeeping (one full-time employee), equipment repair (two full-time mechanics), construction crew (eight members), service technicians (three), operations team (eight members running 24/7), lab workers (three), utility worker (one position), and maintenance positions (three).
  • Attribution: Mr. Stiegel
  • Evidence: “We have two full-time mechanics that, um, is something that, uh, city Manager, Boyer has really pushed forward that has saved the city tens of thousands of dollars in outside equipment repairs. … We currently have eight construction crew members. Um, we have, uh, uh, a young crew, but learning, we have three service technicians, those are part of the meter, um, and water, uh, uh, departments. So those are shutoffs, turn ons, uh, meters that are installed, M. I. U. S that are installed. Um, operations team, we run operations 24 seven 365 here. We have eight members of our operation crew right now, uh, running the water plants, the sewer plants and everything in between, um, we have three full-time lab workers that do our lab sampling and our required water sampling daily. Uh, we have one utility worker, uh, position and we have three maintenance positions right now.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:50

Discussion

• Streamlining ordinance changes for erosion control

  • Summary: A representative noted that the proposed changes would streamline ordinances for communities that have already undergone a lengthy process, making the current ordinance clearer and easier to enforce.
  • Evidence: “As I understand in this particular one, you see quite a few changes primarily. It kind of streamlines what we, it would streamline our ordinances with communities who have already been through a fairly lengthy process and would be, make our ordinance a little more clear and easy to understand and enforce.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:51

• Questions regarding 1448.01 and 1448.03 ordinance sections

  • Summary: Alderman Johnson questioned the amended document regarding the inclusion of groundwater, silt vs. sediment definitions, and the cost structure for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 permits.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “After 1448.01 purpose on Section 2A, the original ordinance states runoff can carry sediment and other pollutants and Section 2B talks about managing pollutants and water discharges, etc. In 2B. 3 States we are protecting stormwater, groundwater, water bodies, watercourses, and wetlands. The amended document, 1448.03 Section 2, refers to preserving and enhancing water quality By preventing silt laid in water from reaching creeks, channels, streams, wetlands, and public waterways. Sediment and silt are two different things and so are pollutants. So just wondered why all three are not included on the amended document and why groundwater is not included on the 1448.03 Section 2 of the amended document. Second question is, I was wondering what the cost of the permits are, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, if we have a cost for those.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:18

• Ordinance effectiveness and enforcement authority

  • Summary: The discussion confirmed the city’s increased leverage through amendments, particularly regarding enforcing professional concrete washout procedures required by MS-4 status.
  • Evidence: “V. We like to make, what Randy explained is we did more tiers so it was more fair to the size of project that you had, what the requirements are. And then we also made it more, I think a little bit more authoritarian. So we had some legs to stand on as a city in case somebody’s not doing it right.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:59

• MS-4 designation and environmental monitoring requirements

  • Summary: The discussion covered the role of the MS-4 authority in providing guidance and inspection for contractors working within city limits regarding stormwater management.
  • Evidence: “it’s up to us to provide the guidance and the inspection and also the discipline on it when people don’t follow it. Alderman Sanders. Forgive my ignorance, but I’d never got an opportunity to look up what was in this for. Could you explain that part to me before I proceed on? Sure. MS4 is just a fancy term the state uses for stormwater.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:57

• Monitoring and testing of storm sewers contaminants

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding the monitoring, testing, and lab work required to ensure biochemicals are not entering storm sewers from various sources.
  • Evidence: “And I noticed in the, um, I noticed that, um, you also specified, uh, erosion, but you never specify the list of erosions or the contaminants that could enter into those storm sewers by way of any for any form of waterway, whether it’s sewer, Whether somebody’s dumping, whether it’s runoffs and things of this nature, I know those things contribute to erosion, but my question is, what are we doing to monitor to make sure those outlets are being effectively, what I want to say, monitored, tested, lab work, all of these things to make sure these biochemicals are not getting off”
  • Source timestamp: 26:34

• Qualifications for stormwater inspection personnel

  • Summary: A request was made to identify which agencies or contractors are licensed to perform inspections and check meter data related to storm sewers.
  • Evidence: “We need to know who’s monitoring these these things before we start to tread down this path, because we don’t have data before us to show us who’s in violation. We don’t have that before us. At least I don’t. I’ll put it like that. Maybe others do, but I don’t and I and I’m the one who’s I’m going to be the one who’s going to be the one who’s going to be the one who’s going to be the one who’s to be the one who’s going to be looking at who’s qualified to do this type of inspection. What agency, what contractors, who are the people that are going to be licensed? I don’t care about permits, but they have to have license to check the meter data and and everything else to give us a proper understanding of what has been accumulated in those storm sewers.”
  • Source timestamp: 26:34

• Exploratory investigation into sewer/storm sewer contamination

  • Summary: A request was made for a comprehensive exploratory review of areas, particularly those with sewer lines on railroad tracks, to gather data on potential contaminants.
  • Evidence: “And have we done a comprehensive exploratory on these areas to indicate to us whether or not these things are looked into to show us some kind of data that check off list I should say that we are able to look at it for ourselves as council members, people of that nature and who is qualified to do that. I know you have this young lady going out doing these inspections, but I need to know whether she’s licensed to handle all of the criteria of the inspections of stormwater flow because you talk about sediments you talk about all kinds of things that might can enter into it because one thing we have not done with as an exploratory group or city is explore those under We have other sewer lines that runs on the railroad tracks and yeah, we have storm sewers that runs on the railroad tracks.”
  • Source timestamp: 28:45

• Staffing capacity for stormwater inspections

  • Summary: The city stated it does not have the manpower or affordability to inspect every construction site during every rainfall event.
  • Evidence: “I’m not going to lie to you about that. And nor can we afford that as the city of Freeport. So I think that expectation would be unrealistic. And that’s why it’s a random test.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:24

• Compliance process for code violations

  • Summary: The compliance process involves a warning after correction if deficiencies are found by state law; significant or prolonged deficiency or refusal to fix can result in a compliance ticket sent to the code hearing.
  • Evidence: “And if she finds things that are out of compliance by state law, that person has 48 hours to correct that deficiency. And if they correct it and move on, it’s just a warning. If they are significantly deficient for a long time or they refuse to fix it, then she can write a compliance ticket that comes to the code hearing. That’s the whole process of the way this works.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:55

• Expectation of construction site inspection frequency

  • Summary: The expectation for checking every construction site in Freeport after rain is considered unrealistic and unaffordable for the city.
  • Evidence: “We don’t have the manpower to check every construction site in Freeport every time it rains. I’m not going to lie to you about that. And nor can we afford that as the city of Freeport. So I think that expectation would be unrealistic.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:15

• Stormwater runoff reporting and inspection triggers

  • Summary: If residents report mud running down the street from a construction site, Ms. Cole Bauer will check that specific situation; tip-offs often come regarding contractors dragging mud out of sites.
  • Evidence: “Now, if we have people call in and say, you know, Gertrude’s construction site has mud running down the street, then obviously we’re going to send Ms. Cole Bauer out to check that specific situation. If that’s the case, we don’t receive a ton of those phone calls, but occasionally we do on some of the bigger projects, Sanders, especially when contractors start dragging mud out of the construction sites and down the street. That’s usually where we start getting tip-offs on it.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:32

• Permit enforcement strategy

  • Summary: The reason for delays in permits is that enforcing existing ordinances helps prevent issues because people realize they need to be compliant.
  • Evidence: “But the reason we get behind these permits, guys, is because when we issue the permits, we enforce the permits, we don’t have near as many problems with them down the road. And if we start enforcing the ordinances that we have in place, a lot of these issues go away because people realize that they need to be compliant.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:45

• Monitoring storm sewer capacity vs. sanitary flow monitoring

  • Summary: A question was raised about monitoring storm sewers for capacity dips via manholes/drainage openings affecting the treatment plant, contrasting this with current monitoring practices.
  • Evidence: “When you when you say to me that there’s no flow meters or any flow evaluations in storm sewers, the capacity of water flowing through these storm sewers are good indicators whether or not there’s areas within the city of Freeport where there’s too much of a dip of a charge coming into those storms by By way of opening manholes, storms, drainage, or whatever the case is, which increase the capacity over at the treatment plant with such a head of a water pipe. Shouldn’t we be monitoring those meters to see how it’s coming on rainy days and then Measuring one week, how much water are we getting through storms as opposed of a rainy day?”
  • Source timestamp: 34:15

• Stormwater vs. Sanitary Sewer Monitoring Scope

  • Summary: The discussion clarified that the initial question mixed two different things: sanitary sewer flows versus stormwater flows; stormwater into the sanitary is monitored at the wastewater treatment plant.
  • Evidence: “So to answer that question, we’re mixing two different things here. You’re talking about sanitary sewer flows. No, I’m talking storm. But you’re talking about stormwater flows that are going into the sanitary. We monitor that at the wastewater treatment plant.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:19

• Metering of direct river discharge from storm outfalls

  • Summary: It was stated that there is no way to meter or account for storm outfalls discharging directly to the River because they are too large a discharge.
  • Evidence: “Okay. The question you asked earlier were storm outfalls that discharge directly to the River. There is no way to meter those or account for those. We can take guesses off a rainstorm events on what’s going through there, but they’re too big a discharge to meter.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:33

• Stormwater inflow monitoring methodology

  • Summary: The city monitors stormwater coming into the sanitary sewer based on rainfall data using a linked computer program that projects expected inflows.
  • Evidence: “We do monitor how much stormwater comes into the sanitary sewer. And we do that based on every time it rains. There’s a computer program that’s linked up that shows how much the average rainfall was and how much our inflow comes in and how many days is projected out.”
  • Source timestamp: 35:33

• Hazard assessment for dumping materials into drains

  • Summary: Discussion covered the ability to inspect areas for hazards like illegal dumping of oil or other materials that could affect public health or drinking water.
  • Evidence: “Um gentlemen dumping oil in the driveway because that’s what they used to do um it’s situations like this where we can go look at what’s going on okay does this like create a hazard for public health does this create a hazard that could get into our drinking water does this create a hazard somebody’s dumping something down their drains at home and now we’re killing the bacteria at the at the wastewater plant.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:46

• Enforcement procedures for hazardous material discharge

  • Summary: The discussion outlined required notification processes for hazardous materials discharge, including language on notice of violation, suspension of activities (emergency/non-emergency), and abatement requirements.
  • Evidence: “There’s a notification of the discharge where we have to notify you of what’s happening or you have to notify us if you have a hazardous materials discharge. Language on notice of violation and how that happens. Suspension of activities for emergency situations, non-emergency situations. Emergency situations, non-emergency situations, and then language for the abatement.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:32

• Impact of improper dumping on city costs

  • Summary: The speaker noted that when people put oil or greases into sanitary collection systems, all residents pay for it, as cleaning every gallon of water going into the sewer costs two and a half times more at the wastewater treatment plant.
  • Evidence: “When people put oil or greases or other foreign materials into the sanitary collection systems, everybody in the city of Preport pays for that. Every gallon of clear drinking water or clear storm water that goes into the sewer costs two and a half times to clean at the wastewater treatment plant that drives our cost up that will come all to the end users.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:18

• Need for preemptive inspection capabilities

  • Summary: A speaker expressed concern that enforcement requires being preemptive and cannot rely on citizens reporting neighbors, questioning the city’s manpower to conduct proactive inspections.
  • Evidence: “Mr. Stegall, in order to be effective, what you just stated, in order to be effective, you have to be preemptive in order to do that, and we can’t rely on citizens of the city of Freeport to be our investigators.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:32

• Need for proactive inspection of discharging businesses

  • Summary: The speaker argued for proactively inspecting all companies that discharge chemicals or materials into waterways, rather than waiting until contamination is found at the treatment plant.
  • Evidence: “my thing is if we do preemptives of all companies that have this type of any kind of chemical that they’re discharging or putting into waterways, that they’ve received some kind of notification. I’m talking about any business that does that.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:57

• Monitoring and enforcement of sewer/stormwater contaminants

  • Summary: The speaker discussed the need to monitor for contaminants from sources like Micro Switch or potato chip companies entering city sewers and storm drains, noting that testing is done because these substances show up at treatment plants.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “you can see the residue of some of these things like from Micro Switch, Rich, a potato chip company, all of those kinds of places, was spewing all kinds of contaminants within the city’s sewer lines and storm sewers”
  • Source timestamp: 45:18

• Local limit study compliance for commercial users

  • Summary: The council conducted a local limit study which was passed and enforced, establishing local limits expectations for all commercial users.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “while you’ve been on council, we, we conducted a local limit study and we passed that and we’ve enforced it. Uh, so we have local limits expectations for all of our commercial users.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:18

• Industrial user discharge monitoring

  • Summary: Significant industrial user discharges are checked regularly and must report regularly; independent samples are taken and sent in as part of the original process.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Um, the significant industrial user discharges are checked regularly and they also have to report regularly. And we take independent samples and send those in. So that’s part of our original process.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:28

• Residential stormwater monitoring challenges

  • Summary: Monitoring residential sources is tougher, but evidence can be found in manholes or storm basins, which are tracked backward to determine the source.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Um, when it gets to the residential end, yes, it’s much tougher, but we find evidence in manholes or storm basins. And we track those backwards to try to figure out where that’s coming from.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:44

• Measurement of stormwater quality improvement

  • Summary: Stormwater quality is measured because the state requires river testing before and behind the wastewater treatment plant, with follow-up testing at other facilities to assess discharge effects.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “We measure it because the state requires us to do river testing before and behind the wastewater treatment plant. And then that testing is back up at other treatment facilities that are down the way to see if we are making an effect on the the amount of discharge and the items that are discharged”
  • Source timestamp: 48:34

• Response to request for weekly storm drain reports

  • Summary: The speaker stated that quarterly reports are used for storm basin testing, not weekly, because they cannot test continuously.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “So I can answer that for you right now, so we likely won’t have any reports for this last week because we don’t test like that. We would have quarterly reports because that’s how we do the storm. That’s how we do the storm basin testing”
  • Source timestamp: 49:39

• Difficulty in detecting illicit discharges

  • Summary: The speaker stated that if a discharge is not reported, it cannot be caught because they cannot monitor every location constantly.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “And you’re right, in your specific instance, had somebody not have reported what happened in your ward, we would not have caught that because we can’t be everywhere all the time. If people want to make illicit discharges and they’re going to do it at night, after hours, wherever, we can’t be everywhere.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:48

• Enforcement action for dumping incident

  • Summary: Following a reported discharge, the department was able to take a sample and subsequently quoted enforce the responsible party, resulting in $5 or $6,000 in damages.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “But with the person that called us, we were able to get over there and take a sample. And we didn’t quote enforce that. I don’t want to name the contractor, but we did quote enforce them. And I think we find them five or $6,000 in damages for that dumping.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:32

• Progression of hazardous dumping violation penalties

  • Summary: The speaker addressed the process flow for hazardous dumping violations, noting a fine range of $250 not to exceed $750 per day, with each day constituting a separate violation.
  • Evidence: “And also the violation fine is $250 not to exceed $750. Violation each day shall constitute a separate violation.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:43

• Hazardous dumping progression and fines

  • Summary: The process for hazardous dumping involves determining if education/compliance is possible first; otherwise, it moves to fines. Fines start at $250, not exceeding $750 per day. The amount charged depends on case specifics.
  • Evidence: “So I’m wondering is this how much, you know, this is stating that can be $750 up to that amount per day. What determines whether it’s $250 or whether it’s $750 or what the amount is that’s charged for the violation for that day? So just, if you could clarify those two things for me, I would appreciate it.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:53

• Hazardous dumping progression and fines

  • Summary: The general progression is to try educating first to gain compliance. If that fails, a fine of $250 is issued, and the process continues from there. Fines are used for situations that cannot be cleaned up or have a large impact on public health.
  • Evidence: “After that, it goes into, OK, you knew about her. Now you get a fine for 250 and then we work from there. Ideally, if it’s a situation they can clean up. Great. Have you clean it up and we’ll mosey along. If it’s something that we can’t clean up or something that has a large impact on public health or on our drinking water or anything like that, then it’s a little more serious and we look towards fines first. So the progression is fines first and? Case by case, usually I try to educate first and then go to fines. It just kind of depends on what the scenario is.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:58

• New utility locate law requirements (2026 Amendment)

  • Summary: The 2026 amendment to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act requires all newly installed or replaced water and sewer service lines to be electronically traceable and locatable, expanding private owners’ responsibility.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “In the 2026 amendment to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act requires that all newly installed or replaced water and sewer service lines will be electronically traceable and locatable. This is now the law as of January 2026, and all communities must comply.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:38

• New utility locate law requirements (Ordinance purpose)

  • Summary: The ordinance aims to amend the city code to reflect state requirements by mandating tracer wire or approved locating technology for applicable water and sewer service lines, making compliance a condition of permit issuance.
  • Attribution: Manager Boyer
  • Evidence: “So essentially what we’re looking at here is we’re asking for you to consider moving this forward. Essentially what it’s going to do is require any new sewer service line or water service line to be marked with electronic tape.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:48

• Ordinance amendment regarding underground infrastructure marking

  • Summary: The ordinance amends the city code to reflect state requirements for private service owners concerning underground infrastructure, requiring tracer wire or approved locating technology for new installations or repairs.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “And the updated law expands the responsibility of private service owners to ensure that underground infrastructure is properly installed, locatable, and maintained in the right of way and on private property for all New installations or repairs. So the purpose of this ordinance amends and updates the city code to reflect these state requirements. The changes will require tracer wire to tracer wire or approved locating technology for applicable water and sewer service lines and make compliance a condition of permit issuance and final inspection.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:10

• Existing utility locating methods vs. new requirements

  • Summary: Discussion occurred regarding whether existing utility locating methods must remain in place alongside the new requirement for tracer wire on all new lines.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “We’re not, we still have to keep that in place, right? Yeah, we’re still going to be locating city utilities. And if there’s a house, for instance, that doesn’t have locating wire on their service, we’ll continue doing what we normally do, which is we find where the service connection comes in the street and it will basically paint a T heading toward the house. However, with all the new ones will be required to locate it up to the house once that tracer wire locates up is installed.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:00:48

• Scope of Alderman Johnson’s questions on existing language

  • Summary: A clarification was provided regarding Alderman Johnson’s questions, stating that the area he read from pertains to existing ordinance language, and only underlined/emboldened text represents new requirements.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “So the area that you’re reading from is all existing language in the ordinance. It’s already in the ordinance. Right. It’s current ordinance. Only the stuff that’s underlined and emboldened is the new language that’s adding the requirement of the Julie tracer wire. Okay. I’m not saying your questions aren’t valid, they’re probably, but not appropriate for”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:18

• Stormwater regulations and illicit discharge prohibitions

  • Summary: The discussion covered the prohibition of changing natural or artificial water flow, the importance of rectifying existing conditions, and specific sections like 10-50-08 regarding illicit discharge connections. Exempt discharges include firefighting flows, landscape irrigation, and air conditioning condensation.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “It’s not permitted to fill, obstruct, dam, divert, or otherwise change natural or artificial flow of waters. It prohibits excessive vegetation and debris. Pretty much anything that might change how water is moving. We did put in there a correction of existing conditions. So if there’s something already out there, ideally it needs to be rectified. This ensures that water continues to flow and get out to the river instead of getting dammed up and causing puddles. We went through, there’s acts that are permitted, it talks about the permitting process, there’s penalties and corrective action, and then we go into 10-50-08, which is illicit discharge and connection prohibited. So illicit connection prohibitions. So nothing can go into the stormwater except for normal stormwater.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:24

• Impact of clear water drainage on wastewater treatment costs

  • Summary: The speaker noted that preventing clear water drainage from being pumped into the sanitary sewer is important because it forces the clean water to be treated at the wastewater treatment plant, increasing user costs.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Mr. Stiegel. One of the reasons this is important is because the putting more teeth to this, we need to prevent clear water drainage from being pumped into the sanitary sewer. Um, per, uh, EPA that should be pumped back onto the ground. When it gets co-mingled in with our sanitary, again, we pay to clean that clean water at the drink at the wastewater treatment plant, which increases our user costs for everybody in the system.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:08:09

• Developer responsibility for storm drain compliance in new construction

  • Summary: A concern was raised that developers and contractors often install sewer lines for runoff from activities like washing cars or using mechanical machinery, and the ordinance needs to ensure developers are notified of requirements for new storm drains.
  • Attribution: Alderman Sanders
  • Evidence: “My problem is sometimes when developers and contractors are involved, building homes with garages Homes with garages, they have the propensity to want to install sewer for runoff when people are washing cars or whatever mechanical machinery work that they’re doing in their garage. And they’re using that by way of discharging whatever they’re using.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:09:37

• Building code compliance and inspection process

  • Summary: The building code and permit process already mandates mandatory inspections for all buildings, ensuring full compliance during new construction.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Mr. Stiegel. Yeah, that’s all part of the building code and permit process now and mandatory inspection for all buildings that we work hand in hand with community development to do. Nothing gets built anymore without full compliance.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:23

• Clarification on required permits for existing structures

  • Summary: A clarification was sought regarding Section D of Chapter 1046.59, specifically what it means that ‘No person shall do any of the acts prohibited in subsection D without a permit,’ particularly concerning pre-existing illegal hookups.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Alderman Johnson? Yeah. Chapter 1046.59, letter D2, line two seems to have some repetitive statements may need to be restructured. And under the violations and penalties, H, permit one, it says permit required, no person shall do any of the acts prohibited in subsection D without a permit. I just want clarification, how does that happen? Section D is things that are not permitted, so I just want that explained what that means.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:50

• Permitting requirements for existing structures vs. new construction

  • Summary: The ordinance addresses both new construction (where the department controls everything) and pre-existing structures, requiring permits or disconnection for illegal connections found during inspections.
  • Attribution: Alderman Johnson
  • Evidence: “Right, so this is addressing people that may already have a structure, but illegally hook up without our knowledge, but then are caught during code enforcement or something that was wrong. So obviously addressing our existing structures that are already built when we do inspections. Okay. So, so when we do new construction, we’re in control of that all the way through. But obviously we have 11,500 homes and businesses that are already built within town. So we have to account for people that may already be connected illegally as we figure that out or find that out. So then they have to get a permit for that. They have to get a permit or they have to disconnect from whatever utility they’re hooked up to illegally.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:13:22

• Sump pump legality and permits

  • Summary: Some sump pumps are illegal to be hooked up to the sanitary sewer; water should be returned to the ground or pumped outside of the home.
  • Attribution: Stacy
  • Evidence: “Your first question on sump pumps. Some pumps are illegal to be hooked up to the sanitary sewer. That water is supposed to be returned to the ground and pumped outside of your home. Anybody that has those connected within the city of Freeport, that would already be considered by code an illegal connection for any sump pump in a house.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:49

• Project timeline uncertainty

  • Summary: There is a possibility that the planned street projects could be pushed to 2027.
  • Evidence: “I can’t 100% guarantee these projects will move forward this year, but it looks like in all likelihood they’re going to from the advanced communication that we had. There could be a slight possibility that they all pushed to 2027.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:28:05

• Overall construction scope and support needed

  • Summary: The speaker stated there is no area of Freeport not receiving some type of work, requiring coordination with fire, police, and school districts, and requested council’s complete support for the ambitious plan.
  • Evidence: “There’s not an area of Freeport here that is not getting some type of work. There is going to be havoc. We’re trying to make an internal communication. So fire, police, school districts on the same page as far as construction is going for this season… I believe this is what everybody in this council chamber wanted, and we’ve been working very diligently to provide.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:30:43

• Request for better visual aids during presentations

  • Summary: Alderman Sanders requested that future visual presentations using projectors or maps be improved by zooming in and out more effectively so the content is legible.
  • Evidence: “The next time we are doing visuals up here with these projectors or with these maps that we’re trying to illustrate to the community or to council. We got to do a better job of zooming in, zooming out with these bad boys because it’s hard for us to even look at the paperwork to decipher what it is that we’re reading.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:35

• Visual aids for community/council presentation

  • Summary: A request was made to improve the visibility of projected maps and visuals during presentations.
  • Evidence: “The next time we are doing visuals up here with these projectors or with these maps that we’re trying to illustrate to the community or to council. We got to do a better job of zooming in, zooming out with these bad boys because it’s hard for us to even look at the paperwork to decipher what it is that we’re reading. If you can just enlarge these mappings so we can go along with you so we can read it for ourselves. Because a lot of us sitting here wondering whether we should bring binoculars the next time.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:32:35

• Cooperation needed from citizens for massive undertaking

  • Summary: The speaker noted that citizen cooperation is an important part of the project, comparing construction to two seasons: winter and construction.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “I know one of the most important parts of this also that wasn’t, you didn’t really mention up front here, but is a cooperation with the citizens in getting this done. This is going to be a massive undertaking. I’ve been in the construction trade all my life and I’ve always said there’s two seasons, there’s winter and construction.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:33:45

• Timeline for pre-work on streets (water and sewer)

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding when pre-work like water and sewer can begin, given that no bids are currently available.
  • Evidence: “My question is basically when can we really start doing some of the pre-work on the streets such as, you know, as water and sewer, whether it be that kind of stuff, when does that work actually start?”
  • Source timestamp: 01:34:19

• Projected construction timeline for street improvements

  • Summary: The speaker anticipates moving the bid cycle up to aim for construction starting in May, with city street paving ideally completed by October.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “So we would like to see construction starting in May, which is about as soon as anybody can start, um, some of the removals and things like that can start, but the street construction is really tough before May… The street construction we’re really limited to that same May to you know we’d like to be done by now November 1st, nothing later than that, especially on our street, our city street stuff. We want to be done by that because we run into leaf season and we just operationally don’t have enough people to do it. So that’s kind of our goal is to the three and a half miles or 3.2 miles that the city has to pave. We’d like to see us actually done by October with, with all that paving city wise.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:59

• IDOT contract work timing and funding urgency

  • Summary: The speaker noted that IDOT contracts are determined by their bidding process and stressed the need to complete as much work this year while funding is available.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “So we’ll push the contractors to get that some of these bit out projects with with Galena and South that’s going to be determined by IDOT because we’re using their dollars. So they’re going to help determine, I can’t tell you that some of this might not push to next year… And, um, I’m not going to exaggerate. We, we went to bat very hard for the city of Freeport to get this extra work done. And I’m afraid that if we don’t move forward with it between the state and the federal government, this money might not have a second chance at it. So it would really behoove us to get as much as possibly done this year as possible while the while the funding is there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:35:59

• Citizen cooperation for construction progress

  • Summary: The speaker advised citizens to be informed, plan their weeks around known construction areas, and avoid active work zones.
  • Attribution: Linda Johnson
  • Evidence: “One thing is be informed. We’ll be working with Bryan, our communications director. We’ll be pushing out timely updates and communications related to what’s going on and where. But I think the main thing everybody can do is kind of map out your week before you leave, kind of review what’s out there in terms of communications on what’s under construction for the week and do your best to avoid those areas.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:13

• Construction updates and public communication strategy

  • Summary: The speaker advised residents to plan their week around construction areas, suggesting patience and extra time due to east-west corridors under development. They also discussed using the Freeport Facebook page for communications because it allows control over messaging.
  • Attribution: Miller
  • Evidence: “We’ll be pushing out timely updates and communications related to what’s going on and where. But I think the main thing everybody can do is kind of map out your week before you leave, kind of review what’s out there in terms of communications on what’s under construction for the week and do your best to avoid those areas. Make your way around. I mean, we do have, as you can tell up there, a lot of, you know, east-west corridors that are going to be under construction. And we’re going to do our best to stage those so that we’re not impacting, we’ll be impacting at a minimum the day-to-day travel habits. But you’re just going to have to keep your head in the game, be patient, plan extra time, and let our guys know they’re out there doing a good job there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:38:13

• Communication method for construction updates

  • Summary: The speaker stated the intent to use Bryan Bridge with the Freeport Facebook social media post for communication because it allows control and quick updates, noting that physical sheets posted on the city website will also be available.
  • Attribution: Sellers
  • Evidence: “I believe this year our intent is to use Bryan Bridge with the Freeport Facebook, social media post. Uh, we’ve been using that. It was very successful last year and we’d like to steer all the constituents to that because we can control that communication. […] I would also like to mention that these these sheets that we put out tonight they’ll be available on the city website we’ll post them up there give us a couple days and they’ll be all up there for for people to look at.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:40:11

• Scope of sewer/water infrastructure projects in Demeter

  • Summary: The speaker confirmed that the plan for Demeter is to prepare the area for connections to the sewer service, noting that this project is fully funded by Freeport and requires residents to connect to city water/sewer lines.
  • Attribution: Alderman Klemm
  • Evidence: “Well, Tom, yes, that’s the idea here is when we do, let’s see, Demeter, the east to west Demeter by the park, the idea there would be prepare that area for connections to the sewer service. […] So, this is fully funded Freeport projects for sewer water. We can’t use private dollars on or excuse me, public dollars on private property.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:41:57

• Public comment regarding cell phone tower near observatory

  • Summary: A constituent expressed concern about a planned tall cell phone tower directly in front of the observatory, which is noted as a major tourist attraction.
  • Attribution: Sue Cook
  • Evidence: “Hi, my name is Sue Cook. And I have a question about the sign that is in front of the observatory. And it appears like there might be construction of a cell phone Tower, directly in front of the observatory. It’s going to be a very tall cell phone tower in front of the observatory, which is a wonderful tourist attraction for Freeport, because we are the only one that has the Deep Space Telescope in this area.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:44:59

• Placement of cell phone tower relative to observatory

  • Summary: A concern was raised regarding the construction of a very tall cell phone tower directly in front of the observatory, which is noted as a major tourist attraction for Freeport because it houses the Deep Space Telescope. The speaker requested if there was an alternative location to prevent obstruction of the view.
  • Attribution: public_comment
  • Evidence: “And it appears like there might be construction of a cell phone Tower, directly in front of the observatory. It’s going to be a very tall cell phone tower in front of the observatory, which is a wonderful tourist attraction for Freeport, because we are the only one that has the Deep Space Telescope in this area, and that includes over into Chicago. Is that correct? In Chicago. The word observe is actually in that observatory, and this is going to be built right there. […] Is there any place else, and I know that there’s going to be some sort of meeting, but unless you can get right up on the sign, you can’t really read it. Is there going to be another chance for possibly another place to place this instead of in front of the observatory? And so I just wondered if maybe there was a possibility of placing it elsewhere as opposed to that spot, just so that it would not obstruct view there.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:45:06

Public Comment

• Concerns regarding public works director authority and property rights

  • Summary: A resident expressed concern that granting the Director of Public Works authority to enter private property based on judgment, especially when outsourced to a third-party firm (Fehr Graham), compromises accountability for residents.
  • Attribution: Joshua T. Atkinson
  • Evidence: “I understand that I have been critical of this city government at times but even those who have been the target of that criticism must admit that I try to be fair I acknowledge the good work that is done and I speak up when I believe this council can and should do better tonight you are discussing amendments to chapter 660 specifically section 6 60 P. 10 Under this proposal the city would allow the director of public works either within 30 days notice or without notice in cases he deems as an emergency what that means in reality is that this council is considering giving someone the authority to enter the private property of every resident in this city based on their own judgment instinct and unfortunately bias the problem is that Freeport does not currently have a and the trusted public works director on staff. Instead, that responsibility has been outsourced to a third-party engineering firm, Fehr Graham, meaning the authority described in this ordinance will effectively fall to Darren Steckel, who according to an email received from our own city attorney is not a city employee, but an employee of Fehr Graham, and more importantly, this means that the city takes zero accountability Stiegel’s lack of judgment, integrity, behavior, and or actions. A title alone does not make someone accountable to the residents of Freeport. And unfortunately, time after time, Mr. Stiegel has demonstrated questionable judgment in his interactions with members of this community. Each time this governing body has chosen to excuse it, forgive it, or simply look the other way. So I want to be very clear tonight. And Darren Steekle is the last person in the world welcome on my property. If there is a legitimate emergency at my home, send trained emergency responders, firefighters, hazmat professionals or police officers. And if I am suspected of violating a law, send a trained police officer from the beginning. Because if Darren Stekle ever steps foot on my property, a police officer is going to have to come anyway. This ordinance raises serious questions about property rights, accountability, and the wisdom of granting enforcement authority to someone who is not even a city employee. I urge this council to amend this provision and think carefully about the precedent it sets for the residents you represent.”
  • Source timestamp: 03:32

• Concerns regarding emergency entry authority for non-city employees

  • Summary: A citizen expressed concern that allowing anyone who is not a city employee to enter private property during suspected emergencies raises issues of accountability and suggests such entries should be conducted by city employees.
  • Attribution: Carol J. Krupke
  • Evidence: “Dear council members and city officials, Regarding Chapter 660 of the City Code Hazardous Materials, I am concerned that anyone who is not an employee of the City of Freeport being given the right to enter any property for a suspected emergency, more specifically with the city’s response to a past issue with Mr. Sekel impersonating a hospital employee and harassing a citizen and there being nothing they, the city, could do since he wasn’t an employee of Freeport, Illinois. This is not something I can agree to. I do agree, however, that in some instances there could be a need for an emergency entry to a property, but as a citizen of Freeport, I believe this should be done by a city employee where they are governed by the laws of the city and the city is held responsible for any abuse of power, damages done, or harassment. Thank you for reading this.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:25

• Public meeting announcement for Hancock bridge replacement

  • Summary: A public announcement was made regarding a required public question and answer session for the Hancock bridge replacement scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th at 5:30 PM in the council hall.
  • Attribution: public_comment
  • Evidence: “Okay. I just have a public announcement on Wednesday, March 25th at 5 30 in the council hall here, we will be having a public meeting for the Hancock bridge replacement. So anybody’s invited to come to that that wants it’s just a question and answer session.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:46:40

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Map presentation for construction planning
  • Summary: The speaker thanked two individuals for providing an excellent map that helps relay information to constituents.
  • Attribution: Parker
  • Evidence: “Owner Parker. I just want to thank both of you for this excellent map. We started getting phone calls from our constituents. Now we have something to relay to, show them and tell them this is what our plan is. So, thank you both. This is excellent.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:39:18

Follow-ups

• Permit costs information

  • Summary: The speaker agreed to get the permit cost information (believed to be $100 per class) in writing and send it back to Alderman Johnson.
  • Evidence: “I can type that out and send it to you. Sellers, I’m sorry. Yeah, I just want to ask. … Okay, then however you want to get back with when you’ve got that information, that’d be great.”
  • Source timestamp: 23:06

• Hancock Bridge project status

  • Summary: A meeting was held with Helm Group last week; they are scheduled to perform test borings tomorrow to check for frost depth, with expected action shortly. The asphalt plant opening is not anticipated until the end of May due to underground work.
  • Evidence: “City Manager Boyer and I had a meeting with Helm Group last week. They’re supposed to be doing test borings there tomorrow to see if the frost is out of the ground. And we hope to see some action there shortly. I will say that that project based on the asphalt plants opening, I do not see it being completed until the end of May of this year.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:25:53