WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.160 Good evening. Justin, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:06.940 --> 00:00:15.280 Good evening. Madam Mayor, Council, and Merry Christmas. And I know it's a bit presumptuous, but Happy New Year as well. 00:00:17.380 --> 00:00:31.360 Please pray with me. Father, we thank you for this evening. We thank you for your grace in our lives, your goodness to us as we see your gifts poured out in the world and even here in our 00:00:31.360 --> 00:01:00.280 City, Freeport, day after day. Lord, as we approach the end of 2025, Lord, we thank you for so much that's been done, so many decisions made, and so much work accomplished, and Lord, we thank you for giving us the strength and the patience and the grace through all of it, and Lord, even as we've already begun to plan towards 2026, and so much work has already been laid out there, 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:23.560 Just ask for your blessing and Godspeed in that work. Lord, I pray for this administration, this council, city manager and clerk and others, that you would bless them in their work and help them to find joy in their callings that you've given them, and particularly in the difficulties and the frustrations. 00:01:23.560 --> 00:01:52.740 And Lord, even as we celebrate peace at this time of year with the birth of Christ, Father, I pray too that you would help us to live in peace with one another, even in disagreement, that we would honor one another as fellow men and women made in the image of God. And so I ask these things in Christ's name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Justin. Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Mayor Miller. Here. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:02:02.620 Alder Persons, Clemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. 00:02:02.620 --> 00:02:08.080 If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Alderman Sanders. 00:02:15.200 --> 00:02:28.580 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:02:31.240 --> 00:02:42.340 Item number one is approval of the agenda. However, we are going to be removing item number 10. It's not quite ready to go. So is there a motion to approve? 00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:43.020 So moved. 00:02:43.240 --> 00:02:43.520 Second. 00:02:44.040 --> 00:02:50.220 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 00:02:50.420 --> 00:02:50.740 Aye. 00:02:51.180 --> 00:02:51.420 No. 00:02:52.060 --> 00:02:52.580 Opposed? 00:02:53.540 --> 00:02:55.360 Yeah, I oppose it. 00:02:56.220 --> 00:02:59.140 That vote is seven to one. Item number two. 00:02:59.140 --> 00:03:00.300 It shouldn't be a vote, Mayor. 00:03:00.920 --> 00:03:01.620 I'm sorry. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:05.720 It shouldn't be a vote. I did not approve it. 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:07.540 I know. I just said it was 7 to 1. 00:03:08.200 --> 00:03:20.740 Yeah, but it's not a vote. You can't tally this agenda to a vote. That's not how it's done. And the fact that I'm not approving of it. 00:03:22.580 --> 00:03:25.680 Okay, so I'm going to let the attorney address whatever you want. 00:03:25.680 --> 00:03:30.120 Well, he can say whatever he wants because he would be out of order if he said anything. 00:03:30.120 --> 00:03:33.320 Okay, so Alderman Sanders, I've already done the call 00:03:33.320 --> 00:03:37.160 And I have the floor as not approving of this agenda 00:03:37.160 --> 00:03:39.680 But the vote is seven to one, so that means 00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:42.480 There is no vote on this agenda 00:03:42.480 --> 00:03:43.700 It has not been approved 00:03:43.700 --> 00:03:46.220 You don't have the floor, please refrain from talking 00:03:46.220 --> 00:03:49.620 I've moved on from item number one, we're moving on to item number two 00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:52.220 So, item number two is public 00:03:52.220 --> 00:03:54.920 Mayor, you cannot conduct this meeting as such 00:03:54.920 --> 00:03:56.240 You're not in charge 00:03:56.240 --> 00:03:57.240 You're not in charge 00:03:57.240 --> 00:03:59.420 Alderman Sanders, please refrain from speaking 00:03:59.420 --> 00:04:29.320 But you're not in charge, Mayor. You're not in charge. You can say what you want. You are given a warning that you are being out of order. So please stop. Otherwise, I'm going to have to call you out of order if it continues. We're going to move on to item number two, which is public comment, where we have none signed in. So we'll move on to item number three, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda consists of all these in one motion, unless a member of the council would like to have something removed for 00:04:29.320 --> 00:04:59.030 further discussion. Is there anything to be removed? Everything. I oppose everything. As a matter of fact, I want to table this meeting until council has formerly had a meeting amongst itself to determine how did this agenda come into play and why are we accepting the agenda that we had not discussed? 00:04:59.030 --> 00:05:30.930 Okay, so here's the deal. You're purposely going off topic. And the topic right now before us is the consent agenda. So is there anything specifically that any member of the council would like to have removed for further discussion? Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of reviewing, I'm sorry, approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the board of fire and police commission for October 28th and 29th, November 4th, 00:05:30.950 --> 00:06:00.930 and 2025. Did I? Okay. The Arts and Culture Commission, February 6th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, July 3rd, August 7th, September 4th, and November 4th, 2025. The schedule of the regular meetings for the City of Freeport for 2026, the building permit and fire department reports for November 2025, the adoption of resolution 2025 152, which is 00:06:00.930 --> 00:06:28.410 the ratification of emergency replacement on the HVAC, the adoption of resolution 2025-153, which is the resolution of ratifying emergency stormwater basin repairs, and the adoption of resolution 2025-154, which is the resolution ratifying emergency water main repairs and looping, also is the cash and investment report and the finance department report, both dated October 2025, 00:06:28.410 --> 00:06:48.810 and the approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $6,591,414.39 and approval of payroll for pay period ending November 29th, 2025 in the total of $677,032.29. Is there a motion to approve? 00:06:48.930 --> 00:06:49.290 So moved. 00:06:49.470 --> 00:06:49.730 Second. 00:06:50.330 --> 00:06:57.170 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:06:58.410 --> 00:07:28.410 Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. And Shadle. Aye. The consent agenda is approved seven to one. Okay. Item number four is a statement and explanation by the city attorney regarding the rules of council. Thank you, your honor. So during the course of the past few meetings of the city council and the committee of the whole 00:07:28.410 --> 00:07:58.350 There have been statements made by Alderman Sanders asking or questioning who has the authority to place items on the agenda and who has the authority to run or chair the council and committee of the whole meetings. These repeated statements by Alderman Sanders, including some made tonight, and the time that it takes for him to make them have caused concern for other council members that these statements are leading to meetings being conducted in an inefficient manner. At the request of the mayor, city manager and other council members, I've been asked to state what the current rules of council 00:07:58.350 --> 00:08:04.350 are regarding agendas and the chairing of meetings of the city council and the committees of the whole. 00:08:05.870 --> 00:08:12.710 So revised rules of council were adopted by ordinance by a majority of the city council on June 16th, 2025. 00:08:13.450 --> 00:08:27.590 Pursuant to the city code of ordinance section 220.10 subparagraph 29, items can be placed on the council or committee of the whole agenda by the mayor, the city manager, any two older persons, or as referred to it by city council, 00:08:27.590 --> 00:08:32.290 subject to some additional requirements. As such, the mayor and the city manager have the authority to 00:08:32.290 --> 00:08:40.350 place items on the agenda. Further, section 220.10, so paragraph 7, and section 220.11 provide that the 00:08:40.350 --> 00:08:46.290 mayor shall preside and serve as the chairperson at council and committee of the whole meetings. As 00:08:46.290 --> 00:08:51.030 the chairperson, the mayor is the one who has the authority to preside over the meeting, call on people 00:08:51.030 --> 00:08:57.110 to speak, determine when someone is out of order, etc. So that power is vested into the mayor by our city 00:08:57.110 --> 00:09:27.030 the ordinances that have been approved. Alderman Sanders, I understand that you may not agree with these rules, but these are the rules that have been adopted by a majority of the city council. As such, these are the rules that the council, including yourself as a member of the council, must abide by. It's my hope that with this explanation and clarification of what the rules of council are regarding who has the authority to place items on the agenda and who has the authority to chair and preside over meetings, that any further comments or questions 00:09:27.030 --> 00:09:34.230 will be alleviated there. To the extent, Alderman Sanders, you have any further questions about this, I'm happy to speak with you after the meeting about them. 00:09:36.550 --> 00:09:40.990 Item number five is... Are you asking me a question? You didn't ask me a question. 00:09:40.990 --> 00:09:48.370 No, it isn't a discussion item. It's simply a statement and explanation, and he is open to meeting with anyone afterwards. 00:09:50.190 --> 00:09:53.350 Item number five is reappointments. Could you please read this? 00:09:57.200 --> 00:10:00.000 Reappointment of Taina Canova to the arts and culture. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:27.720 Acanova to the Arts and Culture Commission effective through October 31st, 2028. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the appointment? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Clem? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacey? Aye. And Shadle? Aye. The 00:10:27.720 --> 00:10:35.660 appointment is approved seven to one. Item number six is the second reading of ordinance 202578. Could you 00:10:35.660 --> 00:10:41.780 please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 1020 streets generally section 1020.13 erection of 00:10:41.780 --> 00:10:48.400 banners signs etc to prohibit the placement of signage on any city street alley or public way. Thank you 00:10:48.400 --> 00:10:54.200 director Heimerdinger. Thank you madam mayor this was presented at December 1st council meeting there was 00:10:54.200 --> 00:11:21.900 there's no discussion. These changes don't are to the idea behind the already established chapter 10, section 13, which is that the signs are not allowed in public way or right away. Instead, it just brings clarity, ensures fair treatment, and addresses necessary signage that is permitted to be in there by the city or other roadway districts. So staff and planning commission recommend the adoption of the amended ordinance. 00:11:21.900 --> 00:11:51.660 Thank you. Is there any discussion on this ordinance? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders? Yes. Sellers? Aye. Clem? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Shadle? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0. Item number two is the second reading of ordinance 2025-79. Could you please read this? Fiscal year 2025 reappropriation ordinance. 00:11:51.660 --> 00:11:53.780 Thank you. 00:11:53.900 --> 00:11:54.660 Director Richter? 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:55.920 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:11:56.300 --> 00:12:02.360 On December 1st, we had first reading for the 2025 supplemental appropriation. 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:11.180 At the end of each fiscal year, the City Council amends the appropriation ordinance to take into account necessary revenue and expense adjustments. 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:18.640 At our previous meeting, I went through a very long list of items, and I don't think you want me to read it again. 00:12:18.640 --> 00:12:51.860 it's really quite long but the memo was in your packets it is staff's request to approve this ordinance thank you is there any discussion on this ordinance Alderman's Stacy yes I have a question I had asked that monies be allotted for a lightning program and I would like to know if that happened 00:12:51.880 --> 00:13:24.340 budget. Did you say lighting? Yes. Um, I believe, uh, we're discussing street light in, uh, enhancements, so I'd. Um, Dr. Richter, would you want to answer that? This is, um, this is the budget for 2025. So we've made adjustments for the project that we did earlier in the year, um, for the budget, but, um, I think you're talking about going forward. Yes. Into 2026. So, like, this is 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:37.880 2025, so we passed 26 last on the 1st, and I believe there's funds in there, a small amount 00:13:37.880 --> 00:13:39.940 in there in 2026. 00:13:41.220 --> 00:13:45.100 Yeah, this is finishing up the 2025 budget, Alderman Stacy. 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:50.020 If there's no further questions, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:50.960 Sanders? 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:52.720 No. 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:53.780 Sellers? 00:13:53.920 --> 00:13:54.180 Aye. 00:13:54.540 --> 00:13:54.860 Clem? 00:13:55.100 --> 00:13:55.460 Aye. 00:13:55.460 --> 00:14:32.730 Johnson, Aye, Simmons, Aye, Parker, Aye, Stacy, Aye, and Shadle. Aye. The ordinance passes seven to one. Item number eight is the second reading of ordinance 2025-80. Could you please read this? Ordinance adopting revised hangar lease form. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank your honor. Just following up, this is an adjustment to the existing lease format for the hangars. We discussed it at December 1st meeting and staff recommends moving forward with the changes. 00:14:32.730 --> 00:15:04.010 Thank you, is there any questions on this ordinance? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Plum. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Shadle. Aye. And that ordinance passes six to two. And item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 2025-81. Could you please read this? 00:15:04.010 --> 00:15:34.010 ordinance amending chapter 232 department of public works to allow a consulting firm to manage the various divisions within the public works department. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Oh, thank your honor. So the city code establishes the public works director and the city engineer is appointed positions under the city manager. Historically, these roles have been filled by either an individual or a contractor. Many municipalities, including peer communities in Illinois, uh, South bullet being one now rely on contracted engineering firms to provide these functions. Uh, when it offers 00:15:34.010 --> 00:16:03.990 greater technical depth, operational flexibility, or cost efficiency. The proposed ordinance updates the code to clearly state that either an individual or an engineering firm may be appointed to these positions. This brings our code in line with contemporary municipal practices and reflects how engineering services are increasingly delivered in local government. The ordinance makes targeted amendments to sections 232.03 and 288.25. The revisions state that the public works director and the city engineer may 00:16:03.990 --> 00:16:33.970 either be a city employee or a contracted engineering firm. They require that the scope of services for the firm be documented in writing and clarify that a firm may serve until a successor is appointed. The ordinance also clarifies that nothing in the code should be interpreted to either require or prohibit the use of an outside engineering firm. These changes provide needed administrative flexibility while preserving existing appointment and oversight authority. There is no actual impact to this. However, staff recommends moving forward 00:16:33.970 --> 00:17:03.770 of this ordinance change and staff is also requesting suspension of the rules due to the fact just we want to keep things in line we have a few agreements that we need to approve at the end of the evening and I felt that these minor changes would be prudent given that we're working on the 2026 construction year planning and moving forward with our plans for 26. Is there a motion to adopt or to approve? So moved. No, wait, I said that wrong. To move it forward. We have to move it forward. Is there a motion to move forward? 00:17:03.770 --> 00:17:15.030 motion to suspend the rules. Second. Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman 00:17:15.030 --> 00:17:21.870 Shadle, and we have a motion made by Alderman Parker to suspend the rules, and who was the second on that? Second. 00:17:22.350 --> 00:17:30.170 And the second made by Alderman Sellers. So before you is the suspension, non-debatable, must pass by two-thirds 00:17:30.170 --> 00:17:59.910 majority. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only? Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. No. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Shadle. Aye. The motion to suspend fails. You have five to three. So you have five, five, have half of the council voting in favor of a particular item. So that triggers one of the situations where the mayor is allowed to cast a vote. You got it. Oh, I'm sorry. 00:17:59.910 --> 00:18:27.310 Attorney Zito. Mayor, what say you? Aye. Is that enough votes, Attorney Zito? Six. Six. We needed the six, so we have six to three. Thank you for that clarification. So now before you, counsel, is the final passage of this ordinance. Is there any questions concerning this ordinance? Alderman Stacy? Yes, I would like to know, are we looking for an assessor to be appointed to this position? 00:18:27.310 --> 00:18:41.450 And Darren Stiegel sits here as the director over the water department, but his name is not stated nowhere in here. And why is that? 00:18:43.450 --> 00:18:44.290 Manager Boyer. 00:18:44.790 --> 00:18:56.250 Darren is a representative of the firm that we're using, Fairgram, who has proven, especially over the last few years with a very large construction program, that this has been working out excellent for the city. 00:18:56.250 --> 00:19:26.230 so the idea here is we're just making some minor adjustments to the ordinance nothing that is not currently there just want to make it clearer so I would say Darren Mr. Stiekel has done an outstanding job and we want to retain him in that current position so that we can get a lot of work done and bring a lot of money into the city which we've received I don't know how many countless millions of dollars in outside funding for almost every project that we're working on so I think it's working well and I would encourage council to support 00:19:26.250 --> 00:19:55.870 support this change. Okay, and my first question? Yes. What was your first question? Are we looking for an assessor to be appointed to this position? Those were your words. Those weren't mine. Assessor? Assessor. Until we find an assessor to be appointed. Do you mean a successor? Excuse me? Do you mean a successor? He said assessor. I don't think you heard it wrong. At this time, we're not looking for anyone 00:19:55.870 --> 00:19:57.970 We're not looking for a 00:19:57.970 --> 00:20:33.650 we're not looking for a public works director. Are there any other questions? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Clemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Shadle? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to one. Okay, so I see that we have a few people that have arrived. 00:20:33.650 --> 00:21:00.380 are, are, um, Zandra, are you ready to do what you needed to? Do we, do we need, or do you want to wait until the end of the meeting? I was going to ask for a leave of counsel if that was what you were, is that what you were looking for? Yes. You can wait. Okay. All right. Are you, are you good with that or are you on a time frame? You're good? Okay. All right. I was just wanting to be sensitive of your time schedules. 00:21:00.380 --> 00:21:11.710 Okay, then we will move on to item number 11, which is the adoption of Resolution 2025-155 00:21:11.710 --> 00:21:19.710 Resolution authorizing and approving an agreement with Lauterbach and Amen to provide auditing services to the city 00:21:19.710 --> 00:21:21.430 Thank you, Director Richter 00:21:21.430 --> 00:21:22.410 Thank you, Your Honor 00:21:22.410 --> 00:21:34.190 In January of 2023, the Finance Department issued a request for proposal for auditing services for the fiscal years of 2022 through 2026 00:21:34.190 --> 00:21:53.370 On February 6th of 2023, City Council approved the bid from Lauterbach and Eamonn. Past practice has been to obtain multi-year proposals during the RFP process. However, individual engagement letters are signed for each of the fiscal years to be audited. 00:21:53.370 --> 00:22:05.150 Lauderbach and Eamon's fees for the city's 2025 audit are $45,430. This is a 3% increase from the prior year. 00:22:05.150 --> 00:22:20.850 At the time of the RFP, the communities of Rockford, Rock Island, and East Moline all gave positive responses in favor of Lauderbach and Eamon's performance. In addition, the city of Freeport's 2024 audit was prepared accurately and on time, 00:22:20.850 --> 00:22:27.710 and all interactions were professional. Their team is very experienced in the area of municipal government. 00:22:28.710 --> 00:22:41.490 The purpose of an engagement letter is to define the scope of the audit, specify the time of the audit and related deliverables, define the fee arrangement, and outline the auditor's and management's responsibilities. 00:22:41.490 --> 00:22:53.990 The strategic plan alignment is responsive, efficient government and at this time staff request approval of the fiscal year 2025 engagement letter with Lauterbach and Amen 00:22:53.990 --> 00:23:13.920 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Plum. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. 00:23:14.020 --> 00:23:44.450 Parker, aye, Stacy, aye, and Shadle, aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 1. Item number 12 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-156. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the City's property, general liability, and workers' compensation insurance policies. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The City has begun the insurance renewal process in early fall and completing several of the documents for our broker, A.J. Gallagher. 00:23:44.450 --> 00:23:52.670 As our broker, they provide expert guidance, access to more insurance options, assistance with claims, and personalized support. 00:23:53.170 --> 00:23:55.830 They also advocate for us in the underwriting process. 00:23:56.490 --> 00:24:02.610 A meeting was held with them on December 10th, at which A.J. Gallagher's representative presented over the renewal. 00:24:03.470 --> 00:24:07.490 And what we're looking at here are some of the changes in our premiums. 00:24:07.870 --> 00:24:12.990 I can go through all those, but I assume everyone has read their memo. 00:24:12.990 --> 00:24:42.970 so therefore there are a couple of the notable changes there's it's relatively flat this year very fortunate on the on various coverages so we're looking at a minor overall increase but relatively flat so I think we're looking at about nine thousand five hundred thirty seven dollars when it comes to the property inland marine package automobile liability umbrella crime cyber and so forth so overall staff is happy with the renewal and we are 00:24:42.970 --> 00:25:12.490 fortunate to see that was less than 1% of total coverage limits. So the city will also receive a safety grant from the Illinois Public Risk Association for, I'm sorry, risk fund for $16,244 for safety related equipment and staff recommends moving forward with the 2026 liability property and workers' compensation insurance. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? 00:25:12.970 --> 00:25:44.880 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders. Yes. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. And Shadle. Aye. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Item number 13 is the adoption of Resolution 2025 157. Could you please read this? Resolution approving payment of invoice to mobile electronics for upfitting district chief vehicle. Thank you. Chief. Thank you, Mayor. 00:25:44.960 --> 00:26:14.940 So June 2nd of 2025, council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe to be utilized as an emergency response vehicle for the district chiefs. We took delivery on that vehicle August 26th. Shortly thereafter, we engaged mobile electronics to do the upfitting of that vehicle. And upfitting means installing the radios, the lights, the sirens, computers, all that equipment. 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:44.780 so the arrangement was we're going to pay the invoices as we went along the plan was we would we would pay for the mobile radio when it came in then we would pay for all the lights the sirens the equipment and then when the work was completed we pay for the the labor so doing it this way complied with the city's purchasing policy it would have helped the vendor reduce his overhead costs 00:26:44.780 --> 00:26:52.460 and we would have had this work done. So however, once the work was completed he presented me with three 00:26:52.460 --> 00:27:00.460 different invoices all totaling over $10,000 which meets the requirement for council approval. So tonight 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:07.300 I'm bringing those three individual and specific invoices to council for approval for mobile 00:27:07.300 --> 00:27:37.300 Electronics for a total sum of $13,972.92. So that project for the entire vehicle is out of the Fire Capital Improvement Fund, which was provided for in this year's budget. We are currently under budget with this project. We're just seeking approval from council to pay this last and final bill. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by 00:27:37.300 --> 00:28:10.540 Shadle. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders. Yes. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. And Shadle. Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 14 is the adoption of Resolution 20-25-158. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Fairgram 2026 Master Services Agreement. 00:28:10.540 --> 00:28:12.380 Thank you, Manager Boyer 00:28:12.380 --> 00:28:13.520 Thank you, Your Honor 00:28:13.520 --> 00:28:18.300 Each year, one of the things that we approve is the Master Services Agreement 00:28:18.300 --> 00:28:20.280 This is with Ferra Graham 00:28:20.280 --> 00:28:22.200 They understand our infrastructure 00:28:22.200 --> 00:28:25.280 Obviously, they have an inventory of all of our roads 00:28:25.280 --> 00:28:31.160 They have a very good understanding of what it is we need to be doing out here throughout our construction season 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:34.040 2026 is going to be a very busy year 00:28:34.040 --> 00:28:36.860 And we need to have a Master Services Agreement set up 00:28:36.860 --> 00:28:45.300 so that we will have the necessary expertise on hand and ready to go when we run into unexpected things 00:28:45.300 --> 00:28:51.680 as well as projects that need to be moved forward. So this year we're bringing forward to council, it's an 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:59.900 agreement with Fehr Graham for $450,000 for the Master Services Agreement. In the past, this work has been 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:06.100 very instrumental in terms of Adams Avenue, for instance. It was a very important project, ran into 00:29:06.100 --> 00:29:31.680 to various stormwater issues, things that were not able to be calculated early on, and because of this, we were able to make a good, excellent decision on the ground in a timely fashion that, in the big picture, saves the city a substantial amount of money, and this is really one of the ways we were able to stretch our dollars as much as they have been stretched for all of our different projects, so staff recommends moving forward with this master services agreement with Ferra Graham. 00:29:32.520 --> 00:29:33.820 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:34.380 So moved. 00:29:34.560 --> 00:29:34.860 Second. 00:29:34.860 --> 00:29:44.480 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, discussion on the resolution, Alderman Sanders 00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:53.660 Have counsel negotiated this contract with Fehr and Graham? Just a question I'm throwing out there 00:29:53.660 --> 00:29:54.220 Manager Boyer 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:55.900 Well, we 00:29:55.900 --> 00:29:56.020 here. 00:29:56.020 --> 00:29:56.820 Well, we have, I have 00:29:56.820 --> 00:29:57.440 You have 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:57.800 Yes 00:29:57.800 --> 00:29:59.360 But council has not 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:02.520 Well, tonight we're bringing this forward as 00:30:02.520 --> 00:30:08.600 Bringing it forward, but council has not made a discussion on this particular contract 00:30:08.600 --> 00:30:11.460 Well, I guess this would be the discussion on this contract 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:15.220 No, council has not had the discussion about this contract 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:21.320 Actually, I've had this discussion with many of the council members, especially it's been every year 00:30:21.320 --> 00:30:51.320 and this is something we do every year because this is part of the secret to our success in terms of getting projects going and launched and completed so if three years on council isn't enough experience I don't know what else we got to do but we're doing this every single year and it's worked out phenomenally. Yeah but I'm being specific about my question my question is has council had a discussion on this contract that's the question that I'm asking. Okay so Attorney Sito 00:30:51.320 --> 00:31:17.200 Alderman Sanders, so this is your opportunity to have the discussion on this contract. So the normal process would be staff is going to present an item to council to vote on it. There's a motion in a second to put it on the floor. And now there is discussion by council. This is your opportunity as a council to talk about this contract, whether you like it, don't like it, have questions, whatever it may be. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:23.380 You know, Attorney Zito, you do not direct counsel, okay? You do not discuss the matters of counsel. 00:31:23.380 --> 00:31:26.480 Actually, I haven't actually given you the floor, Alderman Sanders. 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:27.680 I'm on the floor. 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:44.220 But the last one I gave the floor to was the attorney. So you're actually out of order by doing that. So please refrain. If you would like to have a discussion, that's fine. But you have to understand the process here. The city manager actually is the one that does the negotiating of contracts. 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:51.620 and then he brings them to the council to discuss and evaluate that it's your job to either approve or not approve. 00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:53.340 So that's the discussion tonight. 00:31:56.040 --> 00:31:57.900 Alderman Stacy, did you have a, did you have your hand up? 00:31:57.900 --> 00:32:03.300 Yes, City Manager Boyer. 00:32:04.420 --> 00:32:12.520 How can we ensure the taxpayers that we are getting the best price for the needed services? 00:32:12.520 --> 00:32:27.240 I would think the most monetary responsible way to acquire these services would be asking for a request for quotes from other firms. 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:56.380 And before anyone say that we can't do it, please note that on July 28, 2022, the city of Peoria, Illinois, another home rural unit of government, issued a request for quotes to suffice a master service agreement for various engineering service similar to ours. 00:32:57.240 --> 00:33:21.800 If they can do it, why can't we? Truth be told, we can. An Illinois municipality can request quotes or proposals for engineering services, but they must follow the Local Government Professional Service Selection Act. 00:33:21.800 --> 00:33:34.980 And for the record, that correspondent is 50 ILCS 510-1. So the real question is, why aren't we doing this? 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:50.680 Well, number one, quotes are generally for well-understood projects, and you generally do not even quote for professional services. You do a statement of qualification, you issue the request for a statement of qualification, 00:33:50.680 --> 00:34:20.660 you look at those and then you select one based on qualification and whatever that firm is whatever their price is is what it is so that's not actually how things are generally done not saying it's never done but it's not generally done that way so we have a company here in town who has supported this city and has done an excellent job we have had saving a very large cost avoidance on every project that we've done this 00:34:20.660 --> 00:34:26.240 City. We've done it right, and there is absolutely no reason to change horses in the middle of this. We have a 00:34:26.240 --> 00:34:34.000 very active schedule for next year, and I believe that every dollar is highly valued and has performed 00:34:34.000 --> 00:34:41.920 well for us. There is, at this point, we need to continue with what's been successful. Any other 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:48.520 discussion? Darren, did you want to add something? If I could. So this year's Master Service Contract 00:34:48.520 --> 00:34:56.260 award was for $350,000. There was an additional service that was added for $100,000 a few months ago. 00:34:57.040 --> 00:35:09.240 Currently, I look today, as of the 1st of December, we're at $385,000, so we will not max out our master service agreement for this year. 00:35:09.240 --> 00:35:18.340 So we've been shown to be respectful of the money. Out of the $385,000, $20,000 of those are fees, which include testing services, 00:35:18.520 --> 00:35:27.580 and or security titles, things like that that we do for the city all the time, structural assessments and or CAD fees 00:35:27.580 --> 00:35:31.900 that come along with some of the survey and staking jobs that we're required to do for the city. 00:35:33.160 --> 00:35:43.560 Additionally, just some pure facts of this, $70,000 of the fee goes to permitting review for the city of Freeport 00:35:43.560 --> 00:36:11.480 that is charged out to our clients, to our customers that do permits, solar companies, any of the big arrays, civil services, community development uses all the time to do civil reviews or structural reviews for them as well in-house. So all of these dollars are used amongst the different departments within the city. I would also like to mention, being locally here in Freeport, I'm invested in the computing. 00:36:11.480 --> 00:36:31.860 All the directors that work for the city of Freeport, police, fire, community development, finance, will all tell you that I'm very involved with all the departments and I help them at any moment with any reach and I typically don't even charge the city for all the hours that we could because I'm invested in the programs here in Freeport. 00:36:33.340 --> 00:36:34.540 Thank you. 00:36:36.080 --> 00:36:36.800 May I? 00:36:37.220 --> 00:36:37.660 Sure. 00:36:37.760 --> 00:36:38.340 Is that appropriate? 00:36:38.340 --> 00:36:45.220 I just want to reiterate what City Manager Boyer read in the memo because I think those are some very good points. 00:36:46.260 --> 00:36:50.440 Fehr Graham understands the infrastructure system and they have an inventory of roads. 00:36:50.640 --> 00:36:56.000 If we were to go out for an RFQ and we get a different firm, we're not going to have those records. 00:36:56.460 --> 00:37:00.600 You would have to account for a new firm to do a new road study. 00:37:00.980 --> 00:37:03.900 You would have to have them become familiar with the infrastructure. 00:37:03.900 --> 00:37:11.660 Fisher, you know, they'd have to come up to speed and there's a lot of added value in staying with the same engineering firm. 00:37:13.560 --> 00:37:14.320 Overwoman Stacey. 00:37:15.660 --> 00:37:33.780 So, would it be true in saying that because you, City Manager Boyer, know little to nothing about these services and our city streets infrastructure, you depend on fair ground. 00:37:35.240 --> 00:37:38.560 because you need them to be successful. 00:37:38.960 --> 00:37:42.600 I'm not really sure how that statement is. 00:37:43.600 --> 00:37:44.660 I have the floor. 00:37:45.220 --> 00:37:50.540 I'm not sure how that statement is respectful in any way, shape, or form saying those things to him. 00:37:51.100 --> 00:37:52.400 Mayor, you just can't have the floor. 00:37:52.400 --> 00:37:53.360 That's just disrespect. 00:37:53.900 --> 00:37:55.580 Yeah, it's disrespect because you can't have the floor. 00:37:55.580 --> 00:37:57.220 Alderman Sanders, you don't have the floor. 00:37:57.300 --> 00:37:57.960 Please stop talking. 00:37:59.340 --> 00:38:01.440 Manager Boyer, would you like to say something to that? 00:38:01.440 --> 00:38:31.180 I'm a little at a loss for words except to say that I am here to get the best value out of every dollar that we have for taxpayers and I am I would not be bringing this before council if I thought that there was a single if there was any issue whatsoever that they are bringing an outstanding value to this community this is part of why we've been able to accomplish everything we've accomplished and I would you were asking me about 00:38:31.440 --> 00:39:00.920 my own credentials. I guarantee you I'm the only person that knows anything about utilities from a utilities operator standpoint in administration and local communities. I will tell you I know more about the infrastructure in this town than virtually anyone else. And I would say you are casting dispersions on me because this is a political game. But to me, we're trying to get something accomplished for this city. And I think you should be ashamed of yourself. 00:39:01.440 --> 00:39:03.200 It's not a political game. 00:39:04.160 --> 00:39:26.870 I want to say this, and I want the record to, without any comments from the mayor nor the attorney, I don't want any comments from you guys, but what I have to say is this, is that we are the governing body here who is the protectors. 00:39:26.870 --> 00:39:54.010 Okay, I'm going to call you out of order on this because you are off topic. This topic is about the master service agreement. It is not for you to go off on some misunderstanding of whatever you think government is. So I would encourage you that if you want to have a clear understanding of how things are run, you should probably put your concerns to the Attorney General's office. So consider this too. 00:39:54.010 --> 00:40:07.580 So consider this to be you are out of order. So the next time you are disruptive in the order, I will ask you to be escorted out of the meeting. So let's move on. Is there any other questions concerning Fehr Grahams? 00:40:07.580 --> 00:40:08.920 I'm not done, Mayor. 00:40:09.200 --> 00:40:10.900 Well, actually, you've had two times to speak. 00:40:10.900 --> 00:40:12.000 No, you stopped me. 00:40:12.000 --> 00:40:21.820 Because you are not talking about what is on the agenda before us right now. It is about the Fehr Graham Master Service Agreement. 00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:28.740 period. Would you like to say something about the Fehr Graham Master Service? Yes, I would. Okay, you have your time. 00:40:30.840 --> 00:40:42.090 The service that is being provided has not been broken down to us in, quote, tangible records statement analysis. 00:40:43.870 --> 00:40:52.930 Anything about this particular contract that Fehr and Graham wants to introduce to, I don't want that. Don't put that on my desk. 00:40:53.410 --> 00:41:13.130 What I am saying is we have not been introduced to this contract officially to debate, to determine, and not only that, putting the taxpayers' trust into anything that deals with taxpayers' dollars. 00:41:13.130 --> 00:41:30.630 We have no oversight committee to determine whether or not we're getting a fair deal with any contractor or any sort of a contracting presentation unto council or to the city itself. 00:41:30.870 --> 00:41:40.510 So, yeah, I'm debating, I'm talking about this contract that has been introduced to us the last time we was here on time and material. 00:41:40.510 --> 00:41:49.790 We just can't open up the barn door and just let time and material determine how much the taxpayers are going to suffer 00:41:49.790 --> 00:42:06.110 Yeah, the quote is $450,000 or more for the services, but it leaves opportunity for expansion of this contract for more tax high raises 00:42:06.110 --> 00:42:35.530 It can because it's time and material and because that door is open we have no oversight committee to determine whether it's good or whether it's bad and this is what we're talking about and so we're not just going to sit here or I'm not going to just sit here and just listen to the fact that we should be accepting the services without debating whether or not this is good for the citizens of the city of Freeport. 00:42:36.110 --> 00:42:47.350 I don't want to continue to say that staff is making these recommendations because council is not making these recommendations to move forward. 00:42:47.790 --> 00:43:00.410 If council is not making recommendations to move forward, then this thing should be tabled until council had a full understanding of what it is that we're accepting for the citizens of Freeport. 00:43:00.410 --> 00:43:29.930 and taxpayers dollars are not to be used at anybody's expense and that's what the time and material does it does exactly that and if anybody wants to dispute that you show me where it doesn't because we don't have it in writing everything that we're talking about is is not in writing I don't see it I don't see the conclusion and I don't even see the services or the invoices 00:43:29.930 --> 00:43:56.450 or the contract. So we're looking at a lot of things that has not materialized before Council, but yet we stand here to debate whether we should vote on it or not. So that's one of the things that I wanted to express. And it's not that we don't trust nobody. It's just the fact that we don't have an oversight committee to look into the matters of taxpayers' dollars. And this is where we're at right now. 00:43:56.450 --> 00:44:25.830 so okay so your full understanding is by informing yourself the contract is in your packet so you have had it since Friday if you had questions you could have been reading it for many days so let's go back to any other discussion on this resolution madam clerk please take the roll Sanders no Sellers I Clem all right Johnson I Simmons 00:44:25.830 --> 00:44:58.120 Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7-1. Item number 15 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-159. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Fairgram 2026 Public Works Master Services Agreement. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. So we currently contract with Fairgram for Public Works Director Services. That includes many activities in the day-to-day 00:44:58.120 --> 00:45:27.800 operations of the staff, performing various reviews, working with them on last-minute items, failures that may occur out in the field. Also, as additional to that, ensuring that we have everything we need in place for our snow removal program or our stump removals, ensuring that we have all of our equipment serviced appropriately, and also assisting and working with the staff 00:45:27.800 --> 00:45:55.280 to be effective moving forward. So the city requires this additional work. It's essential to have a director who is deeply immersed in the city's infrastructure and possesses the history and knowledge to effectively handle the numerous demands of this position. And the city requests assistance to handle this volume of work. So staff recommends moving forward with the approval of the fair Graham professional services agreement for public works director. Motion to approve. 00:45:55.280 --> 00:46:00.020 Motion made by Alderman Clemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson 00:46:00.020 --> 00:46:02.860 Discussion on the resolution 00:46:02.860 --> 00:46:07.610 Madam Clerk, please take the roll 00:46:07.610 --> 00:46:08.230 Sanders 00:46:08.230 --> 00:46:08.950 No 00:46:08.950 --> 00:46:09.950 Sellers 00:46:09.950 --> 00:46:10.470 Aye 00:46:10.470 --> 00:46:10.950 Clemm 00:46:10.950 --> 00:46:11.390 Aye 00:46:11.390 --> 00:46:12.010 Johnson 00:46:12.010 --> 00:46:12.390 Aye 00:46:12.390 --> 00:46:13.110 Simmons 00:46:13.110 --> 00:46:16.760 Parker 00:46:16.760 --> 00:46:17.360 Aye 00:46:17.360 --> 00:46:18.040 Stacey 00:46:18.040 --> 00:46:19.500 Aye 00:46:19.500 --> 00:46:20.780 And Shadle 00:46:20.780 --> 00:46:21.120 Aye 00:46:21.120 --> 00:46:23.860 The resolution is adopted, 7-1 00:46:23.860 --> 00:46:28.380 Move on to reports from department heads, finance 00:46:28.380 --> 00:46:29.740 Nothing, Your Honor 00:46:29.740 --> 00:46:30.360 Thank you 00:46:30.360 --> 00:46:58.440 Community Development. Thank you. Public Works? Just a couple things quickly. I'm sorry about that. I wanted to let everybody know that we were able to submit, a fair grant team was, and get a $100,000 grant back to the city for sewer lining. We received the notice this week, so that should be coming back to the city coffers. The lift station on Walnut Road is underway. 00:46:58.440 --> 00:47:05.440 they set the wet well down to nearly 40 feet on the corner of the landfill. We're going to stop operations 00:47:05.440 --> 00:47:10.520 until weather's better but that's probably the deepest hardest part of the project. We had 00:47:10.520 --> 00:47:19.000 significant water getting that set. As a reminder to all residents and homeowners, property owners in 00:47:19.000 --> 00:47:28.400 Freeport, the snow ordinance is in effect a half an inch of snow. Cars need to be odd even moved. If 00:47:28.400 --> 00:47:55.620 If they're not, we will be towing vehicles moving forward. We can't chase everybody down on the streets. It's important that everybody comply with this so we can get the streets clean. We're still trying to clean streets up from the very first heavy snow and chasing people down. Shoveling sidewalks as well is a requirement by the homeowner or property owner within Freeport. Please shovel your sidewalks and be respectful to your neighbors that have to use the pass to get back and forth. 00:47:55.620 --> 00:48:24.980 if you have an issue with the way the city has plowed a corner or something like that please reach out they're doing the best they can we have more snowfall in December than we had for the entire year last year and we're running out of spaces to put it with more in the forecast so please don't think anybody's doing it on purpose there's just only so much space to go with it and again we're getting lots and lots of complaints about sidewalks not being shoveled which the next 00:48:25.620 --> 00:48:50.500 available avenue for that is code enforcement, which we have been reluctant to do, but we're going to have to start doing it if people can't comply with the shoveling. And lastly, I'd like to announce that Frontier has notified me that we've been negotiating on them going to a full fiber install in Freeport in 2026, and they've already started sending in permits for the work, which is great news for Freeport. 00:48:50.500 --> 00:49:20.420 it should improve our communications and this is one of the benefits of us bringing surf to Freeport now we're going to get more people to be more competitive and provide better service to all the constituents thank you thank you fire thank you your honor director Steakle kind of stepped into my topic for this evening but our guys are have been out on the streets shoveling out fire hydrants with the deep snow and they're very appreciative of the the hydrants that residents have have helped us out with 00:49:20.420 --> 00:49:49.940 So the efforts do not go unnoticed. Our guys come back to the station and say there were several hydrants in front of homes that were clean and accessible and they're very appreciative. So I just wanted to recognize those residents who take care of that and encourage others if you have an opportunity to help us out and do those and ones that we can get to. Our guys certainly pull over with shovels on the vehicles and they dig out as well. So once again, thank you to the public for helping us out. Thank you. 00:49:50.420 --> 00:49:50.780 Please 00:49:50.780 --> 00:50:15.100 Yes, Madam Mayor, I just would like to thank all that contributed to Shop with a Cop this year. The police department, the sheriff's department were able to involve a lot of children this year, and it was quite an amazing experience. So just wanted to take a second and thank all of those who made that happen for those children. So thank you all. 00:50:15.100 --> 00:50:46.450 Library. Thank you, Your Honor. I just wanted to remind everybody to stop by the library now through Christmas to see the Community Festival of Trees in collaboration with FHN. IT? City Manager? Nothing tonight, Your Honor. I just have a couple of things. Just wanted to give a shout out to High Hope Freeport. They had a great event on Saturday at the Girls and Boys Club that brought early Christmas to some children that have lost 00:50:46.450 --> 00:51:16.330 apparent due to gun violence. So I'd just like to also thank Alderman Shadle, Sellers, and Johnson for joining City Manager and I in serving those that attended. And since this is our last meeting of 2025, our next meeting will be January 5th. And I'd like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. We'll move on to council announcements. Alderman Sanders? None. Alderman Sellers? I would like to also wish everybody 00:51:16.330 --> 00:51:46.310 Merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Alderman Clemm? The same. I'd like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be taking a look at some changes in the dates for neighborhood watches simply because we come up with some of the nights where there are other groups that are very popular that should have attendance also. So we'll take a look at that. I'll keep you all posted. Thank you very much. Have a great day. 00:51:46.330 --> 00:52:15.490 Carrier. Alderman Johnson? Yes, there will be no neighborhood watch meeting for the second ward due to the holiday, and also I too would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Alderman Simmons? I don't have anything, thank you. Alderman Parker? Basically the same, I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, people in my ward, the city, and we will not have a neighborhood watch meeting next Monday night either. Thank you. Alderman Stacy? Not at this time. 00:52:16.330 --> 00:53:08.510 Owen Shadle. Just Merry Christmas to everyone and thank you. Thank you. Xander, would you like to bring your team up? Good evening, Mayor, members of the city council, city officials, fire chief, any guests here. My name is Xander Bright and I'm here on behalf of Voices and Views with Xan and Chels. This is my co-host here. We're a new podcast here in town. 00:53:08.890 --> 00:53:38.110 started here in early September but doing well solo on our own. On December 3rd at the city's main fire station we gathered for something far more meaningful than a presentation. We gathered to remember, to honor, and we gathered to say thank you. The art piece presented that day was powerful in both image and meaning. It was a New York City fire engine 00:53:38.110 --> 00:53:41.890 hand-drawn entirely with the number two pencil. 00:53:42.750 --> 00:53:47.550 But what makes this art extraordinary is not just the image. 00:53:48.550 --> 00:53:55.110 The fire engine is composed of the names of the fallen firefighters from September 11. 00:53:56.650 --> 00:54:02.010 Each line, each detail, each shadow is made from a name. 00:54:02.010 --> 00:54:19.290 names of the men and women who ran toward danger when the world ran away names of heroes who gave everything to protect others names that forever changed by your service and our nation. 00:54:19.290 --> 00:54:32.610 This piece reminds us that behind every siren, behind every uniform, behind every call answered, is a life, a family, a legacy. 00:54:33.250 --> 00:54:40.030 The artist behind this work is Rashad McIntyre from Wilmington, North Carolina. 00:54:40.750 --> 00:54:48.050 He is an artist who lives with autism and does not allow his disability to define him. 00:54:48.050 --> 00:54:53.330 Rashad's talent was discovered at the tender age of four years old. 00:54:53.830 --> 00:55:02.050 Since then, his work has been featured in museums and exhibitions reaching audiences beyond his hometown. 00:55:03.170 --> 00:55:11.130 Instead of creating simply to draw, he poured focus, discipline, and deep respect into this piece. 00:55:11.130 --> 00:55:21.910 Through his hands, the artwork became a memorial, a reminder and a bridge connecting past sacrifice and to present service. 00:55:22.210 --> 00:55:29.730 When Voices and Views with Xan and Ches presented this artwork, it was a moment that spoke without words. 00:55:30.350 --> 00:55:34.350 It symbolized the bond between firefighters across generations. 00:55:34.350 --> 00:55:41.130 It symbolized respect for those we lost and gratitude for those who still served. 00:55:42.070 --> 00:55:45.690 To our local firefighters, your courage matters. 00:55:46.550 --> 00:55:48.330 Your sacrifice matters. 00:55:49.110 --> 00:55:54.830 And your service carries the weight of history every time you answer a call. 00:55:55.330 --> 00:56:01.530 You stand on the shoulders of those whose names are written into that fire engine. 00:56:01.530 --> 00:56:10.010 and you carry their legacy forth with every shift, every alarm, and every life saved. 00:56:10.710 --> 00:56:18.970 We thank our city officials for recognizing moments like this, moments that remind us that remembrance is essential. 00:56:19.830 --> 00:56:24.930 Appreciation must be spoken and gratitude should be visible. 00:56:25.570 --> 00:56:31.230 At Voices and Views with Zan and Chaz, we capture the voices of those in our community. 00:56:31.530 --> 00:56:56.150 and beyond, supporting, promoting, and engaging conversations with our audiences while uplifting voices, honoring service, and telling us stories that must never be forgotten. This artwork now stands as a keepsake, not only of September 11th, but of what it truly means to serve. 00:56:56.150 --> 00:57:11.910 Thank you for your time, thank you for your leadership, and thank you to every firefighter, past and present, who has answered the call. This is Voices and Views with Zan and Ches. Thank you. 00:57:11.910 --> 00:57:49.100 How pleased the fire department was to receive this generous donation. It's a piece of art to be presented to the fire station. We've already probably hung it up in a special place at the station. All by itself, it's not sharing the wall with any other art pieces, so we're very grateful. She and Ms. Bright and her team presented this December 3rd and explained the history behind it. 00:57:49.100 --> 00:57:56.520 We even did a remote discussion with the artists who did this and his family. 00:57:56.880 --> 00:57:57.460 Oh, wow. 00:57:57.720 --> 00:58:00.420 And we were so happy to receive that. 00:58:00.860 --> 00:58:03.520 And then as a bonus, they brought food for all of us. 00:58:04.880 --> 00:58:08.720 And they were able to sit with us and interact and engage with our firefighters. 00:58:08.980 --> 00:58:10.440 Everybody enjoyed the visit. 00:58:10.840 --> 00:58:13.520 We're so proud to get this, receive this piece of art. 00:58:13.660 --> 00:58:18.060 So once again, on behalf of the fire department, thank you very much for your time. 00:58:18.140 --> 00:58:18.640 Thank you. 00:58:19.100 --> 00:59:01.240 Thank you, ladies. Are there any other public comments this evening? Hi, my name is Cheryl Altman. Hey, Darren, I did stop to a snowplow driver the other day when we got that last snow. On the east side of Stevenson and Grove, I had four and a half to five foot right there in the handicap. They were supposed to come back and help me shovel it. Didn't happen, but that's okay. It got done. Rob, I wanted to know when I'm going to get 00:59:01.240 --> 00:59:31.240 paperwork for what I've been asking for for a few months now. And you were talking about the Girls and Boys Club, which is great. Awesome. But why aren't we talking about that homeless lady that passed? Because nobody in this town cared. What a shame. We sit here and toot our own horns, but she's gone and nobody cared. Second of all, I'm going to talk about Peter Elber again. He doesn't have a contract. Needless to say, he's running 00:59:31.240 --> 00:59:36.920 base is there and people are paying for it when he's not even paying for what he has. That's wrong. 00:59:40.080 --> 00:59:50.000 In the last meeting, Stacy brought up where the lights and all that went. As a taxpayer, I want to know where the money went. I'm paying my taxes. Matter of fact, Alderman to get 00:59:50.000 --> 01:00:17.980 As a matter of fact, aldermen are getting paid by taxpayers' money too. Some of you guys ought to start shaping up here. And Mayor, you really have something against Sanders. You really do. You sit up there with such a smug face. But when you're out of line, who calls you that? And maybe you should be setting a better example for the city of Freeport. Because what's going around here, that big rumor was an official, and what's happening, that's not going on. 01:00:18.000 --> 01:00:24.980 Cool. Because I talked to a guy and he said you were the church-going Christian. I set him straight. Believe me. 01:00:27.820 --> 01:00:30.260 Any other public comments? Tommy? 01:00:36.550 --> 01:00:47.350 I hope the police chief be the police chief in Freeport because he's the best and we want him to be a good job with it. 01:00:47.350 --> 01:00:47.890 Thanks, Tommy. 01:00:47.890 --> 01:01:15.590 and well, and Darren, uh, so you said next fall or had that, uh, Greenwood? Spring. Spring? Spring. And Jodi Miller, you, you do a good job doing this and we want to keep you for mayor because you know how to do everything. Thanks, Tommy. And, uh, John Parker, you do a good job to be the alderman in Freeport. Thank you, Tommy. 01:01:15.590 --> 01:01:27.330 Is there any other public comments this evening? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor? Aye.