WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.240 Good evening. Since it's six o'clock, Evelyn, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:05.780 --> 00:00:22.290 Shall we bow our heads? Heavenly Father, we lift up our city leaders, our mayor, council members, city manager, and all public servants to you today. 00:00:23.090 --> 00:00:28.890 We thank you for their willingness to serve our community and ask for your divine guidance in their work. 00:00:28.890 --> 00:00:38.610 Grant them wisdom, discernment, and integrity to make decisions that are just, compassionate, and for the well-being of all residents 00:00:38.610 --> 00:00:46.650 Protect them from selfish ambition, corruption, and its temptations of power, keeping their hearts pure and their focus on serving others 00:00:47.370 --> 00:00:54.230 Strengthen them with grace for the challenges they face and provide them with capable, godly counsel 00:00:54.230 --> 00:01:05.270 Also, may their leadership foster unity, peace, and prosperity within our city, reflecting your love and purpose for our community. 00:01:05.650 --> 00:01:06.070 Yes, Father. 00:01:06.910 --> 00:01:14.550 Help us, the citizens, to pray for them and to be good stewards in our own lives, contributing to a better city for all. 00:01:14.550 --> 00:01:32.910 And, Father, I also ask you to, for the wisdom and for the health and strength for the council members and their families, keep them safe, Father, for the rest of the year. In Jesus' holy and matchless name, amen. 00:01:33.310 --> 00:01:33.550 Amen. 00:01:35.010 --> 00:01:40.430 And we'll call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could you please, when you're done, could you please take the roll? 00:01:40.430 --> 00:02:03.810 Mayor Miller, here, Alderpersons, Clemm, here, Johnson, here, Simmons, here, Parker, here, Stacy, here, Shadle, here, Sanders, here, and Sellers, here, if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson 00:02:03.810 --> 00:02:19.850 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 00:02:19.850 --> 00:02:38.640 Item number four is approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor, signify by saying 00:02:38.640 --> 00:03:00.580 aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Public comment, which there are none signed in. Item number six is update to what became of the funds from the December 13th, 2024 Christmas Wizards fundraiser that was specifically created to raise money for the new downtown holiday decorations presented by Alderman Stacy and Simmons. 00:03:00.580 --> 00:03:12.900 On December the 13th, 2024, the City of Freeport and the Greater Freeport Partnership hosted a fundraiser. 00:03:13.500 --> 00:03:22.160 The purpose of the Christmas Wizard fundraiser was to raise money for new downtown Christmas decorations. 00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:27.940 Ticket prices for this event ranged from $25 to $50. 00:03:27.940 --> 00:03:59.640 My questions and concerns are as follows. How many tickets were sold? How much money was raised? Were there any decorations purchased? If so, then where are they? And can you please provide the council with proof of purchase? If not, then where are the funds currently located? And who has control of these funds? 00:03:59.920 --> 00:04:04.440 Greater Freeport Partnership or the City of Freeport. 00:04:06.060 --> 00:04:25.250 So were you presenting something that you, I mean, normally in a presentation you're putting forward an idea or something to move forward. What's, what are you presenting? 00:04:25.750 --> 00:04:30.590 Okay, I'm asking a question that I would like answers to. 00:04:33.060 --> 00:04:35.980 Okay, so pick up a phone. 00:04:39.350 --> 00:04:39.910 No. 00:04:40.030 --> 00:04:41.470 No, that's not how it's done. 00:04:41.470 --> 00:05:01.590 It's an agenda item. You knew this was coming to the council tonight. As a matter of fact, I'm so lucky to have the only thing that's on the agenda tonight. And so why do I not, or can I not get answers to my questions? 00:05:01.590 --> 00:05:25.370 Okay, so just so that way everybody has a little bit of back history. Let's see, it would have been Thursday evening at 1048 p.m. from Alderman Stacy's school email. She sent this memo with the questions. Madam Clerk forwarded it then to me. 00:05:25.370 --> 00:05:45.650 so I sent an email to Alderman Stacy back to her school email address and I also copied Andrea Winters who's the GFP and City Manager Boyer on that and I wrote to you and I said that Dovie had forwarded this to me and that I had copied those two on it that Andrea is the head of the GFP. 00:05:45.650 --> 00:05:54.910 I also explained that there was really no need to have a discussion on the cow because absolutely no funds were received or spent by the city of Freeport. 00:05:55.370 --> 00:06:10.230 And as far as your questions, I am sure that Andrea would have no problem answering them. Also, the city's logo was on the flyer simply because the lead singer had contacted me about doing the show, so it seemed appropriate to acknowledge the city in a small way. 00:06:10.230 --> 00:06:35.110 And then that would have been at 9.13 on Friday morning. At 11.35 Friday morning, Andrea responded on that same email thread, and she addressed you, Alderman Stacy, and she said that the proceeds from the Christmas Wizards concert were used to purchase Christmas decorations that have been installed on streetlight poles on Chicago Avenue. 00:06:35.110 --> 00:07:05.090 those wreaths have been installed by city crews these wreaths and any further wreaths would be purchased from future concert proceeds would be installed annually with the rest of the downtown Christmas decorations then at 1235 Alderman Stacy sent an email to me and did not include Andrea or the city manager on it and her response was okay thank you for your mediocre respect 00:07:05.110 --> 00:07:35.110 however I still want this on the agenda for discussion and I have followed protocol honor my request so it is on for discussion so not sure why the city would be discussing a GFP event there are multiple entities throughout the city that have used the city's logo as a supportive measure it does not include funds of any sort received or spent so 00:07:35.110 --> 00:08:03.750 So to have something on an agenda that is someone else's responsibility really is kind of a back door to them and the questions should be asked to that entity. I would not expect the YMCA with their fundraiser, if you had a question about that, to come to the city council meeting and want us to answer those. So again, I am sure that Andrea can and will answer those questions if you direct them to her. 00:08:05.110 --> 00:08:09.510 And so where is she denied? Because she's usually at every other council meeting. 00:08:09.890 --> 00:08:11.170 Well, I don't set her agenda. 00:08:11.370 --> 00:08:12.130 No, of course. 00:08:12.550 --> 00:08:23.370 And again, she is not a city employee. She's not directed to be here to be a part of a council meeting. 00:08:24.050 --> 00:08:24.370 Well. 00:08:24.650 --> 00:08:30.330 She comes every quarter and she gives reports. Ask her at the next one or ask her sooner. 00:08:30.330 --> 00:08:39.830 And we asked twice. I have asked twice. And the first one, she was still collecting monies that she didn't have a grand total. 00:08:40.090 --> 00:08:40.470 I recall. 00:08:40.530 --> 00:08:45.210 But she never came back with answers to the questions even then. 00:08:45.430 --> 00:08:56.330 I recall that. You are correct. And so, again, ask her. Pick up the phone. Go see her. I'm sure she's more than willing to give you all those numbers. 00:08:56.330 --> 00:09:02.890 to be able to, I would not expect her to speak on my behalf, and I won't speak on her behalf. 00:09:03.370 --> 00:09:13.730 Well, I mean, you're part of, well, I know City Manager Boyer is on that board, so, um, because 00:09:13.730 --> 00:09:20.030 this wasn't agenda items, even he could have had the answers to those questions for tonight's 00:09:20.030 --> 00:09:20.350 meeting. 00:09:20.770 --> 00:09:21.610 Could have. 00:09:21.690 --> 00:09:22.670 He's a board member. 00:09:22.870 --> 00:09:23.190 Could have. 00:09:23.190 --> 00:09:24.570 Board of Greater Freeport Partnership. 00:09:24.570 --> 00:09:32.090 But then it comes back to speaking on behalf of another entity, ask her, go to one of their meetings 00:09:32.090 --> 00:09:35.070 He's a part of the entity, he's on the board 00:09:35.070 --> 00:09:38.630 We give them $400,000 a year 00:09:38.630 --> 00:09:41.350 But it's not the city agenda 00:09:41.350 --> 00:09:44.930 Yes, it is, yes, it absolutely is 00:09:44.930 --> 00:09:50.250 Alderman Sanders, did you want to have your four minutes? 00:09:50.410 --> 00:09:54.230 Stacy is having this conversation, which is out of order, first of all 00:09:54.230 --> 00:09:56.570 Okay, can you start the clock for Alderman Sanders? 00:09:56.910 --> 00:09:59.990 Well, you might start the clock for me, but I will 00:09:59.990 --> 00:10:21.240 I don't want to start the clock for me, but I will have you on notice, Mayor, because you cannot engage with counsel in this manner at all, absolutely none, so while you and Sister Stacy is going back and forth at each other, you are out of order right now, and then you want to clock my time for when I want to speak. 00:10:21.240 --> 00:10:29.720 You are not in the right proper order to be doing what you're doing right now at this moment 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:32.860 I don't want to convey a lot of things about what you're doing 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:37.380 But my point is, she's right 00:10:37.380 --> 00:10:40.000 The GFP is an absolute entity 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:42.700 They receive taxpayers' dollars 00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:45.200 Council governs that 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:49.120 Yeah, you do, whether you know it or not 00:10:49.120 --> 00:11:06.540 Council has jurisdiction over any entity that is receiving taxpayers' dollars. I just want to bring that out with clarity. And I dare anyone to try to refute what I'm saying because it's not an accusation. It's a proof of facts. 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:36.540 but she they are taxpayer they receiving tax dollars they answer and be an accountable to this council this council is supposed to be a governing body that legislate and determines what policies are to be applicable to the citizens of Freeport and so forth for someone to sit here and talk about entity yes GFP as an actual 00:11:36.540 --> 00:11:39.700 entity of the city of Freeport. 00:11:40.160 --> 00:11:48.580 Oh, you guys can shake your head all you want, but the point of the matter is, if you don't know a thing, you shouldn't speak out on a thing. 00:11:48.880 --> 00:11:49.640 I agree with that. 00:11:49.640 --> 00:12:00.020 Yeah, if you don't know a thing, you should speak out on it and make a nuance about gesture, making gestures as if though you're correct and things of this nature. 00:12:00.020 --> 00:12:25.300 So while you and Alderman Stacy is going back and forth as a point of order, that you are out of order. That's my whole point. And council directs what is and what isn't. Don't assume that there's another administration that's running this body. We are a body entity of the city of Freeport. 00:12:25.300 --> 00:12:47.640 We are self-autonomous here in the city of Freeport. Whether you know it or not, you are the governing body, the legislators, the policymakers, the enforcers here. Whether we know it or not, I may not bring all the definition out, but it's something that we should be aware of. 00:12:47.640 --> 00:13:12.980 and we're not practicing our own duties and we're not being accountable and we should be having our board with a chairperson. The board needs a chairperson of itself so we don't have these interference and distractions from other administrative bodies that's working against council as opposed to with council. 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:24.580 So I just wanted to point that out for now so people don't misunderstand what part of GFP plays into the city ordinances and things of that nature. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:30.320 And I will point out, I am the chair. Alderman Sellers. 00:13:30.320 --> 00:13:54.290 I'm trying to figure out. We're here because you want to understand the fundraiser and where the money is from the fundraiser that the GFP did to get Christmas decorations for downtown. Is that correct? 00:13:54.290 --> 00:14:19.210 I'm just asking because, I mean, we're arguing, we're fussing, we're, and it's a simple call, Andrea, get the numbers, she can give you the numbers, she's gave them to me, she's talked to me about it, that's all you have to do is actually go there, sit down, talk with her, get your information, but calling a meeting, I'm trying to figure it out 00:14:19.210 --> 00:14:21.350 This is the regular scheduled meeting 00:14:21.350 --> 00:14:23.650 Yeah, but there's nothing on here 00:14:23.650 --> 00:14:28.150 Why is there nothing on there? Talk to Mayor and City Manager Boyer 00:14:28.150 --> 00:14:29.370 But this is not the first time 00:14:29.370 --> 00:14:31.630 If it wasn't the cow, last week we had 21 00:14:31.630 --> 00:14:33.830 Okay, Alderman Sellers has the floor, please allow that 00:14:33.830 --> 00:14:36.610 Last week we had 21 items on the agenda 00:14:36.610 --> 00:14:40.110 But that's a regular council meeting, this is a cow meeting 00:14:40.110 --> 00:14:41.670 And if they wanted something 00:14:41.670 --> 00:14:43.130 But we don't have anything to talk about 00:14:43.130 --> 00:14:43.950 It would have been on here 00:14:43.950 --> 00:14:45.890 Well, Alderman Stacy, allow Alderman Sellers to finish 00:14:45.890 --> 00:14:46.730 But we don't have anything 00:14:46.730 --> 00:14:48.230 She's talking to me 00:14:48.230 --> 00:15:01.270 But we don't have anything that is worth bringing people out of their homes, away from their families, so we can get numbers from a fundraiser 00:15:01.270 --> 00:15:02.510 That's not fair 00:15:02.510 --> 00:15:03.110 Apparently we did 00:15:03.110 --> 00:15:04.390 That is not fair 00:15:04.390 --> 00:15:05.190 Apparently we did 00:15:05.190 --> 00:15:06.110 That is not fair 00:15:06.110 --> 00:15:13.070 And when the draft was sent out, there was other items on the agenda that was conveniently removed 00:15:13.070 --> 00:15:13.950 Okay, okay 00:15:13.950 --> 00:15:14.590 That's not fair 00:15:14.590 --> 00:15:16.930 Alderman Shadle 00:15:16.930 --> 00:15:19.870 Make a motion to table this indefinitely 00:15:19.870 --> 00:15:20.830 Second 00:15:20.830 --> 00:15:28.070 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker to table this topic indefinitely 00:15:28.070 --> 00:15:29.930 Any discussion on the motion? 00:15:30.270 --> 00:15:30.610 Yes 00:15:30.610 --> 00:15:32.070 Alderman Sanders 00:15:32.070 --> 00:15:42.430 This motion that has these types of motion is trying to squash the concept of agendas, resolutions, and adoptions 00:15:42.430 --> 00:16:10.750 and amendments. I told you once before, these idiotic tabling and things of this nature, it is council that runs this city, not the mayor, not the administration, not the city council, and not all the men's sidelining in conflict of interest because they need to be censured. 00:16:10.750 --> 00:16:41.680 anyone that has not been collectively accountable for their actions and their responsibilities in this council should be held for that tabling something just to trying to squash a point of this meeting is something where we have to reconstruct as council members so we can get this council back 00:16:41.680 --> 00:17:07.920 where this has never been in place since I've known of it, but the thing about it is the council is not doing the duties of governing, legislating, and if you don't have that knowledge about governing and legislation and policy terms and liabilities and bylaws and ordinances, if you don't have the concept of any of this stuff, 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:21.160 You cannot sit systematically and start trying to table things because it doesn't suit the authorities of people that is injecting their views and opinions 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:26.180 You cannot just sit here as counsel justify why you're tabling it 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:30.560 Just like I talked to one of my council members on the last occasion 00:17:30.560 --> 00:17:36.980 You want to suspend things so it doesn't get talked about 00:17:36.980 --> 00:18:00.420 I like for you to be called on records, called before the people of the city and give them an explanation of why you're trying to table something and why you're trying to suspend something simply because we have a legitimate item on the agenda to talk about, to scrutinize, to debate and things like that. 00:18:00.420 --> 00:18:10.240 I hate to do this out in public simply because this should be something of a closed session amongst council members. 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:15.100 Council members haven't had a meeting since the day that I was elected here. 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:28.840 And so we should have a closed session talking about reconfiguring the council so it can do its duty 00:18:28.840 --> 00:18:57.160 because we are lacking our responsibility. We're following somebody else's agenda. We're not following the agendas of the council. The council is the last people to know about anything that is happening within this city. And that means that we are not being held accountable. All kinds of fraud and all kinds of oversight, all kinds of theft, all kinds of information that is not scrutinized by council. 00:18:57.160 --> 00:19:02.420 It is counsel responsibility to investigate everything. 00:19:03.120 --> 00:19:15.320 It is our job to investigate, whether you know it or not, it is our job to investigate anything, policies, ordinances, bylaws, all of this. 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:24.820 We have not conformed adequately enough to do our job, and we need to get back to the business of the people. 00:19:24.820 --> 00:19:31.460 I don't even know why we, I don't even understand how we got elected if this is not what your agenda is all about 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:35.660 and if we're not doing the responsible thing 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:37.280 Your time has expired, Alderman Sanders 00:19:37.280 --> 00:19:40.400 Look, you might say that 00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:42.000 Your time has expired, Alderman Sanders 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:45.900 On what policy and ordinance? I want to know the ordinance citing 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:49.260 No, I want to know the ordinance citing 00:19:49.260 --> 00:19:51.340 I'll get that to you, you need to stop talking 00:19:51.340 --> 00:19:52.760 Do you have the numbers? 00:19:52.760 --> 00:19:57.640 Rules of Council 220, Chapter 10 or 11, it's one of those two. 00:19:57.640 --> 00:20:25.020 or 10 or 11. It's one of those two. Okay, who signed off on it? Was it council? You don't have the floor. You don't have the floor. This is your warning, Alderman Sanders. Stop being interruptive. If you do it again, I will call you out of order. We have other ones that had wanted to say something, and I have to tell you, you are correct about your positions here. I know. Have to do with legislative policy, and the problem with the agenda tonight, there's no legislative policy. Alderman Parker, did you have something? 00:20:25.020 --> 00:20:49.300 Yes. I think we've answered the question. That's a private entity. It's nothing to do with the city. We have no say on it. And it's no different than maybe we're telling Newell how to spend their money. We cannot do it. We are not responsible. We're not accountable. You don't know what you're doing. I think we've answered the question. So I think we just end this whole thing. Yeah. Alderman Johnson, you were next. That's what I was referring to. 00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:50.900 I agree with transparency. 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:52.880 I understand that. 00:20:53.220 --> 00:21:08.700 I would think that Andrew would be willing to give you an itemized list of the income, the expenditures of the event, the profit that was made, and itemize where the money went for the decorations. 00:21:08.700 --> 00:21:12.160 If you have that, we have answers to all of our questions. 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:15.200 If we don't get those answers, then there maybe is a problem. 00:21:15.380 --> 00:21:18.720 But I would say try to get the answers to all those questions. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:23.020 and for right now we could table this and see if you get the answers to your questions. 00:21:23.060 --> 00:21:24.620 And then Alderman Sellers, you are next. 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:36.280 No, I was going to also kind of say that if you go in and get the information, because this is more of a question than it is an issue for us to sit here and discuss. 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:39.040 It's just a question to go down and get your information. 00:21:39.560 --> 00:21:41.700 It's not like anybody's trying to hide anything. 00:21:42.120 --> 00:21:46.620 Just go ask your questions and get it done just like everybody else, ask their questions. 00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:52.380 You know, we don't have to do it all in front of everybody, just go ask your questions and you get your answers 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:58.740 Just like if I had a question for Michelle, I would call her up, get my answer, and I'm done 00:21:58.740 --> 00:22:03.680 I wouldn't call a meeting to have everybody listen to the question I want to ask Michelle 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:05.720 So I guess that's what I'm saying 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:12.720 We're coming together, leaving our homes, our families, and all of that on a question 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:42.420 not for something that is so there I'm sorry go ahead so there is a motion for tabling indefinitely made by Alderman Shadle second by Alderman Parker if there's no more discussion on the on the motion itself uh madam clerk do you want to take a roll or should we just do a voice well hold it before you do that I have a question you you've actually had your twice to speak twice yes sir mayor I am I am calling you're not you have not been 00:22:42.420 --> 00:23:12.340 called to speak on the floor of order. I am. I want you to know that I have a motion for a point of order, whether the mayor knows it or not. Whether you know it or not, I have a point of order here motion because I have something to say to council. Okay, so if you have something new to say to council, then yes, I do. Well, every time, but I don't need to have I think you I don't need to have this 00:23:12.340 --> 00:23:43.210 I don't have to have this debate with you is what I'm getting at. It is not your discretion to make that call. Start the clock, please. It's not your discretion to make that call. The point that I'd like to continue to make is this. The suppression of the information that is being considered of the GFP acknowledging 00:23:44.450 --> 00:23:47.790 all of the information regarding to this agenda item. 00:23:48.570 --> 00:24:04.630 If we're not knowing the formality and procedures of how to obtain that because we could have made a request that someone sitting here saying that there are no entity. 00:24:05.090 --> 00:24:05.630 Oh, yes. 00:24:05.930 --> 00:24:12.430 When they're receiving taxpayer dollars, they have to answer to the governing body of this council. 00:24:12.430 --> 00:24:15.330 is because you have not been educated in this. 00:24:15.710 --> 00:24:17.790 That doesn't mean everybody else has not been. 00:24:18.370 --> 00:24:31.430 And so ones that are sitting here trying to sabotage and derail this item of agenda, then 00:24:31.430 --> 00:24:38.830 you need to be censured to everyone that's opposing the taxpayers' vision of what this council should 00:24:38.830 --> 00:25:06.970 look like, and we're not being held accountable for the things that we're saying and the comments that we're making, everything that is, if it's not based upon what the citizens are recommending, remember, you have to remember, you are an elected official, you're part of the governing body of this city, and we should have board meetings to work 00:25:06.970 --> 00:25:36.950 work out the errors and problems within the board itself. And so we should, and the fact that the question came up, that opens up a lot of variables. There's a lot of variables going on with the fact that this item is on the agenda. And if everybody would start thinking, governing and legislating and learning the policies of this governing 00:25:36.950 --> 00:26:01.470 and recognize the authority and the power that this council wills throughout the city. We are the voice of the people of the city. There's no other entity here in this city has the voice other than council because we are the ruling body. We are the legislators. 00:26:01.470 --> 00:26:30.910 We set the policies. Until we understand that, we're going to be like this for years and years simply because no one wants to change. It's been like this for decades. It's been like this for a long time, but no one wants to step up and acknowledge it. That's the problem. And I'm sitting here for the last two, three years watching this confusion going on about what governing and legislating is all about. 00:26:31.470 --> 00:26:45.170 We just can't keep doing the same routine and things that we consider it as right in our own eyes and doing what is right for the board and the commission of the city. 00:26:45.170 --> 00:26:58.790 And until then, we have to be able to be accountable for our own action and be responsible for the actions of why we have agendas and calling on these agendas. 00:27:01.470 --> 00:27:24.530 without counsel consent. There shouldn't be an agenda posed on this. There shouldn't be no agenda itemized ordinance resolution or an adoption should be on this agenda until counsel put it there. If we're not putting it there, it don't get there. Remember that. 00:27:24.530 --> 00:27:52.910 expired Alderman Sanders. Madam Clerk, please take the roll on tabling indefinitely. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The motion to postpone indefinitely passes 5-3. Item number 7 is public comment. 00:27:52.910 --> 00:28:26.920 so is there any public comments this evening? I just want to start off with I may be a little jumpy a little irritable right now because I've been up for 15 hours I worked a 12-hour shift and then I went over and had to re-plow my mom's yard or her sidewalks because the plowing is terrible and I understand that let me back up let me back up sitting here watching you talk to older people like that I can't control how you talk to all these other people but my mother 00:28:26.920 --> 00:28:56.820 Absolutely not, you should be embarrassed, this is not high school, I know you're not, and you never are, that's the problem now, anyway, the plan needs work, there's an obvious difference when you drive between the east and the west sides, I understand the first snow is a big one, but I shouldn't have to slip and slide my way around garden until I hit Galena, Adams, whatever, you want to talk about there being no agenda items, here are some, acknowledging the homeless woman who died, and how do we prevent that as a city, discussion on what the city 00:28:56.820 --> 00:29:26.700 can do in the event of SNAP benefits being withheld again. But we're too busy praising a couple who moved here from California, obviously one of the most expensive states in the country, get in the damn sister city. You don't talk about pretzels and we have a leaf on our water tower. We're not the Freeport leaves. Anyway, and asking the GFP to be straightforward yet again. But I guess that can just be a phone call, right? It's embarrassing that the only, it's embarrassing to only 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:32.000 have one agenda item. It's also embarrassing to see new concrete poured for EV chargers and parking 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:38.260 locks with potholes big enough to make me want to get out and check my truck suspension. And Miss 00:29:38.260 --> 00:29:44.000 Dovie, replying to a FOIA request with a document that is 99% blacked out is the reason why there's 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:48.400 still a glaring mistrust in the city government, especially with the mayor and the way that she 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:53.180 acts. It really feels like some of the council thinks this town is full of idiots and it has and 00:29:53.180 --> 00:29:55.660 will continue to come back and bite you in the ass. Thank you. 00:29:55.660 --> 00:30:28.200 can bite you in the ass. Thank you. Any other public comments? Yes. I'd like to talk about one other thing that council or anyone or department heads or directors or people of this nature. We had a conflict of an embarrassment over the week and the thing 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:52.200 about it is I am surprised that no one is talking about on this subject the fact that I received double payments in my account and we have not been able to scrutinize who's at fault for these fraudulent payments that was submitted to us over the week. 00:30:52.200 --> 00:31:02.460 I'm quite sure every councilman receive these statements increase on their account. 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:07.900 Now, the part that this is where the governing body comes into play. 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:32.400 When an incident like that happens, on that level, where people are getting double payments, there's a problem within our system. Why isn't this been brought to our attention? It's because there are people in the background that's suppressing this information. 00:31:32.400 --> 00:31:56.520 If we don't get a handle on this, we need to be able to scrutinize it to the limit, because if fraud is taking place, then we need to have our oversight committee in place to make a determination where things are going on, and not only that, we need a secretary of agency within our own structure of governing. 00:31:56.520 --> 00:32:06.560 We don't need people that are working independently, neutral, supposedly, outside of the council 00:32:06.560 --> 00:32:13.960 That includes our mayor, that includes our clerk, that includes our city director 00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:25.080 No one in this council should be looking forward to getting the answers from the things that we should know about 00:32:25.080 --> 00:32:41.500 And so until we make an appeal to understand why these kinds of things happen, we don't know what else is going on within the city like contracts, invoices, things that we have not discovered as council. 00:32:41.500 --> 00:33:11.340 We have not done a full investigation of this administration part of it and until we do things are going to be as they put tabled suspended topics that should be part of the subject of the city understanding how the monies of Freeport is being spent and for someone to sit your time has expired. Thank you. Oh, yeah. Oh, okay. All right. 00:33:11.340 --> 00:33:17.620 and that's the part that needs to be changed right there. Yeah. So I don't normally suggest there be any 00:33:17.620 --> 00:33:24.800 response to public comment but Michelle if you would like to defend the the finance department just because 00:33:24.800 --> 00:33:30.860 there was a lot of accusations made there you're welcome to. Oh okay. Um thank you your honor. You 00:33:30.860 --> 00:33:46.010 would have to go to the podium. Okay. Uh thank you for allowing me to speak. I would just like to address 00:33:46.010 --> 00:34:13.850 Alderperson Sanders accusation about fraud regarding the payroll incident that happened on Friday had absolutely nothing to do with the city of Freeport. We didn't push the button twice. We didn't send the email twice. It was a bank error. It had to do with our bank. Those payments, we contacted everyone as fast as we could, let the employees know what happened, and the bank recouped the exact same funds. 00:34:13.850 --> 00:34:43.710 we did not receive any calls today that there were any issues um like you know that was taken back twice or anything like that as far as the other comments you made regarding fraud I do take a large offense to that you should the city of Freeport is audited every year and every alderman is given a form to turn in if you have any suspicions of fraud yeah there's a form to fill out and that doesn't come to us that doesn't if it happens 00:34:43.710 --> 00:35:06.610 Once again, you'll be removed. Go ahead, finish your comment. I just wanted to say that that form doesn't come to the city. It goes directly to the auditors. A third party. So, please, when you get that form, fill it out if there is something that you are suspicious of. But, to my knowledge, you have not filled out a form the last two years you've been here. 00:35:07.690 --> 00:35:08.770 That's what you say. 00:35:08.770 --> 00:35:11.510 And that concludes tonight's meeting. 00:35:11.690 --> 00:35:12.930 I'll take a motion for adjournment. 00:35:13.670 --> 00:35:14.470 Oh, I'm sorry. 00:35:14.470 --> 00:35:36.450 As Fifth Ward Alderwoman, I will not be told what I can and cannot put on an agenda. 00:35:37.130 --> 00:35:41.010 I don't have to go to a third party. 00:35:41.790 --> 00:35:44.970 I'm coming direct. 00:35:48.530 --> 00:36:24.640 To you, City Manager Boyer, and to you, Mayor Miller, I don't work for you, you work for me, I work for the people. The people are asking questions. And I trying to get them answers. And so if you have a problem with it being openly discussed, that's 00:36:24.640 --> 00:36:45.240 have the same Christmas tree decorations hanging on the poles that we've had for the last 50 years, and half of the lights don't even light up anymore, but that's our glorified downtown. 00:36:45.240 --> 00:37:19.850 Now, I want to talk about meeting with you, City Manager Boyer, and how it's always made so obvious that, oh, if you come talk to me, I used to meet with you, yeah, me and another order person used to meet with you, but then you no longer allowed that because you brought the mayor and then we were in violation with Robert's Rules. 00:37:19.850 --> 00:37:47.300 So I am not going to be dictated. I'm not going to be caught up in a room with you and the mayor coming at me. So when you talk about me not meeting with you, tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You won't meet with me and another council person, because you bring the mayor, and that's the only way you're willing to meet with me. 00:37:47.300 --> 00:37:51.860 Truth be told, I'm not allowed to talk to any of the directors 00:37:51.860 --> 00:37:57.840 If I call Michelle tomorrow and ask her a question, she cannot give me an answer 00:37:57.840 --> 00:38:03.060 She have to call Rob Boyer so that he can give me the answer 00:38:03.060 --> 00:38:08.390 I don't work for you, City Manager Boyer 00:38:08.390 --> 00:38:10.390 You work for me 00:38:10.390 --> 00:38:20.300 Just like I asked for the second list for the lighting from Police Schenberger, Chief Schenberger 00:38:20.300 --> 00:38:27.240 Parker, thank you, before he retired, and you were going to get that to me, and I'm still 00:38:27.240 --> 00:38:30.160 waiting, City Manager Boyer. 00:38:30.380 --> 00:38:31.920 I will take a motion for adjournment. 00:38:31.980 --> 00:38:32.320 So moved. 00:38:32.440 --> 00:38:32.720 Second. 00:38:33.060 --> 00:38:33.920 All those in favor? 00:38:34.080 --> 00:38:34.440 Aye. 00:38:34.440 --> 00:38:34.760 Aye. 00:38:34.880 --> 00:38:35.480 Have a good evening.