WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.320 Pastor Justin could you please give the invocation? Thank you. Good evening, Madam Mayor. Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, and everyone. Would you please pray with me? 00:00:17.060 --> 00:00:36.860 Lord God, we bow before you tonight. I'm grateful for your gifts in our lives and even as the sun shines tonight and we begin to enter the season of summer, Lord, we're thankful for this season as a season of celebration. 00:00:37.140 --> 00:00:43.960 even with Freeport High School last night and other high schools throughout our communities, our young people 00:00:43.960 --> 00:00:52.240 graduating or even coming home from college for the summer. Lord, we thank you as families and friends 00:00:52.240 --> 00:01:01.060 prepare to celebrate this season, this summer. Lord, we thank you even as city workers have a season to 00:01:01.060 --> 00:01:09.200 work on things long planned and carefully funded up till now, and Lord, we are grateful that part of the 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:16.780 celebration this year is the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and Lord, we do pray that you'd 00:01:16.780 --> 00:01:25.540 continue to guide and bless, Lord, that you would help us to live as a good people, even as whether 00:01:25.540 --> 00:01:54.760 Whether it's Freeport or this country, we are only great as long as we are good. And so, Father, we pray that you would give us wisdom, wisdom to see our great and deep need of your assistance and wisdom. Lord, we pray that you'd help us to be a self-giving people, ready and willing to serve others more than ourselves. And Lord, we pray that you would help us and this council in all these ways. 00:01:55.540 --> 00:02:23.840 but to also be a people of integrity. Lord, we confess our regular faults, but we pray that you help us to move forward together as a people of integrity who live lives that can count for goodness and honor and pray that you bless the decisions tonight, help this council to make wise ones and to honor one another in the discussions and the challenges before them. And so we thank you for your help. In Jesus' name, amen. 00:02:23.840 --> 00:02:25.800 Thank you 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:27.880 Now we'll officially call this meeting to order 00:02:27.880 --> 00:02:29.140 Madam Clerk, please take the roll 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:30.000 Mayor Miller 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:30.480 Here 00:02:30.480 --> 00:02:31.960 Alder Persons, Clemm 00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:32.340 Here 00:02:32.340 --> 00:02:32.980 Johnson 00:02:32.980 --> 00:02:33.520 Here 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:34.060 Simmons 00:02:34.060 --> 00:02:34.820 Here 00:02:34.820 --> 00:02:35.340 Parker 00:02:35.340 --> 00:02:35.900 Here 00:02:35.900 --> 00:02:36.560 Stacy 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:37.440 Here 00:02:37.440 --> 00:02:38.080 Shadle 00:02:38.080 --> 00:02:38.500 Here 00:02:38.500 --> 00:02:39.340 Sanders 00:02:39.340 --> 00:02:39.840 Here 00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:40.880 And Sellers 00:02:40.880 --> 00:02:41.160 Here 00:02:41.160 --> 00:02:45.260 If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Clemm 00:02:45.260 --> 00:02:53.560 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which 00:02:53.560 --> 00:03:00.280 which stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:03:03.660 --> 00:03:05.660 Item number one is the approval of the agenda. 00:03:05.800 --> 00:03:06.540 Is there such a motion? 00:03:06.940 --> 00:03:07.320 So moved. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:07.880 Second. 00:03:08.980 --> 00:03:12.220 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:03:12.320 --> 00:03:14.340 All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 00:03:14.540 --> 00:03:14.900 Aye. 00:03:15.580 --> 00:03:16.100 Opposed? 00:03:16.700 --> 00:03:17.820 That motion passes. 00:03:17.820 --> 00:03:21.560 Item two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on May 4, 2026. 00:03:21.660 --> 00:03:22.220 Is there a motion? 00:03:22.540 --> 00:03:22.820 So moved. 00:03:23.320 --> 00:03:23.680 Second. 00:03:23.680 --> 00:04:19.920 second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Well, as you can see, this is National Public Works Week, so thank you, Pat, for bringing all of your crew along tonight. So on behalf of the City of Freeport, whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:27.400 to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life, and the well-being of the people of Freeport. 00:04:27.400 --> 00:04:47.080 And whereas these infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated effort of public works professionals who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation's transportation, 00:04:47.080 --> 00:05:17.080 transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings and other structures and facilities essential to our citizens. And whereas it is in the public's interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in Freeport to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their prospective communities. Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare May 17th through the 23rd 00:05:17.080 --> 00:05:23.940 2026 as National Public Works Week in the City of Freeport. And I urge all citizens to join with 00:05:23.940 --> 00:05:29.780 representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, 00:05:30.260 --> 00:05:36.480 events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, 00:05:36.480 --> 00:05:42.200 and employees, and to recognize the substantial contributions that they make to protect our 00:05:42.200 --> 00:07:00.400 public health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all. Thank you. Next is public comment. However, the two signed in are non-agenda, so they'll have to wait until the end, which leads us then to item number five, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion, unless there's a member of council who would like to have something removed for further discussion. The consent agenda is approval to receive and place on file minutes from the board and commission meetings from the police pension 00:07:00.400 --> 00:07:06.520 and Fire Pension Boards, February 4th, 2026, Art and Culture Commission, March 12th, 2026, 00:07:07.080 --> 00:07:12.980 and then Liquor Commission, April 9th, 2026, the Freeport, Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, 00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:20.720 April 26th, and the Building Permit Report. Also is the adoption of Resolution 202677, which is the 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:28.320 request for temporary closure of streets for cruise night on August 15th. And also is the approval of 00:07:28.320 --> 00:07:47.980 the finance bills payable in the total of $3,593,970.04 and payroll for pay period ending May 2nd, 2026 in the total of $714,634.55. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. 00:07:47.980 --> 00:08:00.180 motion made. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:12.140 Clemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacey. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. And Sellers. Aye. The motion is approved 8 to 0. 00:08:12.140 --> 00:08:41.760 Item number six are reappointments. Could you please read those? All of these reappointments are to the Board of Library Trustees, all effective through May 31st, 2029, Alan Green, Betty Butler, and Tasha Mazik. Thank you. Counsel, what's your pleasure? You want to do this all in one or separate? All in one. All in one? Yeah. Okay. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman 00:08:41.760 --> 00:08:48.920 Clemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the appointments. Alderman Johnson? I just 00:08:48.920 --> 00:08:56.280 wondered, now, when they're reappointed, do they have to reapply to be on the board? Well, the process 00:08:56.280 --> 00:09:04.460 is usually in communication with the library director and myself and, you know, just checking 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:11.280 attendance, seeing about their, you know, their involvement, and then they're asked if they're 00:09:11.280 --> 00:09:15.880 They're in good standing, then they're asked if they would like to continue, and all three of them said yes. 00:09:16.260 --> 00:09:17.380 Okay, one more question. 00:09:17.420 --> 00:09:17.580 Sure. 00:09:18.280 --> 00:09:23.220 What if someone else would like to be on the board, and these people are up? 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:35.080 Like any of our commissions, they just need to fill out the form that's online, and, you know, let us know what particular commission they're looking at, and then we'll just keep a file. 00:09:35.340 --> 00:09:36.500 Okay, thank you. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:39.840 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 00:09:40.540 --> 00:09:40.940 Clem. 00:09:41.280 --> 00:09:59.960 Aye. Johnson, No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacey? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion is approved, 7 to 1. Item number 7 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026. 00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:27.540 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026-29. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Chapter 806, Liquor, Section 806.02C1, Tier 3 licenses to clarify parameters of Class R caterer license. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank, Your Honor. This ordinance came through the Liquor Commission. It was presented to Council on May 4th. Steve Cox was here to present and also to take questions, and this basically clarifies parameters of the CR class liquor license. 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:31.320 and the Laker Commission and staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance. 00:10:33.080 --> 00:10:36.730 Discussion? Alderman Sanders? 00:10:37.250 --> 00:10:38.110 What is a CR? 00:10:39.270 --> 00:10:40.750 That's a caterer's license. 00:10:41.370 --> 00:10:43.110 Is that what that stands for? 00:10:43.110 --> 00:10:43.670 Yes. 00:10:45.690 --> 00:10:54.220 And who's going to give a presentation for that? 00:10:54.560 --> 00:10:58.700 Or who's going to present that other than council voting on it? 00:10:58.700 --> 00:11:03.100 Is there more detailed information on this? 00:11:03.660 --> 00:11:11.220 We had that presentation, I think it was on the cow, it was presented by Attorney Cox, and then it was first reading at the last meeting. 00:11:12.040 --> 00:11:18.320 Oh, okay. I just needed a refreshment summary of it, if I can get that. 00:11:18.900 --> 00:11:22.880 Yep, it's in your memo, the whole thing, background, discussion. 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:25.740 Okay. All right, thank you. 00:11:26.380 --> 00:11:26.800 You're welcome. 00:11:26.800 --> 00:11:29.740 Madam Clerk, please take the roll 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:30.340 Clem 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:30.800 Aye 00:11:30.800 --> 00:11:31.620 Johnson 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:32.040 Aye 00:11:32.040 --> 00:11:32.880 Simmons 00:11:32.880 --> 00:11:34.220 Aye 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:34.860 Parker 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:35.320 Aye 00:11:35.320 --> 00:11:36.020 Stacey 00:11:36.020 --> 00:11:37.260 Aye 00:11:37.260 --> 00:11:37.960 Shadle 00:11:37.960 --> 00:11:38.300 Aye 00:11:38.300 --> 00:11:39.040 Sanders 00:11:39.040 --> 00:11:39.560 Aye 00:11:39.560 --> 00:11:40.420 And Sellers 00:11:40.420 --> 00:11:40.740 Aye 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:43.940 The ordinance is approved 8-0 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:49.080 Item number 8 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-30. Could you please read this? 00:11:49.080 --> 00:12:04.420 Ordinance amending Title X, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01D3, regarding classification plan to change title of, I think it's just city accountant, is that correct, to finance specialist. 00:12:05.040 --> 00:12:05.840 Director Richter. 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:07.280 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:12:07.660 --> 00:12:12.500 The finance department currently employs one staff person with the title of city accountant. 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:18.920 The main duties of the position include payroll processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:33.140 The current title of city accountant may lead a potential applicant to believe that the job duties associated with the position would include budgetary compliance, maintaining the general ledger, and preparing financial statements 00:12:33.140 --> 00:12:40.620 As the position is currently being recruited, we thought now would be the appropriate time to change the title of the position 00:12:40.620 --> 00:13:10.500 The finance department is requesting a change to ordinance 290.01 D3 to remove the position of deputy city accountant and replace it with finance specialist. We would also like to remove the title city accountant from section 290.01 E. There are no changes to the job description or increases in staffing levels related to this change. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:14.600 it's strictly just the title of the position I would like to change. 00:13:16.140 --> 00:13:18.540 Is there a motion to move this on to the next council meeting? 00:13:18.960 --> 00:13:19.400 So moved. 00:13:19.580 --> 00:13:19.800 Second. 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:26.820 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Clemm. 00:13:27.120 --> 00:13:28.220 Discussion on the ordinance. 00:13:33.150 --> 00:13:38.330 Item number nine is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-31. 00:13:38.590 --> 00:13:39.770 Can I back you up for a second? 00:13:39.770 --> 00:13:40.090 I'm sorry. 00:13:40.490 --> 00:13:41.730 Can I back you up for a minute? 00:13:41.730 --> 00:13:42.190 Sure. 00:13:44.530 --> 00:13:48.470 Why do we need an ordinance for this declaration that you're making? 00:13:49.550 --> 00:13:50.230 Attorney Zito? 00:13:52.760 --> 00:14:11.040 Because the name of the position is set forth in our city code of ordinances, in order to change an ordinance, you need to use an ordinance to change it. That's why it has to be an ordinance to kind of, even though this is a very, just a simple housekeeping item to change a name, you still need an ordinance because the original name is set forth by ordinance. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.800 Okay, good, good, good. 00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:19.650 Item number nine is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-31. Could you please read this? 00:14:20.250 --> 00:14:27.690 Ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal items owned by the city. 00:14:28.730 --> 00:14:31.610 For this ordinance, it's fire department turnout gear. 00:14:32.370 --> 00:14:32.910 Chief Cordy? 00:14:33.710 --> 00:14:34.430 Thank you. 00:14:34.430 --> 00:15:04.430 according to the National Fire Protection Association all of the gear that the firefighters wear has a life expectancy of 10 years at the end of that 10 years to be compliant we have to no longer use that equipment back in February this board voted to purchase some replacement gear in the meantime we've had quite a bit that has been 00:15:04.430 --> 00:15:34.110 accumulating in the station. And we've got a listing of it, 40 coats, 45 sets of pants, 11 sets of boots and a helmet. All that equipment has run its useful life through the NFPA so we can no longer use that. We have two different options of what we can do with it. We can either throw it in the landfill or we can donate it. There's 00:15:34.430 --> 00:15:43.510 other countries that do not abide by the same NFPA standards that we do. So a lot of the Central America, Southern America 00:15:43.510 --> 00:15:51.810 are able to utilize this gear because in many cases it's still very useful. It's just that based on our 00:15:51.810 --> 00:15:59.530 standards we can no longer use it. So at this point we found a group called Hearts in Motion. It's a 00:15:59.530 --> 00:16:29.530 nonprofit organization based in Sherville, Indiana, that collects and then donates this type of equipment to those countries. And we'd like to have this ordinance approved to follow through with that. At this point, the gear has no dollar value to anybody in the United States, and it has no cost to the city to donate this. Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. Motion to 00:16:29.530 --> 00:16:59.510 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, and we have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Clemm seconded by Alderman Parker. Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on suspension only? Clemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion for suspension passes eight to 00:16:59.510 --> 00:17:04.590 zero. So then before you then is the final passage for this ordinance. Is there any further discussion? 00:17:05.470 --> 00:17:10.690 Alderman Johnson. Okay, Chief, you said it was still useful, so it would still protect those people 00:17:10.690 --> 00:17:15.370 when they go into a fire. It's just that according to our standards, we can't use it anymore. Is that 00:17:15.370 --> 00:17:29.680 correct? Okay, thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Clemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacey. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:36.480 and Sellers. Aye. And the ordinance passes eight to zero. And item number 10 is the first reading of 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:42.000 ordinance 2026-32. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing the sale, recycling, donation, 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:47.400 and or disposal of certain personal property owned by the city. For this ordinance, there's some city hall 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:53.640 office furniture and police department office furniture located at 709 South Liberty. Thank 00:17:53.640 --> 00:18:22.720 Chief Rosto. Hi, do you have the pictures? Yep. Please. 709 South Liberty, as you entered in there, it was used for a community policing office and it has not been used in the last 15 years under Chief Whitmore. If you go into the building, everything has been destroyed either by water, mold, rodents, fleas, and nothing can be used out of there. 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:50.460 There are miscellaneous furniture that has been rusted. As you can see with all the pictures that are there, there's nothing that is useful for the Freeport Police Department. There's great damage that they have there. We did go through there. There are no records that are there. They only have paperwork that is full of mold. And that paperwork is really booklets from DARE, a program that we don't even use. 00:18:50.460 --> 00:19:01.120 And so we are seeking for this to be at least on the list for sale, recycling, and donation. 00:19:01.800 --> 00:19:06.180 Thank you. Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:06.860 So moved. 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:07.580 Second. 00:19:08.960 --> 00:19:14.940 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the ordinance? 00:19:16.380 --> 00:19:16.940 Mayor? 00:19:17.520 --> 00:19:18.080 Yes. 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:20.120 There is some IT equipment as well. 00:19:20.640 --> 00:19:20.860 Okay. 00:19:20.860 --> 00:19:54.160 And I don't have that in the same front. Alderman Sellers? Does this need to be amended to? I'm sorry, Samaritan? Would you like this one to be amended also? Yes. Okay. I make a motion to amend. You mean to suspend? Suspend. Second. Okay, we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension, and again, it's two-thirds majority and non-debatable. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the suspension? 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:57.720 only. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. 00:19:57.720 --> 00:20:29.900 Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. No. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. And Sellers. Aye. The motion to suspend passes six to two. And Mayor, I missed the first and the second on the original motion. Clem Sellers. Thank you. So then before, yes, Alderman Simmons. Well, I'll wait until you say what you say. Say it again. 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:33.380 I'll wait till you say what you were about to say 00:20:33.380 --> 00:20:37.440 Okay, so now before you is for the final reading for this ordinance 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.600 Is there a discussion? 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:44.300 So what's the plan with this? Do you plan to sell it? Give it to somebody? Have it demolished? 00:20:45.260 --> 00:20:46.860 Well, I don't plan to sell it 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:52.840 I believe that a group, an organization, a religious organization within Freeport Police Department 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:56.140 within Freeport, I'm sorry, I misspoke, wants to purchase it 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:57.680 A ministry group 00:20:57.680 --> 00:21:05.360 but this ordinance is only about the surplus yes it's only about the surplus so all those pictures of what's inside 00:21:05.360 --> 00:21:15.310 so she's talking about the building um Sanders do we have a list of well I just heard something about 00:21:15.310 --> 00:21:27.550 something technical in nature just a part of this recycling disposal and we're uh is being asked to 00:21:28.990 --> 00:21:54.390 dispose of it in a way that allows someone else to intercept it, and I don't understand what is the criteria for disposing such gear or such technology to a facility or whoever is asking for this donation. 00:21:54.390 --> 00:22:22.930 We don't have a list of items listed before us to determine whether or not we should make sure that it's not that anything that we're disposing is in a compromising position. So we don't want to have that out there without us having an opportunity to expose what it is in the technical field of what we're about to get rid of. 00:22:22.930 --> 00:22:31.750 Yep, everything we're getting rid of IT-wise will be disposed properly, so hard drives shredded, you know, devices wiped, all that good stuff 00:22:31.750 --> 00:22:32.510 Okay 00:22:32.510 --> 00:22:34.510 Oldman Stacy 00:22:34.510 --> 00:22:44.630 Yes, I'm just disappointed because I'm sure this house was given to the police department 00:22:44.630 --> 00:23:12.890 And for it to be in the shape that it's in, it's really discouraging to see that where was the care? I mean, and you spoke about rust, mold, rodents, and we still want to give it to somebody? 00:23:12.890 --> 00:23:18.650 Well, there are organizations that desire it 00:23:18.650 --> 00:23:24.150 However, that isn't what this topic is 00:23:24.150 --> 00:23:25.930 This is about the surplus that's inside 00:23:25.930 --> 00:23:32.130 So, there's no further discussion 00:23:32.130 --> 00:23:33.630 Madam Clerk, please take the roll 00:23:33.630 --> 00:23:43.390 Clem, aye, Johnson, aye, Simmons, aye, Parker, aye, Stacy, aye, Shadle, aye, Sanders, aye, and Sellers, aye 00:23:43.390 --> 00:23:45.650 The ordinance passes 8-0 00:23:45.650 --> 00:23:50.370 Item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-33. Could you please read that? 00:23:50.890 --> 00:23:56.330 Ordinance adding a Chapter 1480 to the codified ordinances concerning outdoor lighting regulations. 00:23:56.750 --> 00:23:58.390 Thank you. Director Heimerdinger. 00:23:58.390 --> 00:24:13.790 Thank you, Madam Mayor. The Community and Economic Development Department was directed by the Planning Commission to draft an ordinance for outdoor lighting regulations after discussing the lack of lighting regulations within the City of Freeport. 00:24:13.790 --> 00:24:43.770 there is currently not a policy in place for outdoor lighting regulations staff presented a draft chapter 1480 outdoor lighting regulations to planning commission where input and corresponding edits were made after being approved by the planning commission on May 8th the newly drafted ordinance was then presented to the building commission for further edits last Wednesday on May 13th chapter 1480 establishes new outdoor lighting regulations. 00:24:43.790 --> 00:25:13.790 lighting regulations for the city of Freeport to reduce nuisance lighting, improve public safety, minimize light pollution, and create constant standards for outdoor lighting installations throughout the community. Key ideas of the ordinance is that it establishes a maximum light spillover limit onto property lines and other nearby residents. So if you're in a commercial 00:25:13.790 --> 00:25:43.770 who are living in their homes are not impacted by commercial lighting. In a negative way, it requires outdoor lighting to be properly shielded for the neighboring properties, but also traffic and make sure that it's shielded for glare for the drivers, prohibits flashing lights, search lights, laser lighting, and other lighting that may be distracting, establishes exceptions for residential properties. 00:25:43.790 --> 00:25:52.410 Holiday Lighting, Public Street Lights, ADA Required Lighting, Recreational Facilities, and Temporary Permitted Events. 00:25:53.270 --> 00:26:07.890 And then it creates standards for illuminated signs and electric messaging centers, which are all the new billboards that you see in town, and it's technology that's going to be pushing that even more into the future. 00:26:07.890 --> 00:26:13.730 and then establishes enforcement procedures and penalties for violation. The lighting ordinance 00:26:13.730 --> 00:26:19.130 supports the city's goal for safe and inclusive community as it ensures neighborhoods and vehicles 00:26:19.130 --> 00:26:25.210 are not negatively impacted by lighting on signs and buildings. This does not require any additional 00:26:25.210 --> 00:26:30.850 funding and staff, the building commission, the planning commission recommend approval of the 00:26:30.850 --> 00:26:36.490 addition of chapter 1480 outdoor lighting regulations following a first and second reading by the city 00:26:36.490 --> 00:27:06.370 Council. Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Moving motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the ordinance? Alderman Johnson. Just to clarify, Gertrude, for those that are listening, who all does this affect? Just the businesses, residents, or who all does it affect? Absolutely. So this affects everybody except for residential structures containing less 00:27:06.370 --> 00:27:25.030 more than four dwelling units. So if you live in a single story or a duplex, up to four units, this will not apply to you. This is for everybody else. Churches, commercial structures, you know, big apartment buildings, and manufacturing. Thank you. 00:27:29.260 --> 00:27:37.610 Okay, we'll move on to item number 12, which is the adoption of Resolution 2026-75. Could you please read this? 00:27:37.610 --> 00:27:45.880 Resolution approving the purchase of a mulching head attachment from Westside Tractor Sales 00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:47.380 Thank you. Manager Boyer 00:27:47.380 --> 00:28:09.180 Thank you, Your Honor. The current Public Works Department has a mini excavator among the equipment that we inventory and use. We'd like to buy a mulching head for the mini excavator that allow us to do mulching and brush and nuisance weeds and small trees, removals and ditches and areas that are very difficult to get to with our other equipment. 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:38.140 so this is in the 2026 capital budget we have a source well quote for $23,500 that is from oh gosh let's see here pardon me west side tractor sales sorry wanted to verify that and so staff recommends moving forward with the acquisition of the new mulching head for the John Deere mini excavator is there a motion to adopt 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:39.800 So moved. Second. 00:28:42.340 --> 00:28:48.800 Motion made by Alderman Clemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Stacy? 00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:55.480 Yes. Can you tell me if this was budgeted for, and if so, what budget would it be coming out of? 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:57.620 It was budgeted in the capital equipment. 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:07.040 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:08.500 Clemm? Aye. 00:29:08.840 --> 00:29:09.800 Johnson? Aye. 00:29:10.100 --> 00:29:14.290 Simmons? Parker? Aye. 00:29:14.290 --> 00:29:18.600 Stacey? No. 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.160 Shadle? Aye. 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:27.220 Sanders. Aye. And Sellers. Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 1. Item number 13 is the adoption of 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:33.060 resolution 2026-76. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency engagement of 00:29:33.060 --> 00:29:38.440 precision piping and fabrication to fabricate steel backwash gate at the city's wastewater treatment 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:46.040 plant. Thank you. Manager, Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Staff request the ratification of this 00:29:46.040 --> 00:29:55.880 expenditure we had to replace a 72 inch by 72 inch electrically actuated sluice gate at the wastewater plant once we installed. 00:29:55.880 --> 00:30:24.000 Water Plant. Once we installed the new UV disinfection lighting system, we ran into a situation where the existing sluice gate was not holding enough back pressure, and unfortunately, it's because the old one was very deteriorated, and the gate mechanisms had essentially corroded it away, and it created the backflow of water, which impacted the UV 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:32.660 process. The actual gate that is manufactured was, I believe that was quite a bit more than our local 00:30:32.660 --> 00:30:42.480 source. We were able to find or we were able to have that manufactured for us at a substantial reduction in 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:52.440 cost. I believe the actual gate system is $135,000 and we were able to have that made for us for $59,232.50. 00:30:52.440 --> 00:30:56.500 sense, so staff recommends moving forward with the ratification of this emergency repair. 00:30:57.080 --> 00:30:58.520 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? 00:30:58.720 --> 00:30:59.160 So moved. 00:30:59.480 --> 00:30:59.780 Second. 00:31:00.780 --> 00:31:06.760 The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. 00:31:10.520 --> 00:31:11.680 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:12.320 Klemm. 00:31:12.640 --> 00:31:12.880 Aye. 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:13.560 Johnson. 00:31:13.880 --> 00:31:14.100 Aye. 00:31:14.360 --> 00:31:14.640 Simmons. 00:31:15.280 --> 00:31:15.620 Aye. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.320 Parker. 00:31:16.560 --> 00:31:16.760 Aye. 00:31:17.020 --> 00:31:17.420 Stacey. 00:31:17.820 --> 00:31:18.180 Aye. 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:18.760 Shadle. 00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:19.220 Aye. 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:19.900 Sanders. 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:20.440 Aye. 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.200 And Sellers. 00:31:21.340 --> 00:31:21.600 Aye. 00:31:21.600 --> 00:31:23.760 The resolution is adopted 8-0. 00:31:25.260 --> 00:31:55.180 Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 202678. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing emergency box culvert repairs by NICAM Construction on Seeley Avenue. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. And for Seeley in Reed Park, there's a small bridge that goes over what becomes the Homer Drainage District, the Homer Drainage box culvert that runs all the way to the Benton and Jackson outfall. Unfortunately, there's the box 00:31:55.180 --> 00:32:02.120 Culvert is kind of falling apart, and we want to make sure we catch it before it gets too bad. We don't want 00:32:02.120 --> 00:32:09.760 there to be a damaged vehicle driving by and hit a section that's caving in. So staff went out and found 00:32:09.760 --> 00:32:19.300 a local contractor that could take care of the work for $9,212. We did some estimating, and it probably 00:32:19.300 --> 00:32:44.000 will last 5 to 10 years where the total cost of a total replacement will be over $60,000. So staff recommends moving forward with the box, paying the box culvert repair invoice. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. A motion made by Alderman Clemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Sanders? 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:54.920 Manager Jaboria, do we have qualified people who can work on culverts, box culverts? 00:32:55.140 --> 00:33:00.440 We do, but this is a repair to a fairly large one, so, and we're very busy with all of the 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.900 other work we're doing throughout the city. 00:33:02.000 --> 00:33:04.140 What's the, what's the cost of that again? 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:06.300 A little over $9,000. 00:33:06.820 --> 00:33:07.580 $9,000? 00:33:07.700 --> 00:33:08.000 Yes. 00:33:10.290 --> 00:33:13.750 For, was it replacement with cement piping? 00:33:14.290 --> 00:33:17.610 I might have to turn that over, Darren's probably got more of the details on that one. 00:33:17.610 --> 00:33:43.650 Yeah, the repair was a concrete repair. The wing wall basically had eroded and broke off of the structure. So we had NICAM construction come in and pin it with epoxy dowel bars and then pour the wall back in and remove everything. And then we also had public works go in after they were done and we rip wrapped the east side of the culvert. 00:33:43.650 --> 00:34:12.510 where the Homer drainage ditch goes underground near the mobile station, it creates this almost washing effect down in that basin, and it was eroding the structure away. To my knowledge, we've never worked on it before. It's been eroding more, and with the cost of a complete wall, wing wall replacements being $60,000, I thought this was the prudent choice to get us by for 10 years so we could plan for the next step. 00:34:12.510 --> 00:34:14.650 The box culvert itself is in good shape. 00:34:14.750 --> 00:34:17.790 It's the wing walls that are really starting to fall apart. 00:34:18.850 --> 00:34:20.290 Would you like your second? 00:34:21.730 --> 00:34:22.010 Yeah. 00:34:22.630 --> 00:34:29.830 Would the construction interfere with traffic, how much traffic flow do we have in this area? 00:34:30.390 --> 00:34:35.950 And will it be obstruction to any form of traffic after repair? 00:34:35.950 --> 00:34:58.350 where, you know, I just want to make sure if we're going to invest that kind of money into that kind of project that it is still going to be, you know, road safety and whether or not we're, whether we go through with the process of it. 00:34:58.350 --> 00:35:26.390 Oh, well, the repair has already been completed. And yes, in my opinion, it was the prudent thing to do. The street is used as a connection to the park. Heavily traveled? No, it's not one of our heavier traveled streets. Do we have an obligation to fix it and repair it? We do. The park district put us on notice that they were considering it a hazard. There are a lot of children that are right next to the pool area. And I thought that they were correct. 00:35:26.390 --> 00:35:35.910 and the repair probably obviously I think will last more than 10 years and so it would buy us quite a bit of time for us to decide what the next step is. 00:35:36.070 --> 00:35:42.650 We actually crawled through the box culvert ourselves and the box culvert doesn't need to be replaced. 00:35:42.810 --> 00:35:45.950 There's a couple patches that are required in it but other than that it's good shape. 00:35:46.430 --> 00:35:51.550 My belief is that the box culvert was replaced at some point but the wing walls were reused. 00:35:51.550 --> 00:35:59.550 They look very aged and maybe original from, you know, probably over 50 years, maybe even longer than that ago 00:35:59.550 --> 00:36:00.910 Alderman Stacy? 00:36:01.770 --> 00:36:22.820 Yes, why bring this to the council if it's already done and what determines five years compared to 10 years and is there a warranty, a guaranteed warranty on the work? 00:36:22.820 --> 00:36:37.440 Sure. I can answer all those questions. So the first one was, or last one was warranty. All contracts in Illinois for construction can only have a one-year warranty. That's the state statute limit, so that's what you get is one year. 00:36:37.440 --> 00:37:06.200 Um, I believe based on the repair that we did, uh, with concrete and epoxy dowel bars, um, that it will easily last 10 years, um, in my opinion, uh, we fixed it right, we didn't cut corners, we filled it in right, epoxy dowel bars, I would estimate that that box culvert's probably been there for at least 50 plus years, um, so fixing with concrete and doing it right, uh, at that time was the prudent choice, 00:37:06.200 --> 00:37:36.180 and the reason we brought it to council was to be transparent about the expenditure of the repair we have the emergency authority to fix things that we think are going to cost the city a lot more money in the future and if the wing well would have fell off we would have been a total replacement of that side so we would have been you know well up and a lot more money than this so I just wanted to be transparent that the repair was needed the park district put us on notice that it was an issue we we we knew that the issue 00:37:36.180 --> 00:37:41.920 she was there. We just, it got severely worse over the last year, and so we wanted to make sure it got repaired. 00:37:41.920 --> 00:37:56.000 All right, Stacy. So this, this was one of those director decisions. Yep. Yep. That Director Michelle spoke about last week. 00:37:58.640 --> 00:38:08.040 As an emergency, yes. That's nothing new, just so you know. 00:38:08.040 --> 00:38:38.020 excuse me that that's nothing new you get multiple emergency repair thoughts things brought to council it happens all the time I understand that okay I just want to make sure it was nothing new okay I mean that's why it was spoke about last week about increasing different dollar amounts so that if something needs to be done the director along with city manager Boyer can make that decision and do 00:38:38.020 --> 00:39:07.400 Do it. Correct? Yes. That's all I'm saying. So one thing that we didn't note in there is obviously this wasn't budgeted, so we will move budget items around, things that we were hoping to do that we will have to use this money on towards it now, and that's part of the emergency authority. When we fix stuff, we have to figure out where that money is going to come from, and so we'll have to move things around in our budget to make sure that I just prudently as not just somebody working for the city, 00:39:08.020 --> 00:39:22.100 As a resident, it's the right choice to try to minimize the future cost of this and carry it out farther so we can plan long-term for a real replacement when the box culvert itself is needed, not just when the wing walls fall apart. 00:39:22.700 --> 00:39:23.300 Thank you. 00:39:24.400 --> 00:39:27.120 All right. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:27.360 --> 00:39:27.680 Clemm. 00:39:27.940 --> 00:39:28.160 Aye. 00:39:28.460 --> 00:39:28.840 Johnson. 00:39:29.080 --> 00:39:29.300 Aye. 00:39:29.860 --> 00:39:30.300 Simmons. 00:39:30.580 --> 00:39:30.840 Aye. 00:39:31.120 --> 00:39:31.420 Parker. 00:39:31.700 --> 00:39:31.900 Aye. 00:39:32.140 --> 00:39:32.540 Stacey. 00:39:32.880 --> 00:39:33.180 Aye. 00:39:33.420 --> 00:39:33.680 Shadle. 00:39:34.100 --> 00:39:34.320 Aye. 00:39:34.560 --> 00:39:34.960 Sanders. 00:39:35.240 --> 00:39:35.420 Aye. 00:39:35.580 --> 00:39:36.260 And Sellers. 00:39:36.420 --> 00:39:36.740 Aye. 00:39:36.740 --> 00:39:39.520 The resolution is adopted 8 to 0 00:39:39.520 --> 00:39:42.980 Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2026-79 00:39:42.980 --> 00:39:43.820 Please read this 00:39:43.820 --> 00:39:45.300 Resolution 00:39:45.300 --> 00:39:53.820 Granting authority emergency repairs to HVAC system of the blower building of the wastewater treatment plant by 00:39:53.820 --> 00:39:53.980 No. 00:39:53.980 --> 00:39:55.900 Building of the Wastewater Treatment Plant by Nelson Carson Mechanical Contractors. 00:39:56.160 --> 00:39:56.760 Thank you. 00:39:56.860 --> 00:39:57.380 Manager Boyer? 00:39:57.780 --> 00:39:58.600 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:39:58.800 --> 00:40:11.980 Recently, the boiler at the wastewater treatment plant that heats the plant and primarily the blower building, which contains a number of large screw air compressors, recently failed. 00:40:11.980 --> 00:40:19.220 It's very old and it sprung a leak in the main boiler section. 00:40:19.220 --> 00:40:36.160 So staff investigated a couple of different ways to get this taken care of. One of the options was to put in some heating units and cooling units in the blower building instead of replacing the boiler, which is substantially more expensive than to do that. 00:40:36.160 --> 00:40:59.600 So staff moved forward, there was about a $15,000 penalty if this was not approved right away, so staff moved forward with an emergency repair of the boiler by replacing it with exterior units added to the building, and the total cost of that was $74,238, and it'll come from the capital budget. 00:40:59.600 --> 00:41:29.580 budget. We were budgeting for this in the capital budget. There was $400,000 set aside for this boiler replacement and we were able to do it for $74,000, a significant savings. So staff is recommending moving forward or ratifying this emergency repair. Nice job on that. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sanders. Yeah, Manager Boyer, that blower, 00:41:29.600 --> 00:41:37.120 Or are we talking about replacement, repair? How did you indicate that? 00:41:37.500 --> 00:41:47.140 The boiler failed. You know, the heat exchanger started leaking and failed. So we replaced it with set-aside units in the building. 00:41:47.380 --> 00:41:47.660 Okay. 00:41:48.060 --> 00:41:51.920 So we just basically don't use the, we're not going to use the boiler anymore. 00:41:52.060 --> 00:41:54.200 We're going to just replace the whole item. 00:41:54.200 --> 00:42:02.340 Yes, we're not going to replace the boiler, we're simply going to replace it with heaters, essentially, instead of a boiler 00:42:02.340 --> 00:42:06.760 Madam Clerk, please take the roll 00:42:06.760 --> 00:42:07.600 Clem 00:42:07.600 --> 00:42:08.280 Aye 00:42:08.280 --> 00:42:09.360 Johnson 00:42:09.360 --> 00:42:09.840 Aye 00:42:09.840 --> 00:42:10.440 Simmons 00:42:10.440 --> 00:42:11.560 Aye 00:42:11.560 --> 00:42:12.320 Parker 00:42:12.320 --> 00:42:12.800 Aye 00:42:12.800 --> 00:42:13.520 Stacey 00:42:13.520 --> 00:42:14.280 Aye 00:42:14.280 --> 00:42:14.720 Shadle 00:42:14.720 --> 00:42:15.200 Aye 00:42:15.200 --> 00:42:15.960 Sanders 00:42:15.960 --> 00:42:16.280 Aye 00:42:16.280 --> 00:42:17.120 And Sellers 00:42:17.120 --> 00:42:17.440 Aye 00:42:17.440 --> 00:42:20.280 The resolution is adopted, 8-0 00:42:20.280 --> 00:42:21.480 Madam Mayor 00:42:21.480 --> 00:42:24.740 Number 16 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-80. 00:42:25.160 --> 00:42:25.420 I'm sorry. 00:42:25.780 --> 00:42:26.200 Sorry. 00:42:26.400 --> 00:42:33.440 I wanted to just give some credit to one of our staff members for that last item. 00:42:34.200 --> 00:42:47.140 Brandon Wells, which is the head of our maintenance department, he really came up with the solution to save over $300,000 on the repair to that building, and I wanted to make sure that he got credit for it. 00:42:47.140 --> 00:43:20.900 it was his idea that we didn't need to replace the methane boilers and that's the value of having some of our own maintenance staff and some of our own people that think out in our departments so I wanted to make sure the council understood the value that Brandon brought on that project. Thank you. Good job, Brandon. Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 2026-80. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing the city to dispose of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue. 00:43:20.920 --> 00:43:22.240 Thank you, Manager Boyer 00:43:22.240 --> 00:43:23.260 Thank you, Your Honor 00:43:23.260 --> 00:43:33.520 As previously discussed, it's the city's intent to liquidate the 709 South Liberty Police Department 00:43:33.520 --> 00:43:39.140 It's been vacant for many years and we've kind of had a brief conversation already this evening regarding it 00:43:39.140 --> 00:43:48.140 But first we have to approve it as surplus inventory for us to move forward with getting it into the right hands 00:43:48.140 --> 00:44:17.640 right now. We've been talking with the Minister's Alliance about their interest in the structure and fixing it and using it as a classroom for their training program. But that is what we have right now, and we're working with the community to get that done. So we'll have a separate resolution giving this to that entity. So with that, staff recommends moving forward with this resolution to declare surplus inventory. 00:44:18.140 --> 00:44:19.880 So your motion to adopt 00:44:19.880 --> 00:44:20.920 So move 00:44:20.920 --> 00:44:21.980 Second 00:44:21.980 --> 00:44:28.860 The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Clemm, discussion on the resolution, Alderman Stacy 00:44:28.860 --> 00:44:33.420 Yes, can you say who will be receiving 00:44:33.420 --> 00:44:40.560 Right, at this time the plan is to essentially gift it to the Minister's Alliance 00:44:42.560 --> 00:44:48.000 But that's not in the writing on this particular resolution, this is just declaring it as surplus 00:44:48.000 --> 00:44:49.380 Right. That is correct. 00:44:50.880 --> 00:44:51.840 Alderman Sanders? 00:44:52.260 --> 00:45:04.220 Yeah. Identify the Ministers of Alliance and who is acquiring it. Who's really bringing it to our attention? 00:45:05.040 --> 00:45:17.320 Well, it's a group of ministers who have been working to do, I guess, a VoTech program to teach students about installing windmill farms, 00:45:17.320 --> 00:45:21.660 doing electrical work and that kind of thing, and they've expressed interest in this property 00:45:21.660 --> 00:45:23.680 for use as a classroom for their efforts. 00:45:25.040 --> 00:45:30.110 There's no further discussion. 00:45:31.030 --> 00:45:32.470 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:45:33.710 --> 00:45:34.190 Clemm. 00:45:34.410 --> 00:45:34.650 Aye. 00:45:34.930 --> 00:45:35.370 Johnson. 00:45:35.730 --> 00:45:35.970 Aye. 00:45:36.310 --> 00:45:36.590 Simmons. 00:45:37.310 --> 00:45:37.550 Aye. 00:45:37.850 --> 00:45:38.170 Parker. 00:45:38.490 --> 00:45:38.770 Aye. 00:45:39.050 --> 00:45:39.390 Stacy. 00:45:40.170 --> 00:45:40.470 Aye. 00:45:40.770 --> 00:45:41.050 Shadle. 00:45:41.250 --> 00:45:41.470 Aye. 00:45:41.730 --> 00:45:42.210 Sanders. 00:45:42.410 --> 00:45:42.630 Aye. 00:45:42.910 --> 00:45:43.590 And Sellers. 00:45:43.750 --> 00:45:44.050 Aye. 00:45:44.050 --> 00:45:46.590 The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. 00:45:47.330 --> 00:45:48.630 Reports from department heads. 00:45:48.750 --> 00:45:49.110 Finance. 00:45:49.530 --> 00:45:50.510 Nothing this evening. 00:45:50.710 --> 00:45:50.950 Thank you. 00:45:50.950 --> 00:46:20.690 Community Development? Nothing this evening, thank you. Public Works? Oh yes. Always. So I have a couple announcements and then I actually have something I'd like to say about Public Works Week that I probably should have said earlier but I appreciate some of the guys staying. So officially today the Hancock Shawnee Vidoc was opened. The paving is done. There might be a little grass and dirt seating that needs to be done over there yet but in all intents and purposes it's wrapped up. 00:46:20.950 --> 00:46:46.690 The new height of the bridge is normal height at 14 foot six inches. So all commercial vehicles that are under state law should be able to underpass that now, which is a huge accomplishment and gives us two accesses for the businesses back there and the residents should be very happy. As a reminder, there is a stop sign out there that needs to be used by our residents. 00:46:46.690 --> 00:46:53.710 there's many people in two days. We've counted 17 cars that have not stopped at that stop sign just while 00:46:53.710 --> 00:47:00.750 we've been on site. So just want to make sure that everybody's reminder there's a stop bar and a stop 00:47:00.750 --> 00:47:07.110 sign. We're proud of that project. It's been a long time coming. If anybody's been counting, it's been 00:47:07.110 --> 00:47:11.450 probably close to two years, probably three years since we've been talking about it. So it's nice to 00:47:11.450 --> 00:47:20.350 have that one done. The municipal lot is really making good progress. There was plantings done down 00:47:20.350 --> 00:47:24.910 there. I've had a lot of questions. Why so many plantings? The city of Freeport has requirements 00:47:24.910 --> 00:47:29.910 with municipal parking lots, parking lots in general, that you have to have green space. So there's a lot 00:47:29.910 --> 00:47:35.810 more plantings and islands that were put in there. It should be paved, hopefully, by the end of next week 00:47:35.810 --> 00:47:40.710 if the weather allows. It still won't be open. There'll be striping and things going on. 00:47:41.450 --> 00:47:50.170 to finish it up. But for all intents and purposes, it's going very well. And then we're about ready to kick off 00:47:50.170 --> 00:47:59.810 our 26 paving operation. It looks like Seminole will be paved sometime this week. I believe then the 00:47:59.810 --> 00:48:05.810 following week we'll hopefully be doing some of the paving in Gladewood and the Crate Park agreements that 00:48:05.810 --> 00:48:24.310 and then we should be moving to Concord between Seminole and Laurel sometime around the first week of June and also Dewey, the street replacements should be starting over there very shortly as well. 00:48:24.310 --> 00:48:52.370 So please, we are passing out neighborhood flyers, if you will, that have specific text codes for your area on that. Please sign up for those text codes. You'll get the latest information. We still have people from the areas calling in. We'd prefer to work through these text codes that are on your sheets, specific for your area. If you don't have one, please reach directly out to me. 00:48:52.370 --> 00:49:17.730 and then I'd just like to read something that I prepared for National Public Works Week. I'm very lucky and proud to be part of the public works team here in Freeport. Appreciate the role. I really enjoy working with this crew and these people and I want to tell you how important it was the raises that we gave these people to recognize them last year for the quality of work that they're doing. 00:49:17.730 --> 00:49:25.050 how important that is to not only the morale, but the work that we can get done. As we celebrate National 00:49:25.050 --> 00:49:30.210 Public Works Week, I'd like to extend a sincere gratitude and appreciation to the outstanding men 00:49:30.210 --> 00:49:34.870 and women who serve our community through Public Works. These dedicated professionals are the backbone 00:49:34.870 --> 00:49:40.270 of the city's daily operations, and their commitment helps ensure that the Freeport remains a safe, 00:49:40.270 --> 00:49:46.250 functional, and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family. Public Works employees are often 00:49:46.250 --> 00:49:52.010 the first to arrive and the last to leave when our community faces challenges whether it's maintaining street 00:49:52.010 --> 00:50:19.580 challenges. Whether it's maintaining streets, sidewalks, managing water, wastewater, caring for public facilities, clearing snow during harsh winter weather storms, repairing infrastructure through all types of weather, or responding to emergencies at all hours of the day and night, their work is essential to the quality of life we sometimes take for granted. What makes public works staff truly exceptional is not the skill and professionalism they bring to the jobs, but also the pride they take in serving the residents of Freeport. 00:50:20.000 --> 00:50:29.500 Much of their work happens behind the scenes without any recognition, yet their efforts touch every neighborhood, every business, and every resident during their daily tasks. 00:50:30.520 --> 00:50:38.140 Their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to serve often in difficult weather and demanding conditions deserves our deepest respect and appreciation. 00:50:38.980 --> 00:50:45.160 National Public Works Weeks gives an opportunity to recognize the people who keep our city moving forward every day. 00:50:45.160 --> 00:51:03.580 On behalf of the City of Freeport, I thank, I provide a thank you to our incredible Public Works team for your hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our community. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for everything you do for the citizens of Freeport. Thank you. 00:51:10.750 --> 00:51:11.270 Fire. 00:51:11.270 --> 00:51:41.210 Yes, along with Public Works Week, this is also Emergency Medical Services Week. EMS is about 80% of what the fire department does here in Freeport, and those guys put a lot of time and effort into going on all the calls, all times of the day and night, and see lots of things that most people don't want to see and have to deal with it. So we appreciate you, and we are honored to have you working with us. 00:51:41.210 --> 00:51:43.470 Thank you. Police? 00:51:47.320 --> 00:51:52.780 Well, I'll be sharing the public works and fire EMS because ours was last week. I'll allow that. 00:51:53.340 --> 00:51:59.680 So I'd like to thank the public and the community who came out in order to have our Dunkin' Donuts Cup on Top initiative. 00:52:00.200 --> 00:52:08.180 We were able to raise $4,816.80 at all those proceeds. We'll be going to the Special Olympics. 00:52:08.780 --> 00:52:13.720 So a lot of the department members that were here came out to support. So I really do appreciate that. 00:52:13.720 --> 00:52:42.040 Thank you very much. I also want to acknowledge Fisher Exchange and AFSCME who donated quite a bit of money for this cause and the cause was very important and also to the community members who came out on National Police Week and donated and made terrific cookies. They actually brought us plants, they brought us flowers, they brought us cards in order to recognize all the work that my officers do. So I greatly appreciate that and I'll allow you to fight it out this week. 00:52:43.720 --> 00:53:14.800 Library? I also greatly appreciate Public Works. They've been helping us at the library as well as EMS and police since last week was Police Week. But I would also like to encourage the community to make sure that they check out our website to keep on top of all of our events. IT? City Manager? Well, thank you, Honor. I actually have nothing for tonight, although I think it's been fairly well covered by everyone. Thank you. I would agree. And just a reminder, Monday is Memorial Day, so City Hall will be closed. 00:53:15.420 --> 00:53:45.420 the parade downtown starts at 10 o'clock so if you are part of the council and would like to walk in the parade you should be at the corner of Maine and Walnut by 915. And Alderman Clemm. Yes. Once again thank you to all the employees of the city you guys do a great job and it's nice to be able to recognize all of you especially when it stands at least chief tonight 00:53:45.420 --> 00:53:54.140 She's got a corporal and three new recruits out in the audience, and it was very good to see them here, and I hope they learn something in democracy and action here 00:53:54.140 --> 00:54:01.200 Also, the 26th, next week, Tuesday night, is the Neighborhood Watch at Schwartz's 00:54:01.200 --> 00:54:08.020 I believe Manager Blair will be there, and Darren, thank you guys and all the alerts you put out 00:54:08.020 --> 00:54:14.100 It's really neat for the people that live in those areas, especially like in Ysa Gladewood, for example 00:54:14.100 --> 00:54:18.560 where you had one end or the other end closed off to know what was going on. 00:54:18.780 --> 00:54:19.900 So thank you. 00:54:20.880 --> 00:54:21.520 Alderman Johnson? 00:54:23.140 --> 00:54:25.700 I say ditto to everything that Tom said. 00:54:25.800 --> 00:54:30.560 I appreciate everybody, the public works, the police, the fire department, all of them. 00:54:30.680 --> 00:54:34.480 It takes a whole team to make a city move, so we appreciate all of you. 00:54:35.060 --> 00:54:39.820 Also on Thursday evening will be the Neighborhood Watch for the Second Ward, 00:54:39.820 --> 00:54:46.160 and it is at 1833 West Laurel Street at the Laurel Street Community Church. 00:54:46.560 --> 00:54:47.960 So it's a new location. 00:54:48.160 --> 00:54:48.820 So thank you. 00:54:49.900 --> 00:54:50.460 Allerman Simmons. 00:54:51.120 --> 00:54:51.800 I don't have anything. 00:54:52.720 --> 00:54:53.520 Allerman Parker. 00:54:54.080 --> 00:54:57.660 We happen to use the same church they do for our neighborhood watch. 00:54:57.860 --> 00:55:03.240 It is being canceled because it's set for next Monday, Labor Day, Memorial Day. 00:55:03.240 --> 00:55:04.800 So we will not have one. 00:55:06.060 --> 00:55:06.580 Allerman Stacy. 00:55:07.280 --> 00:55:07.680 Yes. 00:55:09.820 --> 00:55:34.860 I want to thank the police officers for their extra effort at graduation last night. It was totally change. I've worked for this district almost 25 years, and it's never been like that. But it was a good, safe way of doing things. And for that, I thank you. 00:55:34.860 --> 00:56:06.140 um yeah we've never been able to not bring in our purses or unless they were clear or so yeah I embrace the extra security that went forth for graduation um tomorrow Tuesday the 19th will be my neighborhood watch at the church on Carol and Empire at six o'clock with 00:56:06.140 --> 00:56:09.020 Officer. Still by you. 00:56:12.850 --> 00:56:13.730 Alderman Shadle? 00:56:14.810 --> 00:56:37.490 I just want to reiterate what Darren had said about the text message notification system. I signed up for it for the Gladewood Project and I'm getting very detailed text. As Tom said, there was instances where the south entrance was going to be closed and so that the residents knew that they needed to come in the north. 00:56:37.510 --> 00:57:07.390 North entrance. There's going to be one of those for each and every project that we have this summer. You can go to the city website, navigate through from there at GoGov. If you have trouble with it, call the city and we'll get you through the process of getting it on there. But it's going to make all of these projects go tremendously smoother if everybody knows what's going on. 00:57:07.510 --> 00:57:41.880 and how to navigate through these projects so thank you Alderman Sanders nothing Alderman Sellers I just want to say thank you public works thank you fire department and thank you police department thank you for all that you guys do really appreciate it we have two that are signed in for public comment uh Ryan Walton I'm just here to give thanks um one for you Mayor Miller thank you for your tenureship and your leadership through 00:57:41.880 --> 00:57:46.580 everything that you've served here for the community. I believe you make it better every 00:57:46.580 --> 00:57:54.180 single day. And then also for the police department, year to date, I was told that they've seized over more 00:57:54.180 --> 00:58:05.500 than 40 illegal firearms and 65 search warrants, which is impressive, which I think they don't get 00:58:05.500 --> 00:58:10.480 enough thanks for the hard work they do. And you guys literally make my community safer every day. 00:58:10.480 --> 00:58:44.280 and it's inspiring to you know call this place home and one day have a family here so thank you. Thank you. Ricky Steadman. Thank you Mayor. Good evening to everyone. Yeah I was given information for a street uh name on south 700 South Liberty Street uh the person that was doing it got ill so they passed it over to me. I have all the signatures of the homeowners that were required to get this done. I also have the financial costs also so I'm 00:58:44.280 --> 00:59:07.940 here to see where we go forward from here. I'm sure they can see you after the meeting. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. See you after the meeting? Um, Director Heimerdinger. Okay. Thank you. Is, are there any other public comments this evening? Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor?