WEBVTT 00:00:01.490 --> 00:00:38.660 God bless everyone I'm going to pray for start this meeting so I need a reverence to God proverbs 16 3 says commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans let's pray father God the name of the mighty name of Jesus we come before you 00:00:38.660 --> 00:00:59.120 to intercede to this meeting and for every decision that will be made. We ask that your wisdom govern the projects of your city and that every plan will align with your will and justice, order, and benefits for the people. 00:00:59.120 --> 00:01:30.470 we proclaim that this city walks under your counsel and your peace in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Thank you, Pastor Anna. Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Mayor Miller. Here. Alderpersons, Clemm. Here. Johnson. Here. Simmons is absent. Parker. Here. Stacy. Oh, here. Simmons is here upon roll call. 00:01:30.470 --> 00:01:42.470 I'm sorry, I'll reverse it, Stacy, if you'd just say that again. Here. And Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. Sellers? Here. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson. 00:01:45.210 --> 00:01:59.470 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. 00:02:00.470 --> 00:02:21.190 Item number one is approval of the agenda. We have just a couple of changes in the order of the promotions. We will go item number 654, and then we'll have two recognitions of life-saving awards before the service awards. So with that, is there a motion to approve? 00:02:21.450 --> 00:02:21.850 So moved. 00:02:22.050 --> 00:02:22.330 Second. 00:02:22.330 --> 00:02:28.590 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 00:02:28.790 --> 00:02:29.190 Aye. 00:02:29.590 --> 00:02:32.690 Opposed? That motion passes. Item number two. 00:02:32.770 --> 00:02:39.430 is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on January 20th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? 00:02:39.690 --> 00:02:40.070 So moved. 00:02:40.350 --> 00:02:40.610 Second. 00:02:41.130 --> 00:02:46.290 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 00:02:46.610 --> 00:02:46.890 Aye. 00:02:47.550 --> 00:02:55.630 Opposed? That motion passes. Item number three is the presentation of the Sharps Award. Mr. Lefevre? 00:02:55.990 --> 00:02:56.470 Yes, ma'am. 00:02:56.590 --> 00:02:58.070 If you'd like to go to the podium. 00:02:58.550 --> 00:03:02.520 That's my first time back, huh? 00:03:03.520 --> 00:03:03.720 Yeah. 00:03:04.420 --> 00:03:04.860 Good evening. 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:28.760 Good evening, Good evening, Good evening, Good evening, This is, you're the first public works agency, there's four fire departments, and now you're the first public works agency to receive this, the Safety, Health, and Recognition Award, and there was a lot of work that went into it, so I commend you and your people, and I'd like to present the plaque and take any questions you might have. 00:03:28.760 --> 00:03:38.750 Pat, we worked very closely with Pat, the street department, with Randy, congratulations, 00:03:38.750 --> 00:03:50.990 and maybe we could get a photo with, oh, good, and then I brought a flag, I understand you have 00:03:50.990 --> 00:03:58.750 a flag already up, and, yeah, it's already flying, it's flying. 00:03:58.750 --> 00:03:59.730 So you have a backup. 00:04:00.190 --> 00:04:00.510 Okay. 00:04:00.710 --> 00:04:02.890 Because these things get tattered pretty quickly. 00:04:03.230 --> 00:04:03.610 Oh, good. 00:04:03.750 --> 00:04:04.570 Well, thank you very much. 00:04:04.770 --> 00:04:05.190 Thank you. 00:04:05.370 --> 00:04:05.390 We appreciate that. 00:04:05.390 --> 00:04:07.110 Thanks very much. 00:04:07.690 --> 00:04:09.890 Let's just work with your big professionals. 00:04:10.670 --> 00:04:12.030 We're going right here. 00:04:12.030 --> 00:04:13.090 Right in the middle. 00:04:13.230 --> 00:04:13.810 Get in the middle. 00:04:14.190 --> 00:04:14.950 There you go. 00:04:16.010 --> 00:04:16.450 Awesome. 00:04:18.270 --> 00:04:22.470 All right. 00:04:40.850 --> 00:04:49.350 Before we move on to our next, just would like to make an announcement that we have learned that our former fire chief, Jim Gale, has passed away. 00:04:49.350 --> 00:05:05.740 and so we would like to observe a moment of silence if we could, please. Thank you. 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:20.940 All right, Chief, you ready? 00:05:22.340 --> 00:05:22.800 Uh-huh. 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:28.330 Is this ready to go? 00:05:28.330 --> 00:05:31.240 There it is now. 00:05:37.670 --> 00:05:40.550 And I'm told that you need to use this camera. 00:05:42.630 --> 00:05:49.090 So if you could raise your hand, repeat after that. 00:05:49.110 --> 00:06:10.430 I, Tom Cordy, I, Tom Cordy, Do solemnly swear, That I will support the Constitution of the United States, That I will support the Constitution of the United States, And the Constitution of the State of Illinois, And I will faithfully discharge the duties, Of the Office of Fire Chief, According to the best of my ability. 00:06:10.430 --> 00:06:35.320 So the next one up would be Hillary Brocious, which is the new Deputy Fire Chief 00:06:35.320 --> 00:07:19.380 Good evening, good evening, I'm Robert Bush, I'm with the Fire and Police Commission, happy to see everyone out for this wonderful occasion, and we're here to celebrate the promotions of these fine men and women 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:49.700 We, the commission, we look for people that we know deserve and have shown great wisdom in the position that they apply for and we have found Hillary and all the rest that you will be presented here tonight capable of doing the position that they have applied for and we are excited to have them on board on our department representing the city of Freeport and we feel much safer 00:07:49.700 --> 00:08:19.000 having them on the department here in the city of Freeport. So the official commission, the city of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all to whom these present shall come, Hillary L. Brocious, having been duly appointed to the position of deputy chief and for the city of Freeport in the county of Stevenson, the state of Illinois, for the term from the second day of February 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:45.800 Secretary, 2026 until her successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of her said office according to law and the ordinances of said city, and all persons are required to respect her in the discharge of her said duties by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. 00:08:45.800 --> 00:09:14.060 So while they're doing that, I'm going to go through a little bit of a bio of Hillary. 00:09:15.460 --> 00:09:18.320 She has 16 years on the department as of yesterday. 00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:32.260 She's appointed to lieutenant October 5th of 2020 and farm marshal January 19th of 2021. 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:40.140 She's a licensed paramedic, member of the technical rescue team, certified in rope, trench, confined space, and structural collapse rescue, 00:09:40.140 --> 00:09:59.900 A member of the Fire Department Honor Guard, hazardous material technician, hazardous materials incident command, fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, advanced fire officer, instructor two, incident safety officer, public fire and life safety educator, juvenile fire 00:09:59.900 --> 00:10:05.660 Officer, Juvenile Fire Center Interventionalist, Fire Inspector 102, Arson Investigator and Fire 00:10:05.660 --> 00:10:13.140 Investigator, has an associate's degree from Highland College and a degree from the Illinois Police 00:10:13.140 --> 00:10:21.540 Institute in Champaign for the Basic Law Enforcement. She was the Firefighter Department Member of the Year in 00:10:21.540 --> 00:10:34.940 in 2023, and she received the Life Safety Award in 2017. The husband, Daryl, and children, Kim, Zach, Hannah, Maddie, Avery, Delany, and Daryl. 00:10:34.940 --> 00:10:35.820 Oh, wow. 00:10:45.280 --> 00:10:46.340 Quick photo op. 00:10:47.400 --> 00:10:47.660 Come on. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:49.640 Hurry up, family. 00:10:52.640 --> 00:10:53.560 Come on. 00:10:53.560 --> 00:11:01.920 Yes 00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:13.970 Oh, here they come 00:11:13.970 --> 00:11:22.650 Oh, wow 00:11:22.650 --> 00:11:23.410 Oh, I'm sorry. 00:11:27.410 --> 00:11:31.300 All right. 00:11:39.840 --> 00:11:43.280 Next up will be Matt Kyle, new district chief. 00:11:58.240 --> 00:12:08.620 Official commission, the city of Freeport, Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all to whom these present shall come. 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:36.400 Matthew F. Kyle, having been duly appointed to the position of District Chief and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson in the State of Illinois for the term for the second day of February, 2026, until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office, 00:12:36.400 --> 00:12:51.600 according to law and the ordinances of said city, and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. Be safe. 00:13:03.760 --> 00:13:26.840 So Matt was appointed to the department December 8th of 2006, so he's been 19 years on it. Promoted to lieutenant June 8th of 2019. 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:55.400 He's a licensed paramedic with the state of Illinois, a member of the technical rescue team, a tactical emergency medical services member, or TEM, advanced fire officer, fire department safety, incident safety officer, fire and arsenal investigator, hazardous materials technician, instructor two, fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, has an associate's degree in fire science. 00:13:55.400 --> 00:14:06.440 He received a Fire Life Safety Award in 2022, and an EMS Life Saving Certificate in 2017, and this is his wife, Chelsea. 00:14:18.060 --> 00:14:18.860 Thank you, folks, you ready? 00:14:19.140 --> 00:14:21.900 That's good, and everybody else on that side. 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:35.540 That's me. 00:14:36.540 --> 00:14:37.220 Never mind. 00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:41.340 Yeah, we have to do that one. 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:53.220 Mark McCullough, sorry. 00:14:53.220 --> 00:15:33.930 Official Commission, the City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all to whom these present shall come, Mark D. McCullough, having been duly appointed to the position of Lieutenant in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson in the State of Illinois for the term from the second day of February 2026 until his successor, 00:15:33.930 --> 00:15:59.130 Officer, shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office, according to law and the ordinances of said city, and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties, by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commission, be safe. 00:15:59.130 --> 00:16:21.230 So, Mark was appointed to the department February 3rd of 2007, so tomorrow is his 19 years old. 00:16:21.230 --> 00:16:22.350 Oh, wow. 00:16:22.710 --> 00:16:33.910 He's also a member of the Divisional Technical Rescue Team, a member of the Foreign Fire Insurance Board, and also a member of the Tactical EMS Team. 00:16:33.910 --> 00:16:58.070 He's a licensed paramedic with the state of Illinois, a fire officer one, instructor one, hazardous materials technician, hazardous material incident command, fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, fire department and actually city employee of the year in 2024, and earned an EMS life-saving award in 2025. 00:16:58.870 --> 00:17:03.050 This is his wife, Amy, and he's got sons, Luke, Matthew, and Josh. 00:17:16.140 --> 00:17:33.140 Chris Brennan, Lieutenant 00:17:33.140 --> 00:17:48.340 Official Commission 00:17:48.340 --> 00:17:52.000 City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:54.940 to all to whom these presents shall come 00:17:54.940 --> 00:17:57.000 Christopher J. Brennan 00:17:57.000 --> 00:18:01.180 having been duly appointed to the position of Lieutenant 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:03.240 in and for the City of Freeport 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:05.120 in the County of Stevenson 00:18:05.120 --> 00:18:06.500 and State of Illinois 00:18:06.500 --> 00:18:09.940 for the term from the second day of February 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:54.440 Terry, 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office. According to law and the ordinances of said city and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commissions. Chris has been in the department for 11 years. He was hired 00:18:54.440 --> 00:19:24.280 December 15th of 2014. He was a mechanic for the department from 2020 to 2023. He's a licensed paramedic for the state of Illinois. Again, member of the technical rescue team, member of the fire department safety committee, certified in fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, officer one, instructor two, hazardous materials operations. He has a bachelor's degree in management 00:19:24.280 --> 00:19:29.400 Systems. This is his wife, Michelle. He also has quite a few children. 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:38.760 Brenna, Ella, Dylan, Mariah, Xander, and granddaughter, Alayla. 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:41.560 She was born yesterday. 00:19:42.280 --> 00:19:43.240 Oh, wow. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:20:06.610 Grab one's over there 00:20:06.610 --> 00:20:18.560 That one comes later 00:20:18.560 --> 00:20:21.840 Oh, he does 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:25.300 Oh, his wife 00:20:25.300 --> 00:20:27.060 I sure, myself, and soul, thanks 00:20:27.060 --> 00:20:46.790 Aw 00:20:46.790 --> 00:20:56.340 My wife, Jean 00:20:56.340 --> 00:20:58.060 My mother, Colleen 00:20:58.060 --> 00:20:58.980 My sister, Mary 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.680 My daughter, Makan 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.980 And son-in-law, Wayne 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:42.930 Okay, next we're going to move on to police department promotions with Chief Frosto. 00:21:50.290 --> 00:22:10.170 Daniel Moore 00:22:10.170 --> 00:22:31.770 Official Commission 00:22:31.770 --> 00:22:35.830 City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission 00:22:35.830 --> 00:22:36.870 to all 00:22:36.870 --> 00:22:39.950 to whom these presents shall come 00:22:39.950 --> 00:22:40.750 Daniel Moore 00:22:40.750 --> 00:22:44.390 have been duly appointed to the office of corporal 00:22:44.390 --> 00:22:47.930 in and for the city of Freeport in the county of Stevenson 00:22:47.930 --> 00:22:49.470 and state of Illinois 00:22:49.470 --> 00:23:18.570 for the term from the second day of February 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office according to the law and ordinances of said city, and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. 00:23:18.570 --> 00:24:10.980 Benjamin White 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:21.290 The Fisher Commission 00:24:21.290 --> 00:24:24.770 City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission 00:24:24.770 --> 00:24:27.750 To all to whom these presents shall come 00:24:27.750 --> 00:24:29.230 Benjamin White 00:24:29.230 --> 00:24:33.030 Having been duly appointed to the Office of Sergeant 00:24:33.030 --> 00:24:36.850 In and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson 00:24:36.850 --> 00:25:04.750 and State of Illinois for the term from the second day of February 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office according to the law and ordinances of said city and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties 00:25:04.750 --> 00:25:08.170 by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. 00:25:08.530 --> 00:26:10.080 Brian Polish. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:36.640 Official Commission, City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all to whom these presents shall come, 00:26:37.040 --> 00:26:46.640 Brian Polish, having been duly appointed to the office of Lieutenant in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson and State of Illinois 00:26:46.640 --> 00:27:15.560 for the term from the second day of February 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office according to the law and ordinances of said city and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. 00:27:43.590 --> 00:28:10.430 That's it for the promotions. However, next we have two life-saving awards for Corporal Krieger and telecommunicator Matthews. 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:45.720 Timothy Krieger, you are hereby commended for your swift actions on January 30, 2026 at the scene of a structure fire. When given your own immediate danger, you assisted a female occupant who had jumped from the second floor window and was trapped between the two burning buildings, unable to walk. 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:53.160 Your decisive actions, personal courage, and calm demeanor under extreme conditions contributed to saving her life 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:59.660 The City of Freeport and the members of the Freeport Police Department and myself are very proud of your actions 00:28:59.660 --> 00:29:02.720 I hereby give you the life-saving award 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:19.640 Sierra Matthews 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:31.980 Sierra Matthews, you are hereby commended for your actions on January 30, 2026 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:37.260 During which you received a 911 call from a panicked caller who was trapped within a structure fire 00:29:37.260 --> 00:29:42.140 You were able to communicate across a language barrier while maintaining control of the call 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:46.340 which directly contributed to the successful rescue and medical treatment of the victim 00:29:46.340 --> 00:29:52.200 The City of Freeport and the members of the Freeport Police Department and myself are very proud of your actions 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:55.980 You are hereby presented with the Freeport Police Department Lifesaving 00:29:55.980 --> 00:31:10.330 the Freeport Police Department Lifesaving Award. Okay, I think we're done with that. Next would be service awards. Director Richter? Oh, man. Oh, Kathy Westaby? Excuse me, everyone, if we could just remain seated while we finish up these awards, that would be much appreciated. Thank you. Oh, good evening. On February 12th, Kathy Westaby will be celebrating 25 years with the City of Freeport. She began her employment with the City in 2001 00:31:10.330 --> 00:31:40.090 as a telecommunicator in the 911 center for the Freeport Police Department. During her time at the police department, Kathy has also held the positions of leads coordinator and records clerk, but the majority of her 25 years has been as a telecommunicator. Fortunately, in last year, she decided to make a switch and joined us in the water sewer billing department as a customer service representative. She is a valued employee and she often contributes 00:31:40.090 --> 00:32:34.840 ideas to streamline processes or to gain efficiencies. It is rare in today's world to find someone who dedicates a quarter of a century to one organization. Please join me in congratulating Kathy Westaby on this incredible 25-year career milestone. Lucinda Lenore. I also have the honor of recognizing Lucinda Lenore for her 25 years of service to the city of Freeport. Lucinda is also a customer service representative in the 00:32:34.840 --> 00:33:02.100 Water and Sewer Billing Department for all of her 25 years. She has seen many changes in the department, such as software changes, technology changes, office changes, and I'm sure she has much she could share with us. Thank you, Lucinda, for your incredible dedication and for the wisdom you've shared. We're so grateful for your contributions to the department. Happy 25th work anniversary. Lucinda. 00:33:02.100 --> 00:33:54.980 Brandon Reese. Brandon Reese has been with the fire department for five years. He came to us from Lanark with a little experience from down there. He's currently on A-shift. He's a licensed paramedic with the state of Illinois, advanced firefighter, fire apparatus engineer, instructor one, hazardous material technician, hazardous material incident command, rope operations, vehicle machinery operations, water technical rescue, an associate's degree, and 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:59.220 his wife, Cassidy, and children, Kinsley and Wyatt. 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:01.100 Thank you. 00:34:26.290 --> 00:34:41.260 Okay, that concludes this portion of the meeting. 00:34:41.380 --> 00:34:44.300 We will move on to item number eight, which is public comment. 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:46.400 However, there were none signed in for this evening. 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:50.480 Moving on to item number nine, which is the consent agenda. 00:34:50.720 --> 00:34:57.880 The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a member of council that would like to have something removed 00:34:57.880 --> 00:35:27.620 for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file the Historic Preservation Commission minutes from May 20, 2025, Planning Commission, November 13, 2025, the Board of Fire and Police Commission, December 23, 2025, the Fire Department Report, December 25, the Greater Freeport Partnership Report, January 26, the approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $2 million 00:35:27.620 --> 00:35:56.900 $515,413.09 and approval of payroll for pay period ending January 24, 2026 in the total of $610,616.81. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Johnson. Aye. Simmons. 00:35:56.900 --> 00:36:26.080 Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacey? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. Item number 10 is an appointment. Could you please read for the record? Appointment of Gertrude Heimerdinger to fill a vacant seat for the Housing Authority Commission effective through October 31st, 2027. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. Second. 00:36:26.080 --> 00:36:56.060 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the appointment. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. And Clemm. Aye. The motion passes 8-0. Item number 11 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-2602. Could you please read 00:36:56.060 --> 00:37:25.020 this. Ordinance amending codified ordinances chapter 1044 water rates and revenues section 1044.01 established rates to add incentive pay for lead copper samples to be taken for lead service line replacement grant application. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. This was brought before council at the last full council meeting. Staff is requesting the flexibility to move forward with a $40 credit for residents that participate in our lead copper 00:37:25.020 --> 00:37:28.840 sampling program, and staff recommends moving forward with the incentive. 00:37:30.000 --> 00:37:30.960 Any discussion? 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:34.060 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 00:37:34.700 --> 00:37:35.100 Johnson. 00:37:35.580 --> 00:37:35.820 Aye. 00:37:36.560 --> 00:37:36.960 Simmons. 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:37.600 Aye. 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:38.340 Parker. 00:37:38.740 --> 00:37:38.960 Aye. 00:37:39.220 --> 00:37:39.640 Stacey. 00:37:40.200 --> 00:37:40.460 Aye. 00:37:40.760 --> 00:37:41.040 Shadle. 00:37:41.280 --> 00:37:41.480 Aye. 00:37:41.760 --> 00:37:42.160 Sanders. 00:37:42.460 --> 00:37:42.660 Aye. 00:37:42.980 --> 00:37:43.480 Sellers. 00:37:43.620 --> 00:37:43.920 Aye. 00:37:43.920 --> 00:37:44.600 And Clemm. 00:37:44.760 --> 00:37:44.980 Aye. 00:37:45.340 --> 00:37:47.400 The ordinance passes 8-0. 00:37:48.040 --> 00:37:51.760 Item number 12 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-2603. 00:37:51.880 --> 00:37:52.800 Could you please read this? 00:37:52.800 --> 00:38:22.300 ordinance amending chapter 810 concerning the licensing of vacation rentals to add penalties for multiple violations of federal, state, or local regulations also known as the good neighbor policy. Thank you. Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. As previously discussed on January 20th, the proposed good neighbor policy section 810.09 would suspend a vacation rental license for 30 days if the property receives two or more calls for service in one licensing year. 00:38:22.300 --> 00:38:31.220 and they want to revoke the license for three or more cars with the owner in a ineligible the following year. 00:38:31.220 --> 00:38:36.580 Only cars tied to violations of federal, state, or local laws, rules, or ordinances count. 00:38:37.100 --> 00:38:39.220 Unfounded neighborhood complaints are excluded. 00:38:40.200 --> 00:38:46.740 This policy holds property owners accountable for maintaining neighborhood peace, preserves community harmony, and limits disruption. 00:38:46.740 --> 00:38:55.040 It aligns with the strategic plan for neighborhood and housing and safe and inclusive community with no additional funding required. 00:38:55.560 --> 00:38:57.920 Staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance. 00:38:58.420 --> 00:38:59.100 Thank you. 00:38:59.460 --> 00:39:00.100 Questions? 00:39:02.370 --> 00:39:03.650 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:04.410 --> 00:39:04.790 Johnson. 00:39:05.170 --> 00:39:05.370 Aye. 00:39:05.810 --> 00:39:06.230 Simmons. 00:39:10.140 --> 00:39:10.620 Parker. 00:39:10.940 --> 00:39:11.180 Aye. 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:11.800 Stacy. 00:39:12.120 --> 00:39:12.340 No. 00:39:13.000 --> 00:39:13.300 Shadle. 00:39:13.660 --> 00:39:13.900 Aye. 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:14.720 Sanders. 00:39:15.040 --> 00:39:15.260 No. 00:39:15.700 --> 00:39:16.220 Sellers. 00:39:16.360 --> 00:39:16.640 Aye. 00:39:16.880 --> 00:39:17.360 And Clemm. 00:39:17.360 --> 00:39:17.860 Aye. 00:39:18.280 --> 00:39:20.460 The ordinance passes six to two. 00:39:21.340 --> 00:39:25.500 Item number 13 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026-04. Could you please read this? 00:39:25.800 --> 00:39:34.660 Ordinance amending Chapter 1252 of the Zoning Code to allow offices of contractors as a permitted use in B1, 2, and 3 business districts. 00:39:35.120 --> 00:39:35.900 Director Heimerdinger. 00:39:35.900 --> 00:39:50.980 Thank you, Madam Mayor. As we discussed on the last council meeting on January 20th, contractor offices and shops are permitted by right only in B3, which excludes B1 and B2 areas where most downtown properties 00:39:50.980 --> 00:39:54.020 are zoned. This proposed amendment is sectioned. 00:39:54.020 --> 00:40:09.820 This proposed amendment to section 1252.01A 39.1 would allow contractors' offices used primarily for business purposes and sample displays without fabrication or on-site storage or materials in both B1, B2, and B3 districts. 00:40:09.820 --> 00:40:39.800 This reflects modern business practices where most work is being done digitally or through design programs with only a small amount of samples needed and reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers for new businesses. By updating this ordinance, the city can provide more move-in ready spaces downtown, streamline the processes for tenants, and align zoning with current business practicing trends. This amendment also supports the city's strategic planning goal of being responsible, efficient government. 00:40:39.820 --> 00:41:06.970 Staff recommends approval. Questions on this ordinance? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The ordinance passes 6-2. And item number 14 is the second reading of ordinance 2026-05. Could you please read this? 00:41:06.970 --> 00:41:12.770 ordinance amending chapter 1252 of the zoning code to allow residential units as a permitted use 00:41:12.770 --> 00:41:18.650 above the ground floor of buildings in the central business district. Thank you, Director Heimerdinger. 00:41:18.650 --> 00:41:24.130 Thank you, Madam Mayor. As we discussed January 20th council meeting, residential units are not permitted 00:41:24.130 --> 00:41:30.230 by right in any business district. Residential uses above ground floor require a special use permit 00:41:30.230 --> 00:41:36.870 and are only allowed if certain block composition thresholds are met. On January 15th, the planning 00:41:36.870 --> 00:41:43.090 Commission held a public hearing and recommended the approval of the proposed ordinance. This proposed 00:41:43.090 --> 00:41:50.390 ordinance removes outdated regulatory hurdles and allows residential uses on upper floors, that's two 00:41:50.390 --> 00:41:57.050 and above, within the central business district when the ground floor is suitable for business use. 00:41:57.690 --> 00:42:03.350 Outside the central business district, residential uses would still require a special use permit, 00:42:03.350 --> 00:42:33.350 but with the simplified standards as the block composition thresholds have also been removed with this ordinance change. Staff recommends approval. Thank you. Discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. And Clemm? Aye. The ordinance passes 00:42:33.350 --> 00:42:39.010 Item number 15 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-06. Could you please read this? 00:42:39.010 --> 00:43:02.630 Ordinance amending part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title VI, Other Public Services, Chapter 1060, Waste and Recycling Collection and Disposal, Section 1060-07, Temporary Dumpsters, Trash Containers, Trailers, Construction Trailers, or Equipment Use for Construction Projects, including trailers or wagons, use on public ways, 00:43:02.630 --> 00:43:13.270 and Section 106012, Construction, Debris, Containers, Collection, I'm sorry, it's just those three, of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport. 00:43:13.490 --> 00:43:14.670 Thank you. Mr. Teekel? 00:43:16.980 --> 00:43:29.440 Yes. To summarize this change to the ordinance, with many of the new streets that we're putting in around town, we have dumpsters that we're finding on streets. 00:43:29.440 --> 00:43:58.940 matter of fact last season we had one where the dumpster got placed two days after we got done paving they get dropped on the pavement we're asking them to put you know heavy duty plywood or something like that under the dumpsters in this ordinance change to protect the streets and the investment that we're making throughout the communities. This was cited by our Public Works team as something that they want to see happen. I did talk to Gill's Disposal which is probably the largest supplier of dumpsters in the area. 00:43:59.440 --> 00:44:05.780 and roll-off containers. The manager, local managers, Josh Kraft, he had no problem with the changes to this ordinance. 00:44:07.080 --> 00:44:17.320 Again, it's to protect our streets, and I would point out after the hopeful approval of this, we are going to educate the public by pushing this out on social media. 00:44:18.080 --> 00:44:24.240 We do do permits for dumpsters for free for the first 14 days in the city of Freeport. 00:44:24.240 --> 00:44:53.980 Unfortunately, last year we only had four permits that were filed for dumpsters. We would prefer that people, if they want to rent a dumpster, put it on their driveway or on their property instead of in the right-of-way or the city property. It's much safer. It's less dangerous. And yet you don't need the permit to put it on your own property. You need the permit to put it in the right-of-way. So I think this ordinance would address all of that. Again, we only had four permits filed for all of 2025. 00:44:54.240 --> 00:44:57.440 Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? 00:44:57.680 --> 00:44:58.100 So moved. 00:44:58.320 --> 00:44:58.640 Second. 00:44:59.640 --> 00:45:05.180 We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:45:06.820 --> 00:45:07.960 Discussion on the ordinance? 00:45:08.980 --> 00:45:09.580 Bless you. 00:45:12.300 --> 00:45:18.040 Move on to item number 16, which is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-07. 00:45:18.220 --> 00:45:19.020 Could you please read this? 00:45:19.020 --> 00:45:34.340 Ordinance amending various provisions of Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Service Codes, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1042 and 1046, regarding water and sewer connections of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport. 00:45:34.700 --> 00:45:35.660 Thank you. Mr. Stiekel. 00:45:36.940 --> 00:45:47.680 Sure. This ordinance change to summarize will change the connection fees of what we put out annually to residents that connect to water and sewer. 00:45:47.680 --> 00:46:17.380 Currently, we have a mixed bag of bolts, if you will, on what we charge. This will be more consistent. I've had some of the Public Works team comb through the ordinances. We're planning on bringing many of them that need to be updated. To summarize, the water connection fee will go from $1,600 for a near connection to $3,200. The city is currently losing money on the $1,600 connection with everything that we have involved in it. 00:46:17.680 --> 00:46:25.920 when we build a new water main to a new area, those connections would be $1,000 unless they're waived for that particular project. 00:46:26.080 --> 00:46:32.500 We usually do waive them for a short period if they connect during the project, at least that's what we've done in recent years. 00:46:33.040 --> 00:46:45.080 And for any inspections that the city is required to perform but not do any work, we would charge just a $100 fee to cover our cost for that person to go out with a vehicle in time to cover those inspections. 00:46:45.080 --> 00:47:14.080 On the sewer side, we like to clean up some of the language and we do only give estimates on sewer connections because every sewer main is a different depth and so we actually ask for a $3,200 deposit and then we actually charge whatever time and material it takes. So if it's less than $3,200, that's what they get charged. If it's more, they get charged that including the restoration fees and everything to put the road and connections back. 00:47:15.080 --> 00:47:46.020 just to educate you most of the sewers within the city of Freeport are running down the center of the road. So it's quite a significant event to connect a new connection for sewer. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the ordinance. Item number 17 is the first reading of ordinance 2026-08. Could you please read this? 00:47:46.020 --> 00:47:53.320 ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or disposal of certain personal property owned by the city. 00:47:53.640 --> 00:48:11.140 Tonight we have public works and Alberta's airport equipment. Thank you. Manager, Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. As we do from time to time, we have a surplus inventory request. Right now, if you'll look at your packet, there are a number of different items that are surplus from the airport and also from the public works department. 00:48:11.140 --> 00:48:17.560 and staff is asking to move this forward to second reading so that we can go ahead and auction this surplus inventory. 00:48:18.120 --> 00:48:19.640 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:48:20.200 --> 00:48:20.680 So moved. 00:48:21.600 --> 00:48:22.100 Seconded. 00:48:22.260 --> 00:48:22.760 Seconded. 00:48:26.520 --> 00:48:29.560 Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:48:30.000 --> 00:48:31.100 Discussion on the ordinance. 00:48:34.710 --> 00:48:37.790 Item number 18 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-09. 00:48:37.990 --> 00:48:38.930 Could you please read this? 00:48:39.630 --> 00:48:45.070 Resolution approving purchase and upfit of four new police vehicles from a source well provider. 00:48:45.590 --> 00:49:17.660 Stevers Ford. Thank you. Chief Frusto. Good evening. We have now currently about four to five squad cars that really are not working and functioning as we speak after I'd done my complete analysis. And after we looked at what is the best pricing going through Stevers is really the best pricing for us, especially with our canine unit that we have to outfit it. We have to put a lot of equipment in it as well because we do use our 00:49:17.660 --> 00:49:23.260 K-9 and our officers in regards to having better equipment in order to patrol out there. 00:49:26.560 --> 00:49:28.340 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? 00:49:29.040 --> 00:49:29.480 Second. 00:49:30.020 --> 00:49:32.100 Motion made by Alderman Parker? 00:49:32.600 --> 00:49:33.440 Alderman Clem. 00:49:33.440 --> 00:49:35.920 Seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:49:36.420 --> 00:49:37.700 Discussion on the resolution? 00:49:40.630 --> 00:49:41.350 Alderman Stacy? 00:49:42.210 --> 00:49:45.070 Yes. Has there been money budgeted for this? 00:49:48.300 --> 00:49:51.900 As of now, we do have some budgeted money for it. 00:49:51.900 --> 00:49:57.540 budgeted money for it. However, this pricing for this company is going to be at a better price for us 00:49:57.540 --> 00:50:02.880 because we used to go to another company and they would not give us the quality type and it would be a 00:50:02.880 --> 00:50:16.680 lot higher in pricing. But is the money budgeted for new? Yes. Okay. Yes. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:50:16.680 --> 00:50:52.500 Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. And Clemm. Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 19 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-10. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of two new dump bodies for the Public Works Department's hook-lift trucks from another source well provider, Bonnell Industries. Thank you, Manager Boyer. 00:50:52.700 --> 00:51:22.440 Thank you, Your Honor. Several years ago, we purchased two hook lift trucks complete with salt spreader V-box spreaders and leaf machines. Those trucks are useful during the winter and the fall, but during construction season, they're basically useless to us at the Public Works Department with the intention that we always had to purchase hook lift dump bodies for these trucks. So staff has brought to you tonight the request to purchase two dump bodies for the hook lift trucks, 00:51:22.440 --> 00:51:57.500 total amount will be $98,717.84, and that was budgeted in the 2026 budget. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Stacy? Is this the second time these dump trucks have come to us? No. It's not the second time for the bodies, but we also have other dump trucks 00:51:57.500 --> 00:52:01.780 besides for this. The last time we talked about it was in the capital plan when we budgeted 00:52:01.780 --> 00:52:26.010 for them. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. And 00:52:26.010 --> 00:52:35.450 Clemm. Aye. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 202611. Could 00:52:35.450 --> 00:53:05.350 would you please read this? Resolution approving purchase orders with Pace Analytical Services to provide annual drinking water and wastewater sample testing analysis. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. As Pace Analytical is the preeminent water supply chemical testing lab within the state of Illinois, the city of Freeport has been using Pace as long as it's been in existence and before that when it was under a different company name. As time has gone on, the testing 00:53:05.350 --> 00:53:10.730 has gotten more expensive, and normally these were lab tests that would not necessarily come to council. 00:53:10.870 --> 00:53:15.890 It would just be part of a standard operating procedure. However, the total amount is exceeding 00:53:15.890 --> 00:53:22.170 $10,000 per year, so that's kind of tracking with inflation and the additional cost of testing. 00:53:22.770 --> 00:53:29.170 So staff is asking for approval to move forward with a purchase order of the PACE analytical for 00:53:29.170 --> 00:53:33.310 drinking water, wastewater lab testing for the 2026 calendar year. 00:53:33.310 --> 00:54:03.060 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. And Clem. Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8-0. 00:54:03.060 --> 00:54:08.440 Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2026-12. Could you please read this? 00:54:08.820 --> 00:54:16.440 Resolution approving the purchase of a utility paving compactor roller from a source well provider, all tow for cat. 00:54:17.080 --> 00:54:18.040 Thank you. Manager Boyer? 00:54:18.520 --> 00:54:29.660 Thank you, Your Honor. As we continue to work the road program and we are doing more and more of the paving internally, we have the need for one additional construction roller. 00:54:29.660 --> 00:54:59.660 The price is $81,000, it comes through Alto for Caterpillar which is a source well dealer and staff requests ahead of the construction season which we will need it to move forward with purchase of this construction roller. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Yes. Alderman Stacy? 00:54:59.660 --> 00:55:08.620 Yes, I thought we purchased a roller, and if this was to happen, what exactly would it be used for? 00:55:10.040 --> 00:55:16.620 We do own a couple of different rollers, and it'll be used for paving operations. The reason we need it 00:55:16.620 --> 00:55:21.600 is because we're getting proficient at paving and moving very rapidly, so we found that we also, 00:55:21.780 --> 00:55:23.660 we need, we have a need for one additional roller. 00:55:23.660 --> 00:55:25.760 Alderman, Sellers? 00:55:26.060 --> 00:55:30.240 Yes, I was just going to say, I see it's a new model. 00:55:30.380 --> 00:55:33.200 How long do these last? 00:55:35.120 --> 00:55:36.100 Maybe Darren Hesburgh. 00:55:36.820 --> 00:55:43.780 So as I put in the memo, the current one that we're using is over 20 years old and it's needing to be retired. 00:55:43.780 --> 00:55:46.920 It's not efficient for as large a paving as what we were doing. 00:55:47.020 --> 00:55:51.060 It was designed to do small road patches where we're doing full streets now. 00:55:51.060 --> 00:56:20.900 so we did buy a roller last year and retired one that had been having lots of fire issues and and our plan was if we started paving more roads that we would need another this is what's called the surface roller so the final surface to get smooth coats on there you need to have good rolling equipment and last year we just couldn't keep up with the paver getting work done which extends our hours. Thank you. Alderman Stacy. Yes. Well I know a lot of this pavement 00:56:20.900 --> 00:56:23.360 work is contracted out. 00:56:24.460 --> 00:56:31.710 So, again, what are we talking about? 00:56:32.150 --> 00:56:33.750 Potholes, filling potholes? 00:56:34.030 --> 00:56:39.450 What are we talking about this roller being used for? 00:56:39.870 --> 00:56:44.590 So, this specific roller that we're talking about will be used in the paving operations that 00:56:44.590 --> 00:56:49.310 we're actually paving the streets like we've been doing for, I think this will be our fourth 00:56:49.310 --> 00:56:50.170 year doing it. 00:56:50.170 --> 00:57:13.070 Um, so this will follow the paver and we lay the binder, we lay the surface and this is what rolls and compacts the stone, the actual black stone into what's the street. Um, so these are essential in, in the process of paving and all, uh, large scale operations have at least two rollers following the pavers or you can't keep up. 00:57:13.070 --> 00:57:19.830 But a lot of our pavement is routed out of the city 00:57:19.830 --> 00:57:36.590 No, the last, I'm going to say the last three years for sure, we have been primarily paving all of the packages other than one street per year with our city crews and our paver. That's how we're reducing the cost of the streets. 00:57:36.590 --> 00:57:56.750 We, as we've discussed before, we do materials bids, so we've been bidding out about 15,000 tons of asphalt per year that our street crews are laying in-house on city streets. So this is, Stevenson Street would be an example, Greenfield, those are streets that the city all paved this year with our equipment. 00:57:58.130 --> 00:58:03.410 Any other discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:58:03.830 --> 00:58:04.690 Johnson? Aye. 00:58:04.690 --> 00:58:35.570 And Alderperson, Simmons, I'm not sure you're coming across the speaker yet. Thank you. And how do you vote on this one? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 22 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-13. Could you please read this? 00:58:35.570 --> 00:59:04.990 resolution approving an agreement with Fair Graham to provide construction engineering services for city municipal lot and police station alley pavement reconstruction. Thank you. Manager, Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. So as we've discussed and we were working on last year, we are now we've received bids. You'll see those later tonight for the reconstruction of the municipal parking lot in the alley behind the PD. As part of that, we do need construction observation and supervision. 00:59:04.990 --> 00:59:28.570 and we are bringing this for you tonight, an agreement with Fehr Graham to accomplish those items and staff recommends moving forward. The total cost of the project is approximately, let's see, is $95,000. So staff requests moving forward with the contract with Fehr Graham for construction oversight and supervision. 00:59:28.570 --> 00:59:30.190 Mayor, Motion to Adopt? 00:59:30.450 --> 00:59:30.930 So moved. 00:59:31.090 --> 00:59:31.390 Second. 00:59:32.290 --> 00:59:35.450 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:59:35.870 --> 00:59:37.050 Discussion on the resolution? 00:59:38.090 --> 00:59:38.970 Alderman Sellers? 00:59:39.050 --> 00:59:40.890 This is the big parking lot downtown. 00:59:40.890 --> 00:59:41.090 Correct. 00:59:41.470 --> 00:59:41.670 Okay. 00:59:42.030 --> 00:59:42.430 Thank you. 00:59:42.610 --> 00:59:42.990 That's all. 00:59:44.370 --> 00:59:45.090 Alderman Stacy? 00:59:45.810 --> 00:59:46.170 Yes. 00:59:46.170 --> 00:59:50.170 I'm just a little disturbed that we could... 00:59:50.170 --> 01:00:28.060 that we can put so much money, the city can put so much money in a parking lot, but when it comes to our local streets, we don't even have an account, and this is very disturbing. How do we have so much for a parking lot, but we had to set up a five-year to seven-year plan, 01:00:28.500 --> 01:01:01.600 for our streets because we had no budget but we have budget for this. Help me understand. That's all I'm asking. We have a plan and we're working it. We have a plan. Okay. Yep. It was in the budget and it was approved last year. So the municipal lot's in really terrible condition. It's downtown central location. 01:01:01.600 --> 01:01:08.280 and it is in need of pretty serious renovation so that we can continue to support our downtown businesses 01:01:08.280 --> 01:01:13.740 and also have something that does not look terrible in the middle of downtown. 01:01:15.120 --> 01:01:20.940 And to say that we don't have money for our streets is not very accurate when we've been putting in millions of dollars. 01:01:20.940 --> 01:01:23.520 And what are we up to, 20 plus miles? 01:01:24.740 --> 01:01:27.160 Yes, over 20 miles. 01:01:27.160 --> 01:01:36.660 that this administration has done than any administration prior, any. So that accusation of not doing is not accurate. 01:01:38.160 --> 01:01:52.000 Yes, it is. Thank you, Darren, for all the money you go out there and get, for all the money you go after and you bring back to our city so that we can do the projects that we need to do on our streets. 01:01:52.000 --> 01:01:57.520 Any other discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:01:58.700 --> 01:01:59.780 Yes, Sheldon Simmons. 01:02:00.620 --> 01:02:08.560 So this $95,000 is just for the engineering services? Did I hear that correctly? 01:02:09.840 --> 01:02:20.640 I'll be happy to go over it with you. It is the scope of service is professional full-time on-site construction, engineering, and observation, as well as contract management services. 01:02:20.640 --> 01:02:43.200 Also GIS survey, collection, staking, layout, storm, sewer piping, curb, gutter, lighting, and pavement improvements of both project areas. Construction observation will include material shop drawings, review and approvals, field construction engineering, required documentation, specification adherence, and required QAQC methods. 01:02:43.200 --> 01:02:48.320 and Fehr Graham will ensure the project is built in accordance with city, state, and county standards 01:02:48.320 --> 01:02:54.140 and geotechnical testing services for subgrade density, concrete sampling, and compressive strength 01:02:54.140 --> 01:03:01.620 and HMH, I'm sorry, hot mix asphalt density testing will be provided through a third-party testing agency. 01:03:02.140 --> 01:03:03.480 You could have just said yes. 01:03:04.540 --> 01:03:05.100 Sorry. 01:03:05.340 --> 01:03:06.920 I just wanted to get specific. 01:03:07.060 --> 01:03:07.880 I tried that earlier. 01:03:08.360 --> 01:03:11.600 So this resolution is for the engineering service portion of it. 01:03:11.720 --> 01:03:12.480 Madam Clerk. 01:03:12.480 --> 01:03:16.980 The bid is later on the agenda. 01:03:17.760 --> 01:03:24.960 It is nearly $950,000 and isn't 10% engineering very, very typical. 01:03:25.220 --> 01:03:26.400 I mean, that's right in line, right? 01:03:29.260 --> 01:03:30.260 Alderman Sanders. 01:03:30.740 --> 01:03:33.400 Are we talking about a parking lot still? 01:03:34.000 --> 01:03:36.200 We're talking about the engineering service of it. 01:03:36.780 --> 01:03:37.660 How much? 01:03:38.060 --> 01:03:38.800 How many dollars? 01:03:38.800 --> 01:04:02.140 If I had the evidence before me of this request of $95,000, if I had understood that and I would have studied it a little bit more in detail, my thing is what was the methodology of coming up with the total price and the bidding on it? 01:04:02.140 --> 01:04:32.120 Who's orchestrating this whole process? I'm just curious. I just want to understand how did we accumulate so much for a parking lot in engineering? I think that's a fair question. This has not been analyzed. What you're presenting does not go well with me as well as it should go with the council. 01:04:32.140 --> 01:04:59.360 Council as well, in looking in the depth of so much money into a parking lot and the engineering services that is coupled with it. I'm just at a loss right now for how we get to a parking lot with that amount of money and I don't hear my colleagues wanting to discuss that matter, whether we discuss it in public or private. 01:04:59.360 --> 01:05:25.860 We're talking about a lot of taxpayers, dollars going somewhere that council has not had an opportunity to analyze, diagnose, have an opportunity to study, had not had an opportunity to do any of these things, but yet we are to take our city manager's observation and approval of this and want to move it forward. 01:05:25.860 --> 01:05:48.840 but council has not stood to discuss this matter. We have not debated it, whether or not it's worthy for the city of Freeport, whether or not we're putting too much money in places where we have not taken time out to do our due diligence and any of these things. 01:05:48.840 --> 01:06:13.460 I'm just curious, I'm just trying to have an understanding how do we come up with this method and how do we derive at a point where council is being asked to move this forward without us being able to analyze this or have any studies with this or debate with it or whatever discussion with it. 01:06:13.460 --> 01:06:43.440 I don't care if it was public or whether it was in private, we should have at least, every one of us in council should have said something long before we got here on this particular resolution, but it's just my observation and my wanting to understand some things, so do as you please and we just move on. 01:06:43.460 --> 01:07:13.440 Well, this project came up first in the spring of 2024. We discussed it at length. We had it planned for the 2025 construction season. We ran out of time. We discussed pushing it to the 26 construction season. At that time, we have budgeted for this, and we are completely ready to go. Everything's moving forward rapidly, and I will mention that you and I haven't had a chance to meet, and a better part of 01:07:13.440 --> 01:07:21.600 every year. So if you would come to those meetings with me that I schedule every month, we would have a chance to talk about these things, and it wouldn't be such a surprise. 01:07:22.180 --> 01:07:23.120 You know what? 01:07:23.360 --> 01:07:25.300 And you don't have the floor, Alden Sanders. 01:07:25.300 --> 01:07:25.720 Okay, I'm sorry. 01:07:25.820 --> 01:07:26.160 One second. 01:07:27.240 --> 01:07:27.660 I'm sorry. 01:07:27.660 --> 01:07:39.580 So this resolution, it's just for the engineering. The bid itself is coming up shortly, and the bid actually came in significantly less than what we had anticipated and budgeted for. 01:07:40.000 --> 01:07:42.520 Okay, I understand what you're saying, Mayor. 01:07:42.520 --> 01:07:44.260 Would you like your second time, Alderman Sanders? 01:07:44.980 --> 01:07:48.780 When do you get your time to make that comment to me? 01:07:49.200 --> 01:07:50.600 I'm asking you, would you like the floor? 01:07:50.760 --> 01:07:53.780 Did you put a time on what you've made to me? 01:07:54.140 --> 01:07:55.680 Alderman Sanders, would you like the floor? 01:07:56.200 --> 01:07:57.380 I'm asking you a question. 01:07:57.400 --> 01:07:59.000 I'm the chair. I don't have a time limit. 01:07:59.360 --> 01:08:00.080 Oh, you don't? 01:08:00.240 --> 01:08:00.720 I do not. 01:08:00.720 --> 01:08:01.200 Okay. 01:08:01.200 --> 01:08:25.260 Okay. I'm just asking a question, whether or not the comment that he made is what I totally want to target and resent. But the point of the matter is I don't want to get into a debate with the city manager on what he talked about two years ago, a year or two ago. 01:08:25.260 --> 01:08:59.040 I'm saying right now we're asked to do something but council has not been refreshed on this issue nor have we had a debate on this issue nor we have not even made a decision whether we should go forward with this council has not done that and so that's all I'm asking that's all I'm saying you know but but you can you can make these 01:08:59.040 --> 01:09:26.340 I remarked comments of City Manager Boyer, that does not fly with me, okay, because I'm definitely for heart understanding when I ask a question, I'm going to be understood that this is what I'm asking for us to understand and that if council is not doing what council is supposed to be doing, then I don't have no argument with council. 01:09:26.340 --> 01:09:37.400 So, I just wanted to ask a question, and I see how we got here, so, as it may be, let it 01:09:37.400 --> 01:09:40.060 may be, so, you know, let it be. 01:09:40.540 --> 01:09:41.000 Hold on, Stacy. 01:09:42.040 --> 01:09:46.480 Yes, I just want to say, in reference to. 01:09:46.480 --> 01:10:12.400 Thanks to the comment that was made to Alderman Sanders. Often, we are faced with an ideal, a project, if you will, and then two years later, even though we voted and agreed and all the rigmarole, 01:10:12.400 --> 01:10:38.980 Two years later, now here we are again, for example, the VIDA, but then things happen that we're not informed about, like the permit being pulled, and we're wondering why things get, well, we wonder why things get held up and push back and push back and push back, and then you expect us to go back two years and remember. 01:10:38.980 --> 01:10:48.080 But we talked about this this last fall in the budget season. So it's not like it was been two years since the words have been brought up. 01:10:48.080 --> 01:11:04.020 Well, we talked about a lot in the budget season. We did. So what's before you right now is the resolution about the engineering services. If you want to come back to that. Otherwise, you have expired your two times of talking. Alderman Johnson. 01:11:04.020 --> 01:11:19.540 Yeah, this is for Darren. That's okay. Darren, about how many hours do you think are put into engineering these type of projects and how many people would be required for the engineering of this type of a job? 01:11:19.540 --> 01:11:47.080 This would be at least two full-time people. While this project's going on, it's a very detailed project because the existing lot itself is in very poor condition. It's beyond its useful life. It's been overlaid numerous times. We did geocores on the existing structure itself, and the base of the HMA that's there is actually pretty much on mud. 01:11:47.080 --> 01:12:16.980 And so one of the reasons this project is so expensive is there's going to need to be a significant undercut underneath the parking lot. And so we're not building a parking lot trying to get by for, you know, five or 10 years here. We're building a parking lot that is not going to need any work for probably the next 30. Our public works team spends a lot of time down at this parking lot cleaning up the loose stone and the asphalt. We have had numerous ADA complaints because the pavement's uneven. They can't traverse it. 01:12:17.080 --> 01:12:47.080 so and there's also a lot of things held down here for instance the farmers market is held down at this location every week during the summer so it's a quite heavily used downtown parking lot Linda off my cuff I don't know that I can give you an exact hours as always my estimate is usually on or high and if we get it done cheaper we don't charge out the full amount to the city on this 01:12:47.080 --> 01:13:09.380 bid itself came in approximately $140,000 underestimate, so we got a really good price to do it, and the funding's there right now. We're using the downtown TIF to fund most of this project, which is an investment into the downtown area itself with this parking lot being so heavily used. 01:13:10.040 --> 01:13:10.680 Okay, thank you. 01:13:13.410 --> 01:13:14.610 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:13:16.410 --> 01:13:16.890 Johnson? 01:13:17.570 --> 01:13:17.830 Aye. 01:13:18.170 --> 01:13:18.530 Simmons? 01:13:18.930 --> 01:13:46.770 Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. And Clemm? Aye. The resolution is adopted 6-2. Item number 23 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-14. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing the execution of an easement agreement with the Freeport Park District at the south entrance to Crape Park for construction of well number 12. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. 01:13:46.770 --> 01:14:16.710 As we have developed our plans, there was about a year ago, the park director came to me and said they had a drainage easement that they would actually like to discuss. It's off of Forest Road. It is the South Park entrance area. So staff is essentially working with the park district to make sure that accommodations are made for their new South Park entrance. And this is simply just an agreement saying that we're going to work together 01:14:16.710 --> 01:14:22.110 as we build out our driveway and approach and also construct the new well number 12. 01:14:22.550 --> 01:14:30.690 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 01:14:31.070 --> 01:14:50.380 Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. And Klum? Aye. 01:14:50.520 --> 01:14:53.140 The resolution is adopted 7 to 1 01:14:53.140 --> 01:14:57.920 Item number 24 is approval of the bid. Could you please read this? 01:14:58.520 --> 01:15:04.740 A bid opening was held on January 27th for paving of municipal lot and alley behind police station 01:15:04.740 --> 01:15:05.940 Manager Boyer 01:15:05.940 --> 01:15:20.180 Thank you, Your Honor. As we discussed a little bit earlier, this bid is for the reconstruction of the municipal parking lot and also the alley behind the police department. The city performed this bid opening on January 27th 01:15:20.180 --> 01:15:28.160 and we received three bids and the lowest responsive bidder is Helm at $948,714. 01:15:29.280 --> 01:15:35.900 City, we're using the majority of the TIF funds to pay for the reconstruction of the parking lot 01:15:35.900 --> 01:15:38.960 and staff recommends moving forward with the bid from Helm. 01:15:39.820 --> 01:15:40.480 Thank you. 01:15:40.560 --> 01:15:43.400 Is there a motion to approve the lowest bid? 01:15:44.340 --> 01:15:44.560 Second. 01:15:45.240 --> 01:15:48.620 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Clem. 01:15:48.940 --> 01:15:49.920 Discussion on the bid? 01:15:50.180 --> 01:16:21.350 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Is it still open for discussion? No. We've moved on. No. Sellers. Aye. And Clem. Aye. The motion is approved 6 to 2. Item number 25 is another bid. Could you please read? 01:16:21.350 --> 01:16:51.330 This bid opening was held on January 27th for janitorial services for the police station. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Periodically, the city has to bid for janitorial cleaning services. The last time we bid this, we bid the city hall and the police department together with an optional extension that would go for two years. NOP cleaning services won the bid the last time, but over the last year have realized 01:16:51.330 --> 01:17:00.190 that they underbid in terms of the total amount of materials they go through because of the 24-hour nature of the police department's operations. 01:17:00.730 --> 01:17:15.170 So we held a new bid. We received one bid, and we opened that on January 27th. It was from Knopp Cleaning Services in the amount of $9,000, and staff recommends moving forward with Knopp Cleaning Service. 01:17:15.770 --> 01:17:16.770 Motion to approve. 01:17:17.710 --> 01:17:18.030 Second. 01:17:18.030 --> 01:17:53.450 second. Maybe a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to approve the lowest bid for these services. Is there discussion on the bid? Alderman Stacy? What was the price of the other bids? We only received one responsive bid. So you only received one bid? That's correct. And that's the one we're looking at? Yes. Correct. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? 01:17:53.450 --> 01:18:30.050 Aye. Stacey? Yeah, why not? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The motion is approved 8-0. And item number 26 is the last bid. Could you please read? Another bid opening was held on January 28th for the City Hall elevator maintenance contract. Thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport from time to time has to bid the elevator 01:18:30.050 --> 01:18:37.990 Inspection and Maintenance Services for City Hall. It is a state law that we certify the elevator each year, 01:18:37.990 --> 01:18:46.650 and this time we had two bids. We opened them on January 28th, and the winning bid was a shoemaker 01:18:46.650 --> 01:18:55.510 elevator at a cost of $2,200 annually, and the bid was actually less than we had for the previous 01:18:55.510 --> 01:19:26.950 contractor which was also a bidder but was a higher bidder. So staff recommends moving forward with the shoemaker elevator bid. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the bid. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. 01:19:26.950 --> 01:19:45.990 Aye. Clem. Aye. The motion is approved 8-0. Reports from department heads. Finance? Nothing this evening. Thank you. Community development? Nothing this evening. Thank you. Public works? Nothing. Fire? I just wanted to 01:19:45.990 --> 01:19:58.030 I just wanted to thank everyone that helped out with our fire on December 30th between the city administration, public works, and our mutual aid partners that helped out. It was definitely appreciated. 01:20:00.050 --> 01:20:00.570 Police? 01:20:01.090 --> 01:20:01.450 Nothing. 01:20:02.370 --> 01:20:02.810 Library? 01:20:03.270 --> 01:20:04.130 Nothing. Thank you. 01:20:05.450 --> 01:20:10.090 IT? That leaves us with the city manager's report. 01:20:10.630 --> 01:20:15.850 Thank you, Your Honor. I do have a few things. Congratulations to Chief Cordy. 01:20:16.450 --> 01:20:34.970 and to all the promotions on the fire side and the police side as well as the awards that were given for going above and beyond the duty. Thank you, Chief Frostow, for bringing those. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that came tonight. It was a wonderful ceremony. 01:20:34.970 --> 01:20:56.090 And just to echo that, congratulations, Chief Cordy. Also, as a reminder, Council, Monday, February 16th is President's Day, so we will not have Council meeting on that day. It will be on Tuesday, the 17th, just so making sure you don't show up because the doors will be locked. Council business would be Alderman Johnson. 01:20:56.090 --> 01:21:20.990 Yeah, I just want to say thank you to the fire department and the police department for the entertaining basketball game. It was very exciting. They have some really good moves. It was kind of fun to watch. So thank you for all their efforts. And my heart goes out to the people on Clark Street that have lost their homes. I went through a fire as a child and lost our house. However, anybody can help them. 01:21:20.990 --> 01:21:26.290 I'm sure the Salvation Army in different places are taking funds for them. 01:21:26.450 --> 01:21:27.650 So thank you. 01:21:27.950 --> 01:21:28.410 Alderman Simmons? 01:21:29.350 --> 01:21:29.950 I don't have anything. 01:21:30.150 --> 01:21:30.530 Thank you. 01:21:30.930 --> 01:21:31.590 Alderman Parker? 01:21:32.050 --> 01:21:33.610 I'll just repeat what she said. 01:21:33.650 --> 01:21:37.590 It was an excellent ball game and the police department won, so I made it a little better. 01:21:39.050 --> 01:21:43.090 And congratulations to everybody that got awards tonight and recognized. 01:21:43.330 --> 01:21:44.290 I thought that was excellent. 01:21:44.410 --> 01:21:44.710 Thank you. 01:21:45.370 --> 01:21:45.850 Alderman Stacy? 01:21:46.550 --> 01:21:47.490 Nothing tonight. 01:21:47.610 --> 01:21:47.970 Thank you. 01:21:48.030 --> 01:21:48.570 Alderman Shadle? 01:21:49.050 --> 01:21:49.850 Nothing tonight. 01:21:49.850 --> 01:21:59.410 Alderman Sanders? Did I misunderstand the next council meeting would be on the 17th of this month? 01:21:59.590 --> 01:22:03.950 Correct. That's a Tuesday because we're closed on the Monday. Okay. So what's going on on the 9th? 01:22:03.950 --> 01:22:14.110 That's the committee of the whole. Oh, okay. Oh, you just, okay. Okay. I get it now. I didn't understand at first. 01:22:14.590 --> 01:22:19.830 Alderman Sellers? Yes. I just want to say we had fun at the basketball game and maybe next year they can 01:22:19.830 --> 01:22:31.130 get Linda to be a cheerleader because she was a cheerleader, but it was fun and the police department did win, but congratulations to you, Chief, for being a part. 01:22:32.810 --> 01:22:33.610 Alderman Clem? 01:22:34.070 --> 01:22:44.370 Just congratulations to everybody on the promotions and the awards for time in. We've got great staff here and it's awful nice to see them recognized. 01:22:44.370 --> 01:22:51.210 And that leaves us with public comments. Are there any public comments this evening? Yes, ma'am. 01:22:58.630 --> 01:23:19.710 How are you doing? My name is Zakiya Sanders. I haven't been up here in a while. I want to say it's cool to hear the public thanks for the fire, but I'm disturbed at why the fire lasted so long. We ignored the negligence for the fire hydrants on the east side way back a couple of meetings ago. We heard that. Our fire hydrants was frozen. We could have saved one house for sure. 01:23:19.710 --> 01:23:48.850 the fire shouldn't have been that bad. I had a friend in that fire that maybe the lady wouldn't have had to jump out the window if we would have paid attention to the fire hydrants and it wouldn't have been frozen. That won't be made public because that's, you know, somebody else's fault. But I think it's a load of crap that we don't have enough water and we had to wait for our neighboring communities to come and put a fire out. That fire, that house is down to the ground. The owner may or may not have insurance. 01:23:49.710 --> 01:24:18.210 due to the fact that maybe that house could have been saved is my point. And somebody needs to, I hope that that taught the fire department a lesson to go around and look at and maintenance every fire hydrant just in case. Then we're talking about building apartments downtown above everything. Anybody been in some of those apartments up there? Them is the most raggediest buildings I've ever seen. So I hope that the electrical gets fixed in there before anybody commonly tries to live up there. Pay close attention to that electrical. 01:24:18.210 --> 01:24:47.530 Michael. Then I want to say, like, about this parking lot that we want to stick so much money in. This is a city manager that knows that we are facing homelessness. A lady died. We can't find no other use for no money. Sit there, no shake, hair, breathe deep, what you usually do. We're used to that. But what I'm saying is this. We can't find no use and get to the root of all the problems in here, but we can go spend money on a very unimportant parking lot. We have a lot of root problems here, not just our streets. 01:24:48.210 --> 01:25:21.300 We don't have anywhere for people to go. What happened to the famous speech that you gave during all this election stuff, this infill housing stuff? You don't have to build an apartment building. House some people. Get some people in here. Get our population back up. Maybe somebody will come here to work, live. You're inviting poverty in here. You're just not building anything. We don't have nothing. This is the thing about giving your friends money. This ain't about building Freeport. Y'all can put a pretty blanket over whatever you want. 01:25:21.320 --> 01:25:57.180 but this is a real ugly way and I hope y'all know that God is not going to help y'all get all the way to the promised land by deceiving your constituents and that you were supposed to serve. All the yes men on the panel just saying yeah, get ready. Are there any other public comments? Not? I'll entertain. Yes, Mr. Teekle. Yes. You want to go to the podium? If you want me to, sir. Please. Yes. I want to address the comments on frozen fire hydrants. 01:25:57.300 --> 01:26:26.500 Those comments are untrue. We did not have frozen fire hydrants during this fire. That has been a misconception that has spread around the city of Freeport. Those are old hydrants and they operate very hard. Our Publix Works team was on the scene immediately and opened those hydrants and the fire department started to use them. Everything else that has been distributed around Freeport is unfactual, not correct, and should stop. 01:26:26.500 --> 01:26:52.860 Leave it to the experts. Those houses were fully engulfed before the fire department got there and we did the best we could to help in the situation. Everyone in the city of Freeport dropped what they were doing to respond and help. And so as long as we're going to deal with facts, the facts show that the fire hydrants worked in extremely rough conditions along with the fire department. So thank you. 01:26:52.860 --> 01:26:58.780 If there's no further public comments, I will entertain a motion to adjourn 01:26:58.780 --> 01:26:59.540 So move 01:26:59.540 --> 01:27:00.120 Second 01:27:00.120 --> 01:27:03.200 We have a motion made by Sellers, seconded by Shadle 01:27:03.200 --> 01:27:05.340 All those in favor, signify by saying aye 01:27:05.340 --> 01:27:05.720 Aye 01:27:05.720 --> 01:27:07.020 Have a good evening 01:27:07.020 --> 01:27:09.720 That was good 01:27:09.720 --> 01:27:15.140 No, it's really fun 01:27:15.140 --> 01:27:18.120 Living the dream 01:27:18.120 --> 01:27:22.360 The engine was fuel that was fuel that did have fuel. 01:27:24.480 --> 01:27:25.840 Oh, you will get it. 01:27:26.720 --> 01:27:28.480 Could you please unplug me? 01:27:30.420 --> 01:27:31.400 Thank you. 01:27:32.760 --> 01:27:33.840 Thank you. 01:27:37.840 --> 01:27:40.600 How about the two of public orders? 01:27:40.600 --> 01:27:40.800 Yes. 01:27:41.800 --> 01:27:45.520 Both of us seen the same thing. 01:27:45.520 --> 01:27:50.300 Do you have any other events that you have? 01:27:50.300 --> 01:27:52.300 Well, not yet. 01:27:52.300 --> 01:27:54.360 Not yet. 01:27:54.360 --> 01:27:55.200 We're still playing. 01:27:55.200 --> 01:27:59.760 Because I was there for a while, so I'm the one that called what you did, because I heard 01:27:59.760 --> 01:28:00.540 the video fire. 01:28:00.540 --> 01:28:01.540 Absolutely. 01:28:01.540 --> 01:28:02.540 Oh, no. 01:28:02.540 --> 01:28:03.540 Thank you. 01:28:03.540 --> 01:28:04.540 Yes. 01:28:04.540 --> 01:28:05.540 Yes. 01:28:05.540 --> 01:28:06.540 Yes. 01:28:06.540 --> 01:28:07.540 Thank you. 01:28:07.540 --> 01:28:08.540 Yes. 01:28:08.540 --> 01:28:09.540 Yes. 01:28:09.540 --> 01:28:10.540 Thank you. 01:28:10.540 --> 01:28:11.540 We went to Chicago. 01:28:11.540 --> 01:28:12.540 Yeah. 01:28:12.540 --> 01:28:13.540 I set up the fill site. 01:28:13.540 --> 01:28:14.540 I ran the hydrant for the tankers. 01:28:14.540 --> 01:28:15.020 Tankers.