WEBVTT 00:00:00.750 --> 00:00:26.900 Good evening. Pastor Anna, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:35.170 --> 00:00:52.950 Good evening, everyone. With deepest respect for each one of you, let us take a moment to offer a prayer for our city and for those who serve it, asking for guidance, peace, and blessing for our city. 00:00:52.950 --> 00:01:08.310 Proverbs 11.4 says, Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counsels, there is safety. 00:01:09.690 --> 00:01:22.650 Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the city of Freeport and for those entrusted with leadership and public service. 00:01:22.950 --> 00:01:52.350 We ask you to grant wisdom, understanding, and integrity to the mayor, council, members, and all officials present. May every decision be guided by trust, justice, and a genuine desire to serve the common good. We pray for unity, peace, and clarity during this meeting. 00:01:52.950 --> 00:01:58.710 and we ask for your blessing over the city and its people. 00:01:59.610 --> 00:02:02.690 We commit this time into your hands. 00:02:03.050 --> 00:02:04.790 In the name of Jesus, amen. 00:02:05.110 --> 00:02:05.410 Amen. 00:02:06.870 --> 00:02:08.750 We'll officially call this meeting to order. 00:02:08.850 --> 00:02:10.310 Madam Clerk, please call the roll. 00:02:10.830 --> 00:02:11.310 Mayor Miller. 00:02:11.570 --> 00:02:11.810 Here. 00:02:12.570 --> 00:02:13.550 Alder Persons-Klemm. 00:02:13.730 --> 00:02:13.970 Here. 00:02:14.970 --> 00:02:16.610 Johnson is absent. 00:02:16.770 --> 00:02:17.090 Simmons. 00:02:17.470 --> 00:02:17.750 Here. 00:02:18.350 --> 00:02:18.710 Parker. 00:02:19.050 --> 00:02:19.270 Here. 00:02:19.550 --> 00:02:19.870 Stacy. 00:02:20.550 --> 00:02:20.850 Here. 00:02:21.170 --> 00:02:21.450 Shadle. 00:02:21.910 --> 00:02:22.110 Here. 00:02:22.470 --> 00:02:22.790 Sanders. 00:02:22.950 --> 00:02:24.270 And Sellers 00:02:24.270 --> 00:02:29.030 If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Parker 00:02:29.030 --> 00:02:53.390 And item number four is approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? 00:02:53.390 --> 00:03:23.370 So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Item number five is approval of the minutes from the committee. The whole meeting held on January 12, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Next is item number 00:03:23.370 --> 00:04:04.000 number six, which are employee recognitions. Chief Cordy. Adam. Adam Holtz, who's a firefighter with the city of Freeport, has shown great character in being the candidate to receive the Firefighter of the Year Award. He's not only a member of the Freeport Fire Department, he also gives his free time as a paramedic with Lemon's Ambulance in Lena. He has extensive history and background in wildland firefighting, 00:04:04.020 --> 00:04:09.560 and has been deployed across the country in a couple of different deployments when needed. 00:04:10.660 --> 00:04:14.640 As a consummate leader, patient, knowledgeable, self-motivated. 00:04:15.600 --> 00:04:19.640 He's instrumental in the setup of our first-due record management system. 00:04:21.020 --> 00:04:27.880 He leads by example, arrives to work early with a positive attitude and never hesitates to assist whenever needed, 00:04:28.260 --> 00:04:31.320 and especially in all my little projects that I have all the time. 00:04:34.020 --> 00:04:54.280 He's here with his wife, Melissa, and a couple of his children. He was hired in 2007. He's currently our EMS coordinator, appointed in 2020. Part of this, the Mavis Division 17 Hazardous Materials Team was giving the Life Safety Award in 2022. 00:04:54.280 --> 00:05:13.400 Two. He works normally as a paramedic and a driver engineer, but also works out of class as a lieutenant for quite a bit of the year for us. He's a firefighter three, officer one, instructor one. He's a fire investigator and inspector and a hazmat tech. 00:05:24.700 --> 00:05:25.260 Wow. 00:05:25.260 --> 00:05:27.080 You can help it. 00:05:27.940 --> 00:05:32.700 Well, if you guys can't stand up, if you want your family to come up, you can certainly. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:35.340 Of course I do. 00:05:37.340 --> 00:05:38.380 Anyway, I can take you. 00:05:48.100 --> 00:05:49.600 Nobody wants to stand next to me. 00:05:50.260 --> 00:05:51.100 I'll stand next to you. 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:52.880 Here we go. 00:05:53.260 --> 00:05:53.620 Great job. 00:05:56.280 --> 00:05:56.880 Thank you. 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:57.440 You're welcome. 00:05:57.760 --> 00:05:58.120 Thank you. 00:06:00.660 --> 00:06:01.300 I know. 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:04.860 I wasn't up working on a 10-hour cabinet project. 00:06:08.790 --> 00:06:09.470 Thank you. 00:06:10.950 --> 00:06:13.110 Next is Chief Frosto, Manager Boyer. 00:06:23.050 --> 00:06:24.310 Sorry, but we got to look the part. 00:06:26.030 --> 00:06:27.190 She thought it was. 00:06:33.560 --> 00:06:53.090 This award goes to Justin Daniel Holden, who started with the Freeport Police Department and has an auxiliary member in December of 2017 and was then hired as a full-time police officer. 00:06:53.290 --> 00:07:23.270 on March 28th, 2018. He exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service. Throughout the year, he has consistently demonstrated sound judgment, reliability, and a strong work ethic while carrying out his duties. His commitment to the mission of the department is evident in the way he approaches each assignment with preparedness, accountability, and respect for policy and procedure. Whether handling routine responsibilities or complex situations, Justin remains calm, focused, 00:07:23.290 --> 00:07:27.530 and driven by a genuine desire to serve the community with fairness and compassion. 00:07:28.350 --> 00:07:34.170 Beyond individual performance, Justin is a valued team member who positively influences those around him. 00:07:34.450 --> 00:07:39.610 He joined the gang unit in 2021 and was appointed as a gang detective in April of 2023. 00:07:40.370 --> 00:07:44.370 Throughout his short tenure in this position, he has received the following recognitions. 00:07:44.890 --> 00:07:47.810 Officer of the Year Award in 2021 and in 2025. 00:07:47.810 --> 00:07:56.430 Mayor to Roar for seizing over 100 firearms in 2024 and has seized over $100,000 in narcotic forfeiture. 00:07:56.950 --> 00:08:07.670 His professionalism fosters trust among peers and supervisors alike and his interactions with the public reflects credit upon themselves and the department, which I'm very, very proud of. 00:08:08.170 --> 00:08:13.470 He is married to Elizabeth Holden and has two German Shepherds, Nova and Allie. 00:08:15.050 --> 00:08:15.810 Please come up. 00:08:16.630 --> 00:08:17.750 We're going to stand on the side. 00:08:17.810 --> 00:08:56.270 Okay, and I am happy to also present one last award for the year, and Justin, you were selected as the City Employee of the Year as well. Obviously, you've done a tremendous amount to support the department, done an excellent job within the community, and you really deserve this recognition, so I just want to say thank you. 00:08:56.270 --> 00:09:45.160 Okay, we'll move on to item number seven, which is public comment. Can you look and see if there's anybody signed up? None? Just okay. Then we will move on to item number eight, which is Freeport Campus Life, a Ministry of Stateline Youth for Christ, presented by Bishop Groslinger. 00:09:45.160 --> 00:10:00.000 Hello. Hello, all. Hi. Madam Mayor, ladies and gentlemen of the council, my name is Bishop Grosinger and I'm from the Freeport area. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:03.020 Bishop Grosinger, and I'm from the Freeport area, and I work for an organization called Youth for Christ. 00:10:03.880 --> 00:10:08.760 I think we can all agree that Freeport is a needy place. When we look at Freeport, there's a lot of 00:10:08.760 --> 00:10:15.240 brokenness in our city. The Freeport community is needy. A huge part of any community is its youth. 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:20.780 Freeport's no different, and myself and Youth for Christ have a huge heart for serving the community 00:10:20.780 --> 00:10:26.160 of Freeport in a number of different ways. We're planning on doing this through Freeport Campus Life. 00:10:26.160 --> 00:10:33.810 Freeport Campus Life is committed to mentoring young people where they are. We seek to help young people 00:10:33.810 --> 00:10:39.410 navigate the pivotal years of middle and high school, uncovering God's story of hope in their lives. 00:10:40.110 --> 00:10:45.590 So our plan is to start a community of students where they can build relationships with trusted adults. 00:10:46.390 --> 00:10:51.130 Through these relationships, we'll be able to help these students navigate through these tough times of middle and high school. 00:10:51.670 --> 00:10:54.670 These years are so influential in these young people's lives. 00:10:54.670 --> 00:11:08.050 In the age of social media, anxiety, depression, bullies, mental health scares, and all the other concerns in the minds of middle and high school students, we intend to get them connected. 00:11:08.750 --> 00:11:17.050 We want to meet their stories where they are, share our stories and how we've navigated through these tough times, and ultimately show them how our stories connect to God's story. 00:11:18.290 --> 00:11:23.350 We want to share the hope that we have with the students of Freeport, to give them hope when they feel hopeless. 00:11:23.350 --> 00:11:53.330 We intend to have a safe place for students to hang out after school and make relationships with trusted adults who can lead them well and give them direction. We will also have weekly meetings filled with fun, games, and best of all, free food. It's a safe place to be in community and fellowship with one another and other students. We want to give students the opportunity to succeed, to have a place to go, to have people to look up to and to mentor them, and people who are dedicated to them and their futures, people who truly care for them. 00:11:53.350 --> 00:12:23.330 you don't have to have everything figured out to come to campus life we will love them all the same there's also more good news is that we've seen this model in this this campus life work there's a thriving group in Harlem right now and I'm gonna invite my friend Joey up to share a little bit about this I just want to reiterate our gratefulness to be here in front of you this evening now it's been my pleasure to lead Harlem campus life 00:12:23.330 --> 00:12:52.670 for the last three years. Our group started in 2019 about six years ago and going on seven years ago with just four or five Harlem students in a small office across the street from Sand Park Pool in Loves Park. Because of the value that the students saw in our program as well as the parents and even teachers and administrators in the school, we saw our group go from just a few students in that little office to what you see here in this picture. 00:12:53.330 --> 00:13:19.850 Exponential Growth. This is this year's yearbook picture for Harlem Campus Life. Now, we are grateful for the number of students that have come our way. However, we care more about just the quantity of students that we're reaching. We're passionate about each student not only escaping some of their limiting circumstances, but also achieving their full potential. 00:13:19.850 --> 00:13:43.030 Let me tell you about a student named Lexi. This is Lexi. Lexi was one of those first four or five students in that little office seven years ago. And she actually writes, I was first introduced to campus life in my senior year of high school because of the circumstances of the world. 00:13:43.030 --> 00:14:13.010 if you remember 2020 there was a few circumstances going on around her she says because of the circumstances of the world I could have easily fallen into a dark space thankfully because of the community I developed and nurtured through campus life I was provided a space to connect with other people I had known for years in a way that I hadn't before it was really special to have a space to discuss my faith with my friends in a way I wouldn't have been able to otherwise having leaders from all different walks of life and 00:14:13.010 --> 00:14:20.450 seeing how their choices led to where they are now was really helpful for me. Now that Lexi has graduated 00:14:20.450 --> 00:14:25.890 college, not just high school, but graduated college, she's actually come back to Harlem Campus Life. She's 00:14:25.890 --> 00:14:33.310 there right now as our group is meeting, and she's now pouring into students that are coming up behind 00:14:33.310 --> 00:14:39.950 her. So because of the adults that mentored her and her life, she's now pouring into the ones that are 00:14:39.950 --> 00:15:09.950 coming up behind her. And Lexi is just one of the many stories of hope. We've watched students go from being arrested to leading their peers with integrity. We've watched them go from failing all their classes to graduating with honors. We've even watched some go from threatening suicide to helping others navigate that tricky landscape of mental health. So our passion is to similarly assist Freeport high school students to uncover God's story as 00:15:09.950 --> 00:15:32.300 as it relates to their story. Thank you. Amen. Thank you, gentlemen. Any questions for the presentation on campus life? Thank you. Next, we will move on to item number nine, which is a presentation of the 2025 annual report. Manager Boyer. 00:15:46.020 --> 00:15:56.140 Good evening, Mayor, Council, and members of the community. Tonight's theme for the 2025 annual report is momentum. Momentum is a measurable 00:15:56.140 --> 00:16:05.690 progress sustained over time. It's the alignment of strategy, discipline, and execution. Our strategic 00:16:05.690 --> 00:16:12.730 framework guides budgeting, staffing, capital planning, and daily execution. Everything presented this evening 00:16:12.730 --> 00:16:19.310 ties directly to infrastructure modernization, public safety stabilization, neighborhood strength, 00:16:19.550 --> 00:16:25.750 financial stewardship, and community engagement. The goal is not activity. The goal is progress. 00:16:25.750 --> 00:17:06.960 This year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved three and a half miles of roadway and that ties back to our strategic plan of reliable strong infrastructure obviously these are our focus areas for the entire strategic plan including safe and inclusive community responsive efficient government connected and accessible community strong private public partnerships quality communications effective land use and 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:44.360 Vibrant Arts and Culture. Those are the primary tenets of our 2023 through 2025 strategic plan. However, we do have a new one, but we were achieving this year's accomplishments based on our previous strategic plan. That's why we're looking at that tonight. Next slide, please. So our public work strategy focuses on moving from reactive maintenance to planned infrastructure renewal. We are targeting sustained pavement cycles. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:18:16.380 We are working on ADA compliance and making sure that our ramps and disabled infrastructure is maintained and repaired Also, we are doing the full lead service line elimination and a long-term water and wastewater modernization projects The outcome is reliability and long-term cost control. If you would please move. Okay, we've got it. Thank you. Nope, you got it. 00:18:16.400 --> 00:18:47.940 going back to that last one. So this year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt. As I mentioned, we are originally our goal included eight miles per year. However, with current funding limitations, that has been changed and reduced to kind of align with what our resources are available. But this last year we did three and a half miles. The previous year, I think we did seven, six and a half, seven miles. So we're making progress achieving that. 00:18:48.040 --> 00:19:02.800 We also handled more than 5,000 residential calls down at the yards for service, approximately 500 more than 2024, and that increase reflects, again, more engagement with the community. 00:19:02.800 --> 00:19:32.780 We replaced 53 disabled ramps this year bringing the total to nearly 400 that have been reconstructed since 2021. This represents again more progress toward fully accessible compliance. The outcome is improved pavement conditions, improved accessibility, and improved service reliability. Additionally, we successfully negotiated a successor agreement for our AFSCME labor agreement. 00:19:32.800 --> 00:19:39.800 as well as installed 13 miles of fiber optic network citywide for high-speed internet. 00:19:41.830 --> 00:19:44.470 If you could go ahead and go to the next one. 00:19:45.630 --> 00:19:48.350 In addition, we had 281 trees. 00:19:48.470 --> 00:19:52.810 As you can see, that was an increase of 20 trees from 24. 00:19:53.530 --> 00:19:57.990 We installed eight EV chargers, improved street lighting. 00:19:57.990 --> 00:20:08.160 Improved street lighting, had 78 dog-related calls that were dealt with humanely and safely with our animal control officer, as I mentioned before, 53 ADA ramps. 00:20:08.860 --> 00:20:17.440 So some of the projects that were completed this year, you'll see on the far left, that's 18th Avenue in the Arcade. 00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:24.080 That was actually a project that worked hand in glove with a solar project. 00:20:24.080 --> 00:20:54.060 project. We had asked and did receive funding from the solar company to resurface 18th Avenue. Also, you'll see Black Hawk Avenue as well. That's right in front of Black Hawk School. That project was not only benefiting the school, but also getting out some fully depreciated pavement surface. On the far right, you see Cleveland Street. That was between West and Locust and completed that project from a previous year that we had done. 00:20:54.080 --> 00:21:01.980 had done on Cleveland. Next slide, please. Here's a few aerials as well. This is West Stevenson and the Park Boulevard 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:13.540 intersection. We did, I think we did from, on Stevenson, from Park Boulevard to Greenfield, and then there was a 00:21:13.540 --> 00:21:19.280 much degraded intersection there in the middle that required gas main relocation and a whole lot of 00:21:19.280 --> 00:21:27.640 utility relocates, but we were able to accomplish that. And we also took the Stevenson Street from four 00:21:27.640 --> 00:21:33.700 lanes to two with a center turn lane and walk-right infrastructure on the edges. Go ahead, next one. 00:21:35.100 --> 00:21:41.460 We've got Carroll Avenue. That was reconstructed. That was a contracted out project that Helm accomplished 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:49.000 for us. We did end up running into an unexpected manhole issue at the intersection of Carroll and 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:56.300 Galena, that manhole was fully reconstructed, ensuring that all the work that we did on Carroll will last a very long time. 00:21:57.080 --> 00:22:00.400 And also on the right there, you can see Greenfield. 00:22:01.400 --> 00:22:06.740 That's kind of part of a larger project that we've been working on, but that was from Stephen to Locust. 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:14.180 That was completed this year, and that also connects with the section of Greenfield from Stevenson to Pearl City Road. 00:22:15.800 --> 00:22:16.600 All right. 00:22:16.600 --> 00:22:35.840 So, water main breaks this year totaled about 30, that's five fewer than last year, and we're hoping with some adjustments that were made to the startup geometry on our pumps, that'll have a positive impact even more so in 2026. 00:22:36.660 --> 00:22:45.220 The reduction overall is confirming our proactive water main replacement is also assisting with the reduction in water main breaks. 00:22:45.220 --> 00:23:07.500 We installed 50 new hydrants and replaced 373 lead service lines this year, bringing the total to nearly 2,000, and we are in Phase 4, which is essentially kicking off shortly. That'll be our final construction on lead services, and we will have, once complete, we will have all the lead services completely remediated within the city limits. 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:41.180 Also we continue to work on phase one of the wastewater treatment plant modernization and the outcome there is to gain regulatory compliance and long-term replacement on that. Go ahead to the next slide. Thank you. So community economic development strategy our focus remains neighborhood stabilization, blight reduction and transit accessibility. The outcome we are pursuing is property stabilization workforce 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:49.930 Force, Access, and Private Investment Confidence. Let's move on to the next one. So Code Enforcement handled 00:23:49.930 --> 00:24:00.790 essentially 8,200 cases this year, a 59% increase over 2024, and that reflects stronger accountability 00:24:00.790 --> 00:24:11.250 and improved neighborhood standards. We also completed 49 demolitions, issued 761 building permits, 00:24:11.250 --> 00:24:18.850 and that's an 11% increase over 2024. It also shows and signals some renewed private investment in our 00:24:18.850 --> 00:24:27.110 community. On the Pretzel City Area Transit, we delivered over 45,000 rides and continued planning 00:24:27.110 --> 00:24:34.770 toward our structured routes. The outcome is improved economic participation. We also hired and onboarded 00:24:34.770 --> 00:24:39.850 Gertrude Heimerdinger, our new Community Development Director, and in her department, a new Administrative 00:24:39.850 --> 00:25:10.550 Assistant, Katie. So thank you. Go ahead and move forward with the next one. Human Resources, the city operates with 202 employees. We hired 32 in 2025 with 25 separations and five retirements. Succession planning, recruitment efforts, and strong bargaining contracts are strengthening workforce stability and operational continuity. This is Dovie's favorite slide. 00:25:10.550 --> 00:25:16.190 the clerk's office processed 213 FOIA requests this year. 00:25:16.330 --> 00:25:24.050 That is a 122% increase in FOIA requests based on 2021. 00:25:25.290 --> 00:25:32.930 So that is something that we're going to continue to work on, and we may be coming back to you on some of the needs there. 00:25:33.430 --> 00:25:36.150 We passed 159 resolutions. 00:25:36.150 --> 00:26:04.490 As you all know, resolutions can be all kinds of actions of government, but it does show you that we are getting things done. And that is 165% higher than 2019. Administrative capacity is tracking alongside activity, making material impacts in the community. So every resolution obviously has an outcome. And every outcome has an impact positively to the community. Next slide, please. 00:26:06.150 --> 00:26:22.790 So, police strategic goals, the police department continues layered staffing, technology deployment, and community engagement strategies. The outcome is sustained reduction in serious incidents and strengthened community trust. Next, please. 00:26:22.790 --> 00:26:38.460 Shots fired incidents totaled 23 in 2025, which is 57 fewer than in 2020, or 71% reduction since 2020. 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:47.220 The department recovered 93 firearms this last year, hired seven officers, and conducted 50 neighborhood watch meetings. 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:51.420 The outcome is measurable stabilization of the public safety conditions. 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:57.860 In addition, we hired and onboarded our new Chief of Police, Jacqueline Frosto. 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:09.400 On the Fire Department side, the Fire Department responded to 6,035 calls, including 5,156 EMS responses. 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:15.820 More than 350 inspections were conducted and 187 smoke alarms installed. 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:20.740 The outcome here is proactive risk reduction and improved life safety. 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:24.700 Technically not falling in 2025 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:29.020 Also we've brought on Fire Chief Cordy 00:27:29.020 --> 00:27:31.060 So welcome aboard, Fire Chief 00:27:31.060 --> 00:27:32.620 Next 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:35.400 Public Library 00:27:35.400 --> 00:27:39.940 The library circulated 198,000 books 00:27:39.940 --> 00:27:43.480 An 85% increase over last year 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:47.500 Youth attendance reached nearly 24,000 participants 00:27:47.500 --> 00:28:01.840 and the outcome is strengthen educational engagement and community connection. So excellent job at the library moving all those statistics in that it is really quite something when you think it's an 85% increase from 2024. 00:28:05.320 --> 00:28:16.620 Please, next slide, please. Thank you. Finance, the city received another clean audit opinion we have for several years and council approved a balanced budget in 2026. 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:24.480 So more than $50,000 in grants and approaching $80 million at this point have been secured since 2020 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:29.860 The outcome is accelerated infrastructure modernization without excessive taxpayer burden 00:28:29.860 --> 00:28:35.640 So these are many ways we are watching the taxpayers, working toward the taxpayers' interests 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:38.360 Next one, please 00:28:38.360 --> 00:28:45.500 IT, the IT department achieved more than 542,000 emails 00:28:45.500 --> 00:29:18.780 and prevented approximately 1,600 network level cyber incidents. They also migration to the Office 365 and support for the new 911 system improved operational resilience and security. Communication, the city now has, obviously these are our strategic goals for communication. Go ahead and go to the next slide here. 00:29:18.780 --> 00:29:36.040 The city now has 9,600 Facebook followers, a 30% increase on last year. We reached 7.5 million views, an 1,800% increase on previous years. That expansion strengthens transparency and public awareness for city operations. 00:29:36.040 --> 00:29:56.090 Um, recognition, uh, the city's received several recognition, outside recognitions, uh, one is the, uh, Gold, uh, Water Ambassador Award, we also received, um, Tree City, USA designation again, we're a solar-friendly city, and the Illinois Department of Public Health 00:29:56.090 --> 00:30:26.480 City, and the Illinois Department of Public Health recognition for water quality and national recognition as a desirable place to retire validate the discipline and standards we are applying locally. So we are not without outside recognition. And if you will just stand by on that last slide there. So it is important to distinguish between maintenance and transformation. Maintenance includes calls handled, permits processed, 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:54.320 e-mails archived. Those are essential daily functions that keep the city operating. They are the foundation of service delivery, but maintenance alone does not change the trajectory of the city. Transformation is different. Transformation includes Well 12 construction. It includes wastewater modernization. It includes full lead service line elimination. It includes multi-year corridor reconstructions. 00:30:54.320 --> 00:30:56.640 It includes cybersecurity hardening 00:30:56.640 --> 00:30:59.620 It includes disciplined financial stewardship 00:30:59.620 --> 00:31:02.180 Maintenance keeps the lights on 00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:06.000 Transformation strengthens the foundation for the next generation 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:09.340 Over the past several years, we have focused on both 00:31:09.340 --> 00:31:14.760 Maintaining service levels while investing in long-term structural improvements 00:31:14.760 --> 00:31:17.560 That balance is what creates momentum 00:31:17.560 --> 00:31:19.500 Please go to the next one 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:24.990 Momentum requires honesty 00:31:24.990 --> 00:31:54.990 EMS demands continue to rise that's not unique to Freeport it is a national trend but it affects staffing response models and cost structures many parts of our infrastructure remain aged we have made significant progress but replacement cycles take time and discipline workforce recruitment remains competitive multiple municipal governments compete in tight labor markets and we must continue building internal 00:31:54.990 --> 00:32:02.590 Pipelines, and Succession Planning. Long-term revenue diversification remains necessary. Infrastructure 00:32:02.590 --> 00:32:09.370 modernization service stability require sustained funding strategies. And acknowledging these 00:32:09.370 --> 00:32:17.870 realities strengthens credibility. We do not avoid challenges. We plan for them. That is responsible 00:32:17.870 --> 00:32:52.380 government. Next one, please. In the coming year, we will advance the well 12 completion, continue with wastewater phase one construction, move toward full lead service elimination, expand structured transit planning, continue corridor based infrastructure replacement, and strengthen strategic economic development coordination. Momentum must continue through discipline execution. Next slide. Freeport is not drifting. 00:32:52.640 --> 00:33:20.140 We are building systems. We are strengthening infrastructure. We are expanding public safety. We are enforcing neighborhood standards. We are protecting taxpayers. We are planning long-term. Momentum is real. However, momentum is not owned by the city manager and staff. It belongs to all of us. To the mayor and council, continue providing discipline, thoughtful leadership. Long-term investments require long-term commitment. 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:29.960 To our residents, stay engaged, maintain your properties, participate in your neighborhoods, support local business, take pride in your community. 00:33:31.040 --> 00:33:41.080 Progress requires partnership. The city will continue building systems and strengthening infrastructure, but a thriving Freeport requires alignment between leadership and community. 00:33:41.880 --> 00:33:47.800 Momentum is real. Let's protect it, let's strengthen it, and let's continue building together. Thank you. 00:33:47.800 --> 00:33:59.240 Thank you, Manager, Boyer, for that quick overview of 2025. Any questions, Counsel? Thank you. 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:05.080 Then I will move on to the next item, which is public comment. Is there any public comment this evening? 00:34:07.460 --> 00:34:17.360 Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed?