City Council - Regular Meeting

God bless everyone. I'm going to pray for start this um 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, in the name of the mighty name of Jesus, we come before you 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 plans will align with your will and justice, order and benefit for the people. We proclaim that this city works 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 role. Mayor Miller here. Alder persons Clem here. Johnson here. Simmons is absent. Parker here. Stacy. Oh, here. Simmons is here. Upon roll call. I'm sorry, Alber. Stacy, if you just say that again. Here. And Shadel here. Sanders here. Sellers here.

If you could please stand for the pledge of allegiance led by Alderman Johnson. [clears throat] I pledge algiance 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. Item number one is approval of the agenda. We have just a couple of changes in the order of the promotions. We'll we will go item number 654 and then we'll have uh two recognitions of uh life- saving awards before the service awards. So with that, is there a motion to approve? So move. Second.

We have a motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. That motion passes. Item number two is approval of the minutes from the uh council meeting on January 20th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. That motion passes. Item number three is a presentation of the uh sharps award. Um Mr. Lever, if you'd like to go to the podium. I guess my first time back. Good evening.

Good evening. Good evening. Um this is you're the first public um works agency per there's four fire departments and now you're the first public works agency to receive this the safety health and um 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. Pat, we work very closely with Pat, the street department with Randy. Congratulations, and then maybe we could get a photo with Oh, good. [laughter] Would you like to join us? Oh,

and then I brought a flag. I understand you have a flag already. And um Yeah, it's it's already flying. [laughter] It's flying. So, you have a backup. Okay. statistics get tattered tattered pretty quickly. Oh, good. Well, thank you very much. Thanks for thanks very for questions. The middle. Get in the middle. There you go. Awesome.

All right. [applause] Before we move on to our next uh just would like to make an announcement that we have learned that our former fire chief Jim Gail has passed away. And so we would like to uh observe a moment of silence if we could please. Thank you so much.

Jesus. [clears throat] All right, chief. You ready? Uhhuh. [clears throat] Is this ready to go? There it is. [clears throat] [laughter] Okay. So, if you could raise your hand, repeat after me. I, Tom Cordy, I, Tom Cordy, do solemnly swear. 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 the state constitution of the state of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of fire chief of the office of fire chief according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability according to [applause]

[applause] So, I'm gonna let you go with the next one, which would be your promotions.

So, the next one up would be Hillary Brochious, which is the new deputy fire chief. You want 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. 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 the on our department representing the city of Freeport and we feel much safer 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. Brochious 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 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. Do we clap [applause] [applause] So, while they're doing that, I'm gonna go through a little bit of a bio of Hillary. Um, she has 16 years on the department as of yesterday.

So, [applause] she was appointed to lieutenant October 5th of 2020 and foreign marshall January 19th of 2021. She's a licensed paramedic, member of the technical rescue team, certified in rope trench confined space and structural flaps rescue, 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 2, incident safety officer, public fire and life safety educator, juvenile fire center interventionist.

Wow. fire inspector 10 and two, arson investigator and fire investigator, has associates degree from Highland College and um a degree from the Illinois Police Institute in Champagne for basic law enforcement. She was the firefighter department member of the year in 2023 and she received the life safety award in 2017. the husband Daryl and children Kim, Zack, Hannah, Maddie, Avery, Belly, and Darren. Oh, wow. [applause] [applause]

Quick follow up. All right. Yes. [laughter] Oh, here they come. Huh? Oh, Sorry. [laughter] Wow. Wow.

All right. [applause] [applause] Huh.

Next up will be Matt Kyle, new district chief. Official commission the city of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission to all to whom these present shall come. 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 according to law and the ordinances of says the 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. [applause] [applause]

[clears throat]

So Matt was appointed to the department December 8th of 2006. So he's been 19 years. Promoted to lieutenant June 8th of 19, excuse me, 2019. He's a licensed paramedic with the state of Illinois, member of the the technical rescue team, um a tactical emergency um medical services member or temp advanced fire officer, fire department safety incident safety officer, fire and arson investigator, as hazardous materials technician, instructor 2, fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, has an associates degree in fire science. He received a life fire life safety award in 2022 and an EMS life savings certificate in 2017. And this is his wife Chelsea. [applause] [applause] [cough]

[laughter] [cough] [applause] [applause] That's me. [laughter]

Never mind. Mark McCull. Sorry. Official commission, the city of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission. to all to whom these present shall come. Mark D. McCulla having been duly appointed to the position of lieutenant in and for the city of Freeport in the county of Stevenson the 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 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. [applause] [applause] So Mark was appointed to the department February February 3rd of 2007. So tomorrow is his 19 years on.

Oh wow. He's also a member of the divisional technical rescue team. Um member of the foreign fire insurance board and also a member of the tactical EMS team. 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 um fire department and actually city um employee of the year in 2024

and earned an EMS life saving award in 2025. This is his wife Amy and he's got sons Luke, Matthew, and Josh. [applause] [applause] [laughter]

All right, [applause] Chris Brena, Lieutenant Official [snorts] commission city of Freeport border fire and police commission to all to whom these present shall come. Christopher J. Brennan having been been duly appointed to the position of lieutenant in and for the city of Freeport in the county of Stevenson 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 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. [applause] Chris has been on the department for 11 years. He was hired December 15th of 2014. He was a mechanic for the department from 2020 to 2023. He's a licensed paramedic with the state of Illinois. Again, member of the technical rescue team. Um member of the fire department safety committee, uh certified in fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, officer

one, instructor two, hazardous materials operations. He has a bachelor's degree. um and management systems. This is his wife Michelle. He also has uh quite a few children. [laughter] Ella, Dylan, Mariah, Xander, and a granddaughter born yesterday. Wow. [applause]

[applause]

Grandma's over there. [applause]

[laughter] That's that one comes later. What? Oh, he does. Oh, his wife.

I myself. [snorts] A [applause] to my wife Jean, my mother Colleen, my sister Mary, my daughter-in-law Kai, and son Okay.

All right. [applause] Okay, next we're going to move on to police department promotions with Chief Frostto. Daniel Moore.

[laughter]

You want all of it or you want that first official commission city of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission to all to whom these present shall come. Daniel Moore having been duly appointed to the office or corporal in and for the city of Freeport in the county of Stevenson 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 by order of the board of fire and police commission. [applause]

It's the hatch. His badge doesn't change. [laughter] [applause]

It's gonna be Ben Ben White. Benjamin White, the official commission, City of Freeport, Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all to whom these present shall come. Benjamin White having been duly appointed to the office of sergeant in and for the city of Freeport in the county of Stevenson 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 ordinance. 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. [applause] [applause]

[applause]

Brian Polish,

official commission, City of Freeport, Board of Fire and Police Commission. Yes.

To all to whom these present shall come. 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 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. [applause] All right. [applause]

[applause] Uh that's it for the promotions. However, next we have uh two life-saving awards for Corporal uh Kriger and telecommunicator Matthews.

Thank you. Timothy Kger, you are hereby commended for your swift actions on January 30th, 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. Your decisive actions, personal courage, and calm demeanor under extreme conditions contributed to saving her life. The city of Freeport and the members of the Freeport Police Department and myself are very proud of your actions. I hereby give you the life-saving award. [applause] Thank you, Sierra Matthews. Sierra Matthews, you are hereby commended for your actions on January 30th, 2026, during which you received a 911 call from a panicked caller who was trapped within a structure fire. You were able to communicate across a language barrier while maintaining control of the call which directly contributed to the successful rescue and medical treatment of the victim. The city of Freeport and the members of the Freeport Police Department and myself are very proud of your actions. You are hereby presented with the Freeport Police Department life-saving award. [applause]

[applause]

Okay, I think we're done with that. Next would be service awards. Uh, Director Richtor. Oh, man. Oh, Kathy Westby. [clears throat] Uh,

excuse me everyone. If we could just remain seated while we finish up these awards, that would be much appreciated. Thank you. Yeah.

Oh, good evening. On February 12th, Kathy Westby will be celebrating 25 years with the city of Freeport. She began her employment with the city in 2001 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 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 Westby on this incredible 25-y year career milestone. [applause] [applause] Uh, Lucind Lenor. I also have the honor of recognizing Lucinda Lenor for her 25 years of service to the city of Freeport. Lucinda is also a customer service representative in the 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, [applause] Brandon Ree, [clears throat] Ren Reese has been with the fire department for 5 years. He came to us from Lannarch uh with a little experience from down there. Um he's currently on a shift. He's a licensed paramedic with the state of Illinois. Advanced firefighter, uh, fire apparatus engineer, instructor, one, hazardous material technician, hazardous material incident command, rope operations, vehicle machinery operations, water technical rescue, [laughter] an associates degree, and his wife, uh, Cassidy and children, Kinsley and Wyatt. Thank you. [applause] Sure.

[applause]

Okay, that concludes this portion of the meeting. We will move on to item number eight, which is public comment. However, there were none signed in for this evening. Moving on to item number nine, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a member of council that would like to have something removed for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file the Historic Preservation Commission minutes from May 20th, 2025. Planning Commission, November 13, 25. The Board of Fire and Police Commission, December 23rd, 25 The Fire Department report, December 25. of the greater partnership report January 26th the approval of the finance bills payable in the total of 2,515,4139 and approval of payroll for pay period ending July or I'm sorry January 24th 2026 in the total of $61061681. Is there a motion to approve?

So move second. A motion made by Alderman Sers, seconded by Alderman Shadel. Madame clerk, could you please take the role? Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, I. Shadel, I. Sanders, I. Sellers, I. And Clem, I. The motion passes 8 to zero. Item number 10 is an appointment. Could you please read for the record? Appointment of Gertude Heimerdinger to fill a vacancy seat for the housing authority commission effective through October 31st, 2027. Is there a motion to approve? Some move. Second. Second.

We We have a motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the appointment. Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson. Simmons. I. Parker. I. Stacy I Shadel Hi Sanders I Sers I and Clem I. The motion passes 8 to zero. Item number 11 is a second reading of ordinance 202602. Could you please read 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. Uh, thank you, your honor. Uh, this was, uh, brought before council at the last, uh, full council meeting. Uh, staff is requesting the flexibility to move forward with a a $40 credit for residents that participate in our lead copper uh, sampling program, and staff recommends moving forward with the incentive. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, would you please take the role? Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, I. Shadel.

Hi, Sanders. Hi, Sers. Hi, and Clem. Hi. The ordinance passes 8 to zero. Item number 12 is the second reading of ordinance 20263. Could you please read this? 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, Madame Mayor. As previously discussed on January 20th, the good 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. Um, and they would revoke the license for three or more more calls uh with the owner in uh ineligible the following year. Only cause tied to violations of federal, state, or local laws, rules, or ordinances count. Unfounded neighborhood complaints are excluded. This policy holds property owners accountable for maintaining neighborhood peace, preserves community harmony, and limits disruption. It aligns with the strategic plan for neighborhood and housing and safe and inclusive community with no additional funding required. Uh staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance.

Thank you. [clears throat] Questions? Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, no. Shadel, I Sanders, no. Sellers, I and Clem. Hi. The ordinance passes 6 to2. Item number 13 is a second reading of ordinance 202604. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 1252 of the zoning code to allow offices of contractors as a permitted use in B1, two, and three business districts. Director Heimerhanger.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. As we discussed on the last council meeting on January 20th, uh contractor offices and shops are permitted by right only in B3, uh which excludes B1 and B2 areas where most downtown properties are zoned. Uh this proposed amendment to section 1252 01A 39.1 would allow contractor's offices used primarily for business per purposes and sample displays without fabrication or on-site storage or materials in both B1, B2 and B3 districts. This reflects modern business practices where most work is being done uh digitally or through design programs with only a small amount of samples needed and it reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers for new businesses. By updating this ordinance, the city can provide more moveinready 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. Staff recommends approval.

Questions on this ordinance? Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson, I. Simmons, hi. Parker, I. Stacy, no. Shadel, hi. Sanders, no. Sellers, hi. And Clem, I. The ordinance passes six to two. And item number 14 is the second reading of ordinance 202605. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 1252 of the zoning code to allow residential units as a permitted use above the ground floor of buildings in the central business district. Thank you, Director Himerdinger.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. As we discussed January 20th council meeting, residential units are not permitted by right in any business district. Residential uses above ground floor require a special use permit and are only allowed if certain block composition thresholds are met. On January 15th, the planning commission held the public hearing and recommended the approval of the proposed ordinance. Uh this proposed ordinance uh removes outdated regulatory hurdles and allows residential uses on upper floors that's two and above uh within the central business district when the ground floor is suitable for business use. Uh outside the central business district residential uses would still require a special use permit but with the simplified standards as the block composition thresholds have also been removed with this ordinance change. Staff recommends uh approval.

Thank you. Discussion. [clears throat] Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson, I. Simmons, hi. Parker, I. Stacy, no. Shadel, I. Sanders, no. Sellers, I. And Clem, I. The ordinance passes 6 to2.

Item number 15 is the first reading of ordinance 2026. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending part 10, streets, utilities, and public services code. Title six, other public services. Chapter 1060, Waste and Recycling Collection and Disposal. Section 10607, temporary dumpsters, trash containers, trailers, construction trailers, or equipment used for construction projects, including trailers or wagons, use on public ways, and section 106012, construction debris, containers, collection, I'm sorry, it's just those three of the codified ordinances of the city of Freeport. Thank you, Mr. Tikel.

Yes. Um to summarize this uh change to the ordinance um with many of the new streets that we're putting in around town, we have uh dumpsters that we're finding on streets. Uh matter of fact, last season we had one where the dumpster got placed 2 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 uh in this ordinance change to protect the streets and the investment that we're making throughout the communities. Um uh this was cited by our public works team as something that they want to see happen. I did talk to Gills Disposal, which is probably the largest supplier of dumpsters in the area, um and rolloff containers. Um the manager, local manager, Josh Craft, he had no problem with the changes to this ordinance. Um, again, it's to protect our streets. And I would point out after uh the hopeful approval of this, we are going to uh educate the public by pushing this out on social media. Um, we we do do permits for dumpsters for free for the first 14 days in the city of Freeport. Unfortunately, last year we only had four permits that were filed for dumpsters. Um, we would prefer that people if they want to rent a dumpster put it on their driveway or on their property instead of the in the rightway 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 rightway. So, I think this ordinance would address all of that. Again, we only had four permits filed for all of 2025.

Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So, move. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the ordinance. Bless you. Move on to to item number 16, which is the first reading of ordinance 20267. Could you please read this? 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. Thank you, Mr. Seel.

Sure. Um, this ordinance change to summarize will change the connection fees of what we uh put out annually to residents that connect to water and sewer. Currently, we have uh a mixed bag of bolts, uh if you will, on what we charge. This will be more consistent. Uh I've had uh some of the public works team comb through the ordinances. Uh we're planning on bringing many of them that need to be updated. Uh to summarize, the water connection fee will go from $1,600 for a near connection to $3,200. Uh the city is currently losing money on the $1,600 connection uh with everything that we have involved in it. When we build a new water man um to a new area, those connections would be $1,000 unless they're waved for that particular project. We usually do wave them for a short period if they connect during the project. Uh at least that's what we've done in recent years. And for any uh inspections that the city's required to perform but not do any work, uh we would charge just a $100 fee to cover our cost for that person to go out with a vehicle in time to uh cover those inspections. On the sewer side, um we would like to clean up some of the language and uh we do only give estimates on sewer connections because every sewer main is a different depth. Um and so we actually ask for $3,200 deposit. And then we get uh 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 uh including the restoration fees and everything to put the road and connections back. Uh if just to educate you, most of the sewers within the city of Freeport are are running down the center of the road. So it's quite a significant um um event to connect a new connection for sewer.

Is there a motion to move this forward? So move second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the ordinance. Item number 17 is the first reading of ordinance 202608. Could you please read this ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and/or disposal of certain personal property owned by the city. Tonight we have public works and Alberta's airport equipment. Thank you, manager.

Uh thank you, your honor. As uh as we do from time to time, we have a surplus inventory request. Um right now if you'll look at your packet there are a number of different items that are surplus from the airport and alo also from the public works department and staff is asking to move this forward to second reading so that we can uh go ahead and auction this uh surplus inventory. Is there a motion to move this forwarder? Oh seconded second um a motion made by alderman Parker seconded by alderman sellers. Discussion on the ordinance. Item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 202609. Could you please read this

resolution approving purchase and upfit of four new police vehicles from a source provider, Stevers Ford. Thank you. Uh Chief Frostto,

good evening. Um we have now currently uh about four to five squad cars that really are not working and functioning as we speak. Um after I 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 K9 unit that we have to outfit it. We have to put a lot of equipment in it as well because we do use our K9 and our and our officers in regards to having better equipment in order to patrol out there. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? Second. Motion made by Alderman Parker. Clem.

Alman Clem. Seconded by Alderman Shadel. Discussion on the resolution. [clears throat] Uh Alderman Stacy. Yes. Has there been money budgeted for this? As of now, we do have some budget budgeted money for it. However, this pricing for this company is going to be at a better price for us because we used to go to another company and they would not give us the quality type and it would be a lot higher in pricing. [snorts] But is the money budgeted for for new? Yes. Okay. Yes.

Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson, I. Simmons. Hi, Parker. Hi, Stacy. Hi, Shadel. Hi, Sanders. Hi, Sers. Hi, and Clem. Hi. The resolution is adopted 8 to Z. Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202610. Could you please read this resolution approving the purchase of two new dump bodies for the public works department's hooklift trucks from another source well provider Banell Industries. Thank you, Manager Boyer.

Uh thank you, your honor. Several years ago, we purchased two hooklift trucks complete with uh salt spreader VBOX spreaders and um leaf machines. Uh those trucks are useful during the winter and the fall, but uh 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 uh dump bodies for these trucks. So staff has uh brought to you tonight uh the request to purchase two um dump bodies for the hook lift trucks. Total amount will be $98,717.84 and that was budgeted in the 2026 budget. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second.

A motion made by Alderman Ser, seconded by Alderman Shadel. 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. Uh but we also have other dump trucks besides for this. The last time we talked about it was in the capital plan when we budgeted for them. Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson. Hi. Simmons. Hi. Parker. Hi. Stacy.

Hi. Shadel. Hi. Sanders. Hi. Sellers. Hi. And Clem. Hi. The resolution is adopted 8 to zero. Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 202611. Could 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.

Uh thank you, your honor. as PACE Analytical is uh the preeminent uh uh water supply chemical testing uh lab within the state of Illinois. Uh the city of Freeport has been using PACE as long as it's uh been in existence and before that uh when it was under a different company name. Uh as time has gone on, the testing has gotten more expensive and normally these were uh lab tests that would not necessarily come to council. It would just be part of a standard operating procedure. However, the total amount is exceeding uh $10,000 per year. So, uh that's kind of tracking with inflation and the additional cost of testing. So, staff is asking to uh uh for approval to move forward with a purchase order of PACE analytical for uh drinking water wastewater lab testing for the 2026 calendar year.

Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So, move second. Motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Madame clerk, please take the role. Johnson, I. Simmons. Parker, I. Stacy, I. Shadel, I. Sanders, hi. Sellers, I and Clem. Hi. The resolution is adopted 8 to Z. Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 202612. Could you please read this resolution approving the purchase of a utility paving compactor roller from a source well provider all toeer cat?

Thank you manager Ber. Uh thank you your honor. U 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 uh construction roller. Uh the uh price is $81,000. It comes through Alto for Caterpillar which is a source well dealer and staff requests ahead of the uh the construction season which we will need it to uh move forward with uh purchase of this uh construction roller. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made [snorts] by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Yes.

Alderman Stacy. Yes. I thought we purchased a roller. And if this was to happen, what exactly would it be used for? Um, we do own a couple of different um rollers and it'll be used for paving operations. The reason we need it is because we're getting proficient at paving and moving very rapidly. So, we found that we also we need we have the need for one additional roller. Alderman Sers. Yes. I was just going to say I see it's a a new model. How long do these um these last? Um maybe Darren has one.

Oh, so as in I put in the memo, the current one that we're using is over 20 years old and and it's needing to be retired. It's it's not efficient for as large of paving as what we were doing. It was designed to do small road patches where we're doing full streets now. So, we did buy a roller last year um 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 uh 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 paper getting work done, which extends our hours. Thank you, Alderman Stacy.

Yes. Well, I know a lot of this pavement work is is contracted out. So again, what are we talking about? Potholes, filling potholes. What are we talking about this roller being used for? So this specific roller that we're talking about will be used in the paving operations that we're actually paving the streets like we've been doing for I think this is be our fourth year doing it. 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.

But a lot of our pavement is is you know routed out of the [snorts] city. No, the last um I'm going to say the last three years for sure, uh we have been primarily paving all of the packages other than one street per year with our city crews and our paper. That's how we're reducing the cost of the streets. We uh 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 inhouse on city streets. So this is uh Stephvenson Street would be an example. Greenfield um those are streets that the city all paved this year with our equipment.

Any other discussion? Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson I. And alder person Simmons, I'm not sure you're coming across the the speaker yet. Thank you. And how do you vote on this one? I Parker I. Stacy

I Shadel Hi Sanders I Sers I and Clem I the resolution is adopted 8 to zero. Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 202613. Could you please read this 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.

Uh thank you your honor. So as we've discussed and we were working on last year we are now uh we've received bids. You'll see those later tonight for the reconstruction of the municipal parking lot and the alley behind the PD. Um, as part of that, we do need construction observation and supervision. And, uh, we are bringing this for you tonight. Uh, an agreement with Fair Graham to accomplish those items. Um, 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 uh, contract with fairground for construction oversight and supervision. Is there a motion to adopt? So move

second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sers. This is the big parking lot downtown. Okay. Thank you. That's all. Stacy.

Yes. I'm just a little disturbed that we could 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 did we have so much for a parking lot? But we had to set up a 5 years to sevenyear plan 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 uh last year. So, the uh municipal lots in really terrible condition. its downtown central location and uh it is in need of pretty serious renovation so that we can continue to support our downtown businesses and also have a something that does not look terrible in the middle of downtown 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 and what are we up to 20 plus miles yes over 20 over 20 miles

that this administration has done than any admin in ad any administration prior any. So that accusation of not doing is not accurate. Um 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. Any other discussion? Madam clerk, please take the role. Well, I have Yes. So, this 95,000 is just for the engineering services. Did I hear that correctly?

I'll be happy to go over it with you. It is uh the scope of service is uh professional full-time on-site construction engineering and observation as well as contract management services. Um also GIS survey uh collection staking layout storm uh 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 uh adherence and required QAQC methods and fair will ensure the project is built in accordance with city state and county standards and geotechnical testing services for subgrade density concrete sampling and compressive strength and HMH uh I'm sorry hot mix asphalt density testing will be provided uh through a third party testing agency.

You could have just said yes. Okay. [laughter] I just wanted to get specific. I tried that earlier. So, this resolution is for the engineering service portion of it. Uh Madame Clerk, um the the bid is later on the agenda. It it is 900 nearly $950,000 and isn't 10% engineering. Very very typical. I mean, that's right in line, right? [cough] Uh, Alderman Sanders, are we talking about a parking lot still? We're talking about the engineering service of it.

How much how many dollars? If I had 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 uh more in detail, my thing is what's what was the methodology of coming up with the total price [cough] and the bidding on it? Who's orchestrating this whole process? I'm I'm just curious. I I I I just want to understand how did we accumulate so much for a parking lot in engineering as I I I think that's a I think that's a fair question. Um this has not been analyzed. what you're presenting does not uh go well with me as well as it should go with the council as well and looking in the depth of so much money into a parking lot and the engineering services that is uh coupled with it. I'm just I'm just at a loss right now for how we get to a parking lot with that amount of with that amount of money and and I don't hear my colleagues uh wanting to discuss that matter whether we discuss it in public or private that we're talking about a lot of taxpayers dollars going somewhere that uh council has not had an opportunity to analyze diagnose have the opportunity to study had not had an opportunity to do any of these things. But yet we are to take uh our city managers uh observation and approval of this and want to move it forward. But council has not stood to discuss this matter. We have not

debated it whether or not it's worthy for the co for the city of Freeport, whether or not we're doing we're putting too much monies in places where we have not taken time out to do our due diligence and any of these things. I'm just curious. I'm just having an trying to have an understanding how do we how do we come up with this this method and how do we derive at a point where council uh uh is being asked to move this forward without us being able to analyze this or or have any studies with this or debate with it or whatever discussion with it. I don't care if it was public or whether it was in private. Uh we should have at least every one of us in council should have said something long before we got here on this partic particular resolution. But you know just my just it's just my observation and my wanting to understand some things. So do as you please and and we just move on.

Manager war. Um, 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. Uh, at that time we have budgeted for this and uh we are completely ready to go. Everything's um moving forward rapidly. Uh, and I will mention that you and I haven't had a chance to meet in better part of a 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. You know what?

And you don't have the floor. All one second. Um, so this this resolution, it's it's just for the engineering. The bid itself is coming up shortly and the the bid actually came in significantly less than what we had anticipated and budgeted for. So, okay. I I understand what you're saying, Mayor. So, would you like your second time, Alderman S? Um, what when do you get your time to make that comment to me? Make that I'm asking you would you like the floor? Did you put a time on you? What you made to me? Alderman Sanders. Would you like the floor? I'm asking you a question. I'm the chair. I don't have a time limit. Oh, you don't? I do not.

Okay. If uh my my I'm just asking a questions whether whether or not the comment that he made is re is is what I totally want to target and resent. But [clears throat] the point of the matter is I don't want to get into a bait with or to with a debate with the uh with the city manager on uh what he talked about two years ago or a year or two ago. 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 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 ask. That's all I'm saying, you know. But but uh you can uh you can uh uh um make these uh snide remark comments. Uh city manager Ber that does not fly with me. Okay. Because I'm I'm definitely for hard uh understanding. When I ask a question, I want it to be understood that this is what I'm asking for us to understand and that the and if council is not doing what council is supposed to be doing, then I don't have no argument with council, I just wanted to ask the question and uh and I see how we got here. So uh as it may be, let it may be. So, you know, let it be

Stacy.

Yes. I just want to say in reference 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 rigomearo two years later now here we are again for example the vid do but then things happen that we're not informed about like the permit being pulled and we're wondering why things get

subject well we wonder why things get held up and pushed back and pushed back and pushed back and then you expect us to go back two years and remember 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. Well, we talked about a lot in the budget season. We did. So what's before you right now is the resol 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.

Yeah, this is for Darren. That's okay. Um 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?

Um this would be uh at least two uh full-time people uh while this is projects going on. It's it's a a very uh 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 um on the uh existing structure itself and the the the base of the uh HMA that's there is actually pretty much on mud. And so one of the reasons this project's so expensive is there's going to be need to be a significant undercut underneath the parking lot. And so we're not building a parking lot trying to get by for um 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. So uh and there's also a lot of um uh things held down here. For instance, the uh farmers market is held down at this location every week uh during the summer. So um it's a quite heavily used uh downtown parking lot. Um, Linda, off my cuff, I 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. Uh, the bid itself uh came in uh approximately $140,000 underestimate. Um, so we got a really good price to do it and funding's there right now. We're using uh the downtown tiff to fund most of this project

uh which is an investment into the downtown area itself and with this uh parking lot being so heavily used. Okay. Thank you. Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson I. Simmons I. Parker I. Stacy. No. Shadel. Hi. Sanders. No. Sellers. Hi. And Clem. Hi. The resolution is adopted 6 to2. Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 202614. Could you please read this resolution authorizing the execution of an easement agreement with the Freeport Park District at the south entrance to Crepe Park for construction of well number 12.

Thank you, manager Ber. Uh thank you, your honor. As we uh have developed our plans, there was about a year ago the park uh director uh came to me and said they had a drainage uh easement that uh they would actually like to discuss. Um it's along uh the uh it's it's off of Forest Road. It is the South Park entrance area. So, uh staff is essentially working with the park district to make sure that uh accommodations are made for their new um South Park entrance. And this is uh simply just an agreement saying that we're going to work together uh as we build out our driveway and approach and also uh construct the new well number 12. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? Second.

Motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson I. Simmons. I. Parker. I. Stacy I Shadel Hi Sanders no Sers I and Clum Hi. The resolution is adopted 7 to1. Item number 24 is approval of the bid. Could you please read this? A bid opening was held on January 27th for paving of municipal lot and alley behind police station. Manager Buer.

Uh thank you your honor. Uh as we discussed a little bit earlier, uh this bid is for the reconstruction of the municipal parking lot and also the alley behind the police department. Um the city uh performed this bid opening on January 27th and the we received three bids and the lowest responsive bidder is Helm at $948,714. um city uh we we are using majority of the tiff funds to pay for the um con reconstruction of the parking lot and staff recommends moving forward with the bid from helm. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the lowest bid?

A motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Clem. Discussion on the bid. Madame clerk, please take the role. Johnson I. Simmons I. Parker, I Stacy, no. Shadel, hi. Sanders, is it still open for discussion? No, we're we've moved on. Uh, no. Sellers, I. And Clem, I The motion is approved 6-2. Item number 25 is another bid. Could you please read? This bid opening was held on January 27th for janitorial services for the police station.

Thank you, manager Ber.

Um, periodically [clears throat and snorts] the city has to uh bid for janitorial cleaning services. Uh, the last time we bid this uh we bid the city hall and the police department together um with uh an optional extension that would go for two years. Um, KnOP Cleaning Services won the bid the last time, but over the last year ha have realized that uh they under bid in terms of the total amount of uh materials they go through because of the 24-hour nature of the police department's operations. So, we held a new bid uh we received one bid um on and we opened that on January 27th. It was from KNOP cleaning services in the amount of $9,000 and staff recommends moving forward uh with KNOP cleaning service.

Motion approved. Second. Have a motion made by Alderman Clam, seconded by Alderman Sers to approve the lowest bid for uh these services. Is there discussion on the bid? Alderman Stacy. What was the price of the other bids? We only received one responsive bid. [clears throat] 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 role. Johnson. I. Simmons. Hi. Parker. Hi. Stacy. Yeah. Why not? Shadel. I. Sanders. Hi. Sellers. I.

And Clem. Hi. The motion is approved. eight to zero. And item number 26 is the last bid. Could you please read? We have money. Another bid opening was held on January 28th for the city hall elevator maintenance contract. Sorry. [snorts]

Uh thank you, your honor. Uh the city of Freeport from time to time has to bid the uh elevator inspection and maintenance services for city hall. Um it is a state law that we certify the elevator each year and uh this time we had two bids. Uh we opened them on January 28th and uh the winning bid was a shoemaker elevator in at a cost of $2,200 annually and the bid was actually less than uh we had for the previous contractor which was uh also a bidder but was a higher bidder. So, uh, staff recommends moving forward with, uh, the shoemaker elevator bid. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So, move. Second.

A motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the bid. Madam clerk, please take the role. Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, I. Shadel, hi. Sanders, hi. Sellers, hi. Clem, hi. The motion is approved. 8 to zero. Reports from department heads. Finance. Uh, nothing this evening. Thank you. Community development. Nothing this evening. Thank you. Public works, nothing. Fire.

I just wanted to thank um everyone that helped out with our fire on December 30th. Um, between the the city administration, public works, and our mutual aid partners that helped out um was definitely appreciated. Police, nothing. Library, nothing. Thank you. It uh that leaves us with the city manager report.

Uh thank you, your honor. I do have a few things. Congratulations to all the uh to to Chief Cordy uh and to all the promotions on the fire side and the police side as well as uh the the awards uh that were given for uh going above and beyond the duty. Thank you. uh Chief Frostto for bringing those. Um I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that came tonight. It was a wonderful ceremony.

And just to echo that, congratulations, Chief Cordy. Uh also, as a reminder, council, um 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. Uh council business would be Alderman Johnson. Um, yeah. I just want to say thank you to the fire department and the police department for the entertaining basketball game [laughter] and it was very exciting. They have some really good moves. It was kind of fun to watch. Um, 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 so and lost our house. So, um, however anybody can help them, um, I'm sure the Salvation Army and different places are taking funds for them. So, thank you,

Alman Simmons. I don't have anything. Thank you, Alderman Parker. Uh, just repeat what she said. It was an excellent ball game and the police department won. So, [laughter] made it a little better. And congratulations to everybody that got awards tonight and recognized. I thought that was excellent. Thank you, Alderman Stacy. Nothing tonight. Thank you. Alderman Shadel, nothing tonight. Alderman Sanders, did I uh misunderstand uh the next council meeting would be on the 17th of of this month? Correct. It's a Tuesday because we're closed on the Monday. Okay. So, what's going on on the 9th? That's the uh that's the committee of the whole. Oh, okay. Oh, you just Okay.

Okay. I get it now. I didn't I didn't understand at first. [snorts] Sellers. Yes. So, I just want to say we had fun at the basketball game and maybe next year they can get uh Linda to be a cheerleader cuz she was a cheerleader. But it was fun and the police department did win. But um congratulations to you, Chief, for being a part.

Uh just congratulations to everybody on the promotions and the uh awards for time in. We've got great staff here and uh it's awful nice to see them recognized. And that leaves us with public comments. Are there any public comments this evening? Yes, ma'am. How you doing? My name is AK Sanders. I ain't been up here in a while. Uh, I want to say it's is it's it's cool to hear the public thanks for the fire, but I'm disturbed at why the fire lasted so long. Uh, we we ignored the the negligence for the fire hydrants on the east side way back a couple meetings ago. We heard that our our fire hydrants was frozen. We could have saved one house for sure. The fire shouldn't have been that bad. I had a friend in that fire that maybe the lady wouldn't 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 due to the fact that maybe that that house could have been saved is my point. And and and somebody needs to I hope that that taught the fire department a lesson to go around and look at and 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. 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.

Ignore Shake. here. Do what you usually do. That's we 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. We don't have anywhere for people to go. What happened to the famous speech that you gave during all this election stuff? This infield housing stuff. You don't have no 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 inviting poverty in here. You're just not building anything. We don't have nothing. This is a thing about giving your friends money. This ain't about building Freeport. Y'all can put a pretty blanket over whatever you want, 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 just saying yeah get ready.

Are there any other public comments? Not I'll entertain. Yes, Mr. Tele. Yes. You want to go to the podium if you want me to. Sure. Please.

Yes. Uh I want to address the comments on frozen uh fire hydrants. Those comments are untrue. Uh we did not have frozen fire hydrants during this fire. That has been a misconception that has spread around the city of Freeport. Uh those are old hydrants and they operate very hard. Our public's 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. Leave it to the experts. Uh 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.

If there's no further public comments, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move. Second. We have a motion made by sellers, seconded by Shadel. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Have a good evening. All right. That's like how you doing? No, it's really funny. As good as living that did. Oh, you were good as could you please unplug me? Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

How about a public? called both of us seen the same thing. Um, do you have any other

heard? Thank you. [clears throat] Yes. Thank you. We went to Chicago. Yeah, I set up I ran hydrant for the tankers.

Yeah, you