City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Brady, could you please give the invocation?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'll be reading from Psalms 127 through 128 this evening. A song of ascent of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for he gives his beloved sleep. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy and it shall be well with you. So, Father, we just ask that you build this city on your statutes, that we may eat the labor of our hands. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

So we will officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Mayor Miller?

Here.

Alderpersons Clem?

Here.

Johnson? Here. Simmons is absent. Parker?

Here.

Stacey? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders will be marked absent for the moment. Sellers?

Here.

We have a quorum.

I'm going to entertain a motion for Alderman Sanders to attend remotely.

So moved. Second. Second.

We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker, for Alderman Sanders to attend remotely. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Clem?

Aye.

Johnson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Stacey? Aye. Shadle?

Aye.

And Sellers?

Aye.

The motion passes 6-0.

Can you check and see if he's on?

Oh.

Alderperson Sanders, can I mark you present? Are you, say present? Yes. At 6.03, we'll mark Alderperson Sanders present.

Thank you. And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson.

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

Item number one is approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the agenda?

Johnson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Stacey? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders?

Aye.

Sellers? Aye. And Clem?

Aye.

The motion passes 7-0.

Item number two is recognition of Lifesaving Awards. Chief Cordy.

These awards are something that we try to do as often as possible in the fire department, but unfortunately doesn't happen as often as we would like. Unlike what you see on TV, all the outcomes that we have are not always positive. What we're doing tonight is honoring two crews that had successful resuscitations of cardiac arrests. And so for that, we're gonna start with the B shift crew. Come on up. So we have District Chief Brett Hartwig, Lieutenant Chad Schubert, Firefighter Paramedic Caleb Rucker, and Firefighter Tanner Knott. We're missing Firefighter Paramedic Adam Lefevre this evening. On March 15th of 2026, personnel from the Freeport Fire Department responded to an address on Meadows Drive for report of an unresponsive female. B-shift crew members Lieutenant Schubert, paramedics, firefighters Lefevre, Knott, and Rucker, as well as District Chief Hartwig, arrived and found the patient pulseless with agonal respirations. They began resuscitation efforts, including high-quality CPR, defibrillation, and airway management. The patient was then transported to Mercy Health for further treatment. However, under their expert care, the crew was able to obtain spontaneous circulation for the patient prior to arrival at the hospital. Hospital personnel reported that the patient was released and has since made a complete recovery with no long-term deficits due to the incident. Due to their prompt action, skill, and dedication to giving the best possible care, firefighter paramedics LaFever, Knott, Rucker, Lieutenant Paramedic, I should have added that, Schubert, and District Chief Hartwig are recognized for their critical role in this life-saving incident. Along with that, then they get a blue ribbon to wear on their Class A uniform. Photo? Photo? Thanks guys. C-Shift personnel. So from C-SHIFT, we have Lieutenant Ernie Stabenow, Firefighter Paramedic Nathan Stepp, Firefighter Paramedic Brandon Jacobs, Firefighter Paramedic Alex Gravenstein, and Lieutenant Paramedic Chris Lowry. On August 18th of this year, personnel from the Freeport Fire Department responded to an address on Winter Drive for report of an unresponsive female. C-SHIFT crew members found the patient pulseless and in cardiac arrest. They began resuscitation efforts. Acting District Chief Ernie Stabenow was the acting district chief that day, assisted with the patient's family as well with the crew. With patient care underway, including continuous CPR, defibrillation, and airway management. The patient was rapidly transported to Mercy Health, and under their skillful care, the patient obtained return of spontaneous circulation and was able to follow commands by the emergency staff upon arrival. Even further, the patient was sitting up and speaking with the hospital staff and family, fully alert and engaged in conversation. Since the incident, the individual has been believed to have had a full recovery. Due to their prompt actions, skill, and dedication to giving the best possible patient care, firefighters Jacobs, Gravenstein, Stepp, Lieutenants Lowry, and Stabenow are recognized for their critical roles in this life-saving incident. They also get a blue ribbon for their efforts. In recognition of all these personnel, furthers the city of Freeport's mission to provide the citizens of Freeport with a skilled and professional fire department to save the lives and protect property and to lessen the impacts of fire medical emergencies and catastrophic events.

Thank you. Manager Boyer, recognition of service awards.

Thank you, Your Honor. I'm going to have Darren go ahead and do Aaron Pennington.

Is Aaron here tonight? I don't believe I've seen him. All right, I'll read something about Aaron. I don't believe he is here yet. 25 years of service is more than just a number. It represents years of dedication, hard work, experience, and commitment to the city of Freeport. As the lead wastewater operator, Aaron has played an important role in keeping our wastewater system operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. Wastewater isn't a glorious job. It can be dirty, demanding, unpredictable, but is an essential service that protects public health and our community and environment. Over 25 years with the city, Aaron has continued to build his knowledge, experience, and professional qualifications. He is a state of Illinois class one certified wastewater operator. It's the highest level of wastewater operations you can achieve. I also would note that there's very few people in Illinois that have a Class 1A license any longer. Demonstrating his extensive knowledge and expertise in wastewater and treatment plant operations, we're very happy to have Aaron on our team. He's seen numerous equipment changes in 25 years. Several EPA regulations evolve and challenges within our own wastewater treatment plant due to age and capacity to treat. Through it all, he's continued to show up, solve problems, and get the job done, sharing his knowledge and experience. A career of 25 years means being part of the city's history. Aaron's knowledge, qualifications, and dedication have supported the wastewater operations we have today, and his contributions are something the city can be proud of. Congratulations on 25 years of service.

Brian Book. Brian is a 20-year employee of the city of Freeport, 17 years with the Freeport Fire Department, three years with Public Works. He's currently our HAZMAT coordinator. He was a Firefighter of the Year in 2019, a lieutenant since 2021, and trustee for the Firefighters Union. He's a hazardous material technician, incident safety officer, advanced firefighter, company officer, instructor too, a whole list of things. Brian grew up here in Freeport, went to Freeport High School. He was a member of one of the first cadet programs that we had here in the fire department. So it's nice that he stuck around and is participating. He lives near Freeport with his wife, Miranda, and his children, Harper and Owen.

We've got quite a few of these tonight. Kurt, would you mind joining us up here? Thank you, sir. I want to congratulate Kurt Suttman on 50 years of the City of Freeport. Kurt has been the steady and trusted presence behind most of the technology that allows organizations to operate effectively every day. His experience in information technologies, GIS, project management, cybersecurity, and municipal systems has helped modernize the cities and supported every department. Kurt also represents Freeport on our community statewide broadband, and also, most importantly, he is a dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to help solve a problem. Kurt, thank you so much for your service to the city, and we recognize you. Hold on one second.

Yeah.

Sergeant Blake Upman was initially hired 10 years ago on September 21st, 2016. So we're a couple of weeks early. Like all officers, he started his career as a patrol officer, driving the streets of Freeport and responding to calls. Since that time, he has grown as an officer and served in a variety of positions at the Freeport Police Department. Sergeant Upman has been a field training officer for which he has trained several new hires for the Freeport Police Department. He also became a detective, first serving in the Special Victims Unit. and then also as a general case detective. Sergeant Nutman was given a life-saving award in 2022 for his actions on a call. He is a firearms instructor and also serves in the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, which is also known as ILEAS, which is a coalition of Illinois police departments which provide aid to other agencies. As part of his ILEAS duties, he has provided security at several large-scale events such as the Republican National Convention, and the Democratic National Convention. Sergeant Utman is currently a patrol sergeant and supervisor of one of the departments for patrol shifts. Sergeant Blake Utman, thank you for your 10 years of service.

Look, Josh got to take a picture. See what happens when you come back?

She's not a photographer.

It's so nice to see you.

Okay, that concludes item number three, which goes on to item number four, which is public comment. Per council rules, there are a limit of six written per agenda item and six in person. So we'll start with Madam Clerk, you have three to read for the record. Yes, six to read for the record.

I will read six. I just want to note that I did receive nine opposing the appointment of Renee Blazeski, excuse me if I'm saying that wrong, to the library board, and three in favor. I will start with the first three received in date and time order opposing. The first is Mike Smith. Good morning. I would like to submit the below comment. I oppose the nomination of Renee Blazeski to the library board. I have learned that she advocated for removing children's book with LGBT themes from the library collection. As a public educator for almost 50 years, a father of two children, and a grandfather of two children, I find it abhorrent that such a person would even be considered for this nomination. not only does removing or banning books based on personal or religious preference go against our first amendment rights it is also an affront to parents does this person think they know better than me what my children and grandchildren should be reading i trust the freeport public library staff to maintain and curate the library collection i don't believe it is appropriate to nominate someone to the library board who would undermine and restrict restrict their ability to do that not to mention violate our First Amendment rights I'm asking you to vote no on this appointment Mike Smith number two from Lisa Smith Winchester I'm writing to oppose the nomination of Renee Blazeski to the library board agenda item six she has advocated for banning books from the library collection I don't believe anyone who supports book bans should serve on the library board as a parent I feel I am better qualified to monitor excuse me Monitor, what books my children are reading than Ms. Blazeski. Public libraries are for everyone, regardless of their beliefs or creeds. This person does not share the values of either the city of Freeport nor the United States of America. They should not be appointed to the library board. Lisa. I'm sorry, Lisa Smith. I think I read her address by mistake. The third is Fred Asche. I wish to submit the following for public comment for Tuesday's council meeting. I'm writing to oppose the nomination of Renee Blazeski to the library board, agenda item six. She has advocated for banning books from the library collection. I don't believe anyone who supports book bans should serve on the library board. The Supreme Court has specifically ruled that banning or restricting access to children's books based on personal or religious preference is contrary to the First Amendment. Additionally, Illinois prohibits removing materials based on personal, political, or religious objections. We should not be nominating someone to the library board who does not respect federal or state law. That is three opposing. Three in favor. The first one received Karen Driscoll. I am aware that Mayor Jody Miller is appointing Mrs. Renee Blazeski to serve on the board for the Freeport Public Library, and I totally support the mayor in making this decision. I have known Renee Blazeski for over 12 years, and her intentions are for the best interest of our children in learning and gaining knowledge. She believes, and I support this, that such books such as Robert H. Harris on Let's Talk About You and Me, Growing Up Stories, Just Being Me, should be identified for adult supervision or that the parent gives permission for their young child, ages 10 or older, to access such book and take for their reading. She is not opposing or wanting such books to be banned from our library, but they have guidelines established and followed. I appreciate your consideration of this matter. Thank you, concerned community member. This is from Dylan Vansel. Dear members of the Freeport City Council and fellow community members, I am riding in strong support of Renee Blazeski's appointment by the mayor to serve as a trustee on the Freeport Public Library Board. I understand a petition has circulated against Renee's appointment, suggesting she intends to ban books from the library. Having spoken with Renee about her goals for this role, I can say plainly that this characterization does not reflect her intentions or her record. Her goals are straightforward and constructive, to uphold the policies already in place and the library's code of ethics, to bring a different perspective to the board's discussions, and to help and maintain community standards that reflect the values of Freeport families. She intends to be a firm but flexible voice and advocate for every library patron, including children who often cannot advocate for themselves. It is also important to clarify what Renee is not proposing. She is not calling for any book to be banned. Her concern is narrower and, I believe, reasonable. that certain materials be shelved appropriately for their content and intended audience. For example, the book It's Perfectly Normal by Robbie H. Harris and Michael Emberley, which contains explicit illustrations of people having sex, is a book Renee and hundreds of other parents and grandparents believe belongs in an area of the library requiring parental awareness or approval rather than placed where any child might access it without a parent's knowledge. This is not censorship. It is a request for thoughtful placement that respects both the book's value to some readers and a parent's right to guide what their young child encounters. Renee's approach reflects exactly what we should want in a library trustee. Someone who respects the institution, listens to the community, and works to keep the library a resource that serves families of all backgrounds and beliefs. I urge the council to support her appointment. Sincerely, Dylan Vancil, candidate for Congress, Illinois 17th District. The third... is from Elaine Enriquez. I am writing to you since I am unable to physically attend this evening's meeting to support Renee Blazeski. It is my understanding that there are efforts to block Renee's willingness to serve on the city's library board. These efforts apparently revolve around Renee voicing concerns about the book, It's Perfectly Normal, being placed in the children's section at the library rather than in a more appropriate section. Her concerns arose about the sexually explicit images found in the book. As a retired teacher, age and subject-appropriate standards are a mainstay of our training and our teaching guidelines. I looked up the book on the library's website today and saw that there are 13 copies, all of them available with no holds. This tells me there is little interest on the part of the patrons of the library in this particular book. So the library has invested its funds on 13 books that sell for around $14 each. One of the complaints I have heard property owners make about the use of their tax dollars is how much of their taxes go to the library with little representation of their value system. It seems possible that this book might be an example of that. My last point is in regards to how Renee Blazeski has been portrayed by those who oppose her being seated on the library board. I have served with her in community service groups and am in a book club with her. She is solid, stable, open-minded, well-read, and well-respected by those who know her. Calling her racist is laughable if you knew her at all. Twisting and skewing facts won't change them. My first undergrad degree in communications taught me how language can be used to either tell the truth or disguise it. It seems the crafters of the petition against Renee took some of the same classes that I did. In closing, Renee's stated goals in offering to serve on the library board are to, one, uphold policy set by the library, two, allow the library to be a forum for ideas and information from many different perspectives, Three, uphold and maintain community standards that honor all library patrons. These seem to be reasonable goals. Hopefully any, all library board members would be able to say they have similar goals. I appreciate your time. If you read this email to the end, I'm sure you are busy. Elaine Enriquez.

And then we have multiple sign-ins for public comments this evening on more than one topic this evening. So again, according to council rules, it would be a total of six per agenda items. So we will start with Debbie Leininger.

I'm here in support of Renee Bielaski being appointed to the library board. I know Renee, and I believe that she's qualified. She's an enthusiastic person. When she's given an assignment, she follows through. And I heard her speak personally about the book that was in question. And again, this was not about book burning. It was about putting the book in an appropriate place. It was not age appropriate where it was, and it just needed to be moved. And I know it must have been 2001 when we put filters into our library. And it was the same issue. It was about putting the safety of children before anything and making sure that they only saw appropriate material for their age. And so I'm in favor of her being appointed to the, what's the proper name for it? And, you know, I know Mayor Jody Miller is one who has the prerogative of pointing people to boards and commissions, and she does not take that lightly. And I know when she looks at the resumes of the people who apply, she thoughtfully considers them, and it's – I believe that she – I believe what she says, she'll be a good member. Okay.

Next is Jessica Tessendorf.

Okay, so as Jodi already said, I'm Jessica Tessendorf. I'm a follower of Jesus, and I strive to live the life he's given me according to the Bible, which is his inerrant instruction manual according to his standards for living on this earth that he made and sustains by his power until his imminent return in judgment. Okay. Our world is currently and temporarily under the limited control of the prince of the air, also known as Satan, who in his pride wanted to be God, consequently losing his place in heaven. Satan doesn't like the human race, so his ultimate goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. John chapter 10, verse 10. to destroy what God has made in his image. In conjunction with our sin nature that opposes God's ways, Satan also has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they can't see the truth of the gospel, which means good news. Satan feeds us lies through the media that we consume, which exists in the inappropriate, mislabeled, sexually explicit children's books that are available in our Freeport Public Library for our innocent, weak, vulnerable, naive, immature, still-developing youth. When a child who hasn't begun to enter puberty or is in the midst of puberty is exposed to these sexually explicit books, this invites premature curiosity and thoughts are planted to act out what has been seen on these book pages. with a sibling or a friend which has repercussions of rape molestation prostitution depression drug and alcohol abuse unwanted pregnancy abortion lifelong trauma because their eyes are a window to their heart what's been seen can't be undone are you willing to move forward allowing these books to remain if so you become an accomplice to the traumas in these young lives Having said all this, I agree to the appointment of Renee Blazeski to the Freeport Public Library Board as a trustee representing in a sound mind to biblical principles.

Next would be Jan Rowe.

I'm glad to hear that all of the pros so far have supported specifically the fact that Renee did not wish to remove it, but to put it in a separate, more age-wise section. And I was set up and managed a library at Park Hills Free Church for 30 years, and we didn't have this problem then, and I am at least glad now that we can put it somewhere else. I appreciate this opportunity to share with you my strong support of Renee and that she has a love of books and we both have library books in our home. Our home is our libraries. And she knows how to research and she knows how to do both objective and creative selections and she's quite a scholar. I know Mayor Jody would not have appointed Renee if she did not have full faith in Renee's ability to serve on our Freeport Library Board. And I hope that you will realize her strengths and put her in this position. Thank you.

Kathy Hill Robinson.

Good evening. I have known Renee Blizeski for over 30 years. I can attest that she has a good heart and does not have a mean bone in her body. I have never seen her disrespect anyone. She says what she means and is not a deceptive person. I had a personal discussion with her regarding a book called It's Perfectly Normal, which is available to children as young as 10. It teaches and depicts sexual positions to a 10-year-old. If you would not give a 10-year-old a Playboy or a magazine like it, then why would you give free access to this book? Renee's concern was that this book should not be available to children that young, and it should be placed in another area, not in the children's section. She never once said that the book should be banned or burned, as Fighting for Freeport stated in a written petition. Fighting for Freeport stated in their petition that Renee's language is, and I quote, an indirect correlation to reviewing materials to be banned from the library, unquote. They go on to quote in Illinois State Law HB 2789, which is about losing funding for libraries that ban books. Well, fighting for Freeport should have looked up the statute for libel, which is as follows. A statement that caused damage to your reputation, acted with negligence or actual malice for a public figure. published a false statement to a third party. Renee never, ever said that she was going to ban any books. And fighting for Freeport has absolutely no proof of that. And anyone who comes up here and says that she's trying to ban a book is slander. It seems to me fighting for Freeport is the one that has been deceptive to the public, not Renee. If the city council does not vote her into the library board, then those members who vote against her will be complicit in the slander and libel. I am for her to be voted in, and it would be a travesty if she is not. Thank you.

Then we have Marianne, and I don't want to mispronounce your last name. If you could please state your name for the record, thank you.

Marna Misiewicz, United States Army veteran, 10 years, two years in Vietnam, one year in Cambodia. I served my country a long time and with all my heart. And I'm concerned about this appointment. I'm currently reading four different books for four different book clubs I belong to. The Black AF History, The Unwhitewashed Story of America by Michael Harriot. OYE, a novel by Melissa Magelan. The Nine, the true story of a band of women who survived the worst of Nazi Germany by Gwen Strauss. Flying in the Face of Fear, a fighter pilot's lessons on leading with courage by Kim K.C. Campbell. Which of these books might be banned because they confront racist history? Because they talk about LGBTQ issues. Because Holocaust may be questioned as whether it was fact or fiction. And a woman in a leadership role. Four different issues that are important to me. And I'm concerned that if this person is approved for the board, our library board, it won't just be that top LGBTQ issue. I think it will be other issues as well. So I oppose this nomination. Thank you for your time.

And our last one for this evening is Chris Klukey.

Thank you. Chris Klukey, fourth ward. She was their only child. Savitha Shan was 21 and brilliant, earning a double major in computer science and economics. A loyal friend. a selfless volunteer. Her parents issued a statement saying the space she once brightened now echoes with sorrow. Savitha was killed in a shooting in Austin on March 1st. So were Ryder Hamilton and Jorge Peterson. Ryder was only 19. What does this have to do with Freeport? After the FBI identified their killer, Ms. Renee Blizeski needed to comment. So she posted a meme about trans people being relieved that the shooter was a Muslim and not one of them. And she captioned it, giggle of the day. Giggle. What a lovely word choice. A giggle. Just a little giggle about a mass shooting to brighten your day. I'm sorry that some of the people who have spoken have said Ms. Blazeski didn't have anything bad to say about people. And I'm not up here saying Ms. Blazeski is going to ban this book or that book. But I'm asking, would anybody here like to giggle about a couple of parents burying their only child? About a 19-year-old's future being cut off by a bullet by a hardworking 30-year-old? MMA fighter ending up on life support, then getting turned off because there was no hope. Now, I'm not going to pretend we're all at our best on social media. Far from it. But if you look at Ms. Blazeski's social media, you will find that she is quick to believe internet nonsense and not bother looking for the three seconds it would take to debunk it. and you will find that she is quick to disparage minorities. And I cannot imagine attitudes more in conflict with serving as a library trustee. This appointment was a mistake. That's all right. To err is human. The mayor can correct it by withdrawing it immediately, or you on the city council can correct it by rejecting this appointment. Thank you very much for your attention.

That concludes public comment. We'll move on to item number five, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and act as one motion unless there's a member of the council that would like to have something removed for further discussion. The consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the minutes from the Foreign Fire Insurance Board June 11th, Board of Fire and Police Commission July 28th, August 13th, August 18th, Art and Culture Commission June 10th, July 9th, August 6th, and the Building Permit Reports August of 2026. Also is the approval of the 2027 Holiday Schedule and City Council and Committee of the Whole Schedules and the approval of finance bills payable in the total of $2,797,573.88 and payroll ending August 22, 2026 in the total of $709,106.15. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Clem. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Stacey. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders.

Aye.

Sellers. Aye. And Clem.

Aye.

The motion passes seven to zero.

Item number six is appointments. Could you please read this?

Appointment of Renee Blazeski to the library board to replace a vacant seat effective immediately through May 31st, 2028.

Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.

Second.

We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Yes, I understand the concerns which have been presented concerning the current nominee for library board. I am also aware of which a petition has been filed with change.org by an anonymous starter urging me to withdraw the nomination. I have not done so, as I believe this withdrawal of a nominee sends the wrong message. That message is that a citizen who has, through legitimate public forums, voiced concern over the operation of a taxpayer-funded entity should be barred from volunteering on a board where she believes that change is needed simply because some people disagree with that position. Before the vote, I would like to directly address the statement that is on the petition suggesting that, end quote, this appointment by Mayor Miller either demonstrates a lack of understanding of Illinois law regarding funding or that keeping the library funds is not a concern, end quote. I am quite aware of the legal issues surrounding this matter, and I can assure you that the statements that our library is going to start banning books or immediately lose state funding because of a board appointment is plainly incorrect. Our library has adopted the American Libraries Association Bill of Rights, a freedom to view statement, which is also endorsed by the American Library Association and adheres to the Illinois House Bill 2789, which protects the freedom of libraries to acquire materials without external limitations. All of these can be found directly on the city's website. Our library has adopted this set of policies precisely to ensure that book banning is not going to occur. It is certainly not going to occur simply because of an appointment of a single trustee who happens to have simply asked the board to evaluate a placement decision made by staff. In fact, reviewing the section of the library materials is one of the specified functions of the board, as established by section 4-7.2 of the Illinois Local Library Act, which states, in quotes, the board of library trustees shall establish and review, at least biannually, a written policy for the selection of library materials and the use of library materials and facilities, end quote. To view a request for such a review is not an attack. It is nothing more than a request for a viewpoint to be considered while the Board is performing one of its required duties. Whether this appointment goes forward is not my decision alone to make. I believe that she has the necessary qualifications to serve on the library board. And for that reason, I have presented her to the council for their consideration. It is up to this local body of elected representatives to ultimately decide if her service is in the best interest of the city. And with that, I will open it up for further discussion. Alderman Sellers.

Yes. I just would like to first start out saying that Again, me, I like looking at all the sides of the story. And my first story that I heard was that Renee wanted to ban books and all those things. And it did upset me. And I was kind of concerned with that issue. And then I was, I'm the type of person, I'm going to do my research and find out what's going on. Well, come to find out, it's not the banding of the book. It was to have the book placed in a more appropriate area of the library. After I had gotten the book and saw the book, it disturbed me. It really, really did. As a mother and as a grandmother, there's no way I would want my children or my grandchildren to see this book. So I do have a problem with this book. And being where it's located, I do have that problem. And I feel that this issue that has brought to the council for us to go back and forth with on electing someone to the library board, this should have been taken care of by the library. This issue right here is a library board issue, not a city council issue. And that's what upsets me about this whole thing. So I do agree with Renee on this book needs to be in a a more adult area for children. I said, but looking back and getting information, I don't know Renee. And I'm not the type of person that I just go on with somebody told me about somebody. I don't know it. But I saw her Facebook pages, and that's what hurt me as a person. And how can you be on a library board when you have students some racial issues and so for that reason i can't say yes to that is because of the racial thing not because of the book because i believe that the book is the library board's problem to take care of this book and not have it for children and that's my anyone else alderman clem sure uh

It's really too bad we all don't take a step back and look at some common sense in this whole thing. From all the speeches we've had and all the tales we've had, we've got God versus the First Amendment once again, which has been cited in court a hundred different times, okay? I talked to two library board members myself, okay? One of them I trust with anything they said, no matter what it was. And what she brought to the library board last June or July was a pile of books and threw it in front of them. This came from two different members, not one, and said, these ought to be banned or moved or whatever, you know. That's not the person that you want to have on the board of a library, that we have one of the best libraries around. No conflicts, hustles money, spends her money well, does all that stuff. And the trustee's position is not to pick where that book goes. Their job is to pick the head of the library. And after they pick the head of the library, the library person makes that decision where it goes, and she's been trained in that market. Okay? So... I don't know Renee from the wall there. I'm going to tell you that right up front. Based on principles and based on the fact of what I've heard from people, I will not support it.

Alderman Stacey?

yes my question is to you madam mayor have others applied for this board but were denied i'm told that there's a gentleman who have tried for a couple years to be a part of this board and now our open position comes again yet he's denied for this

This new person. I don't recall that I have an application from a gentleman. I did have one lady reach out to me with a resume after I had already made the decision. And so I told her that I appreciated her involvement and And I said that I don't at the current time have any more library seats available. However, I do have a planning commission seat and I offered that to her if she would consider it. And she said she would just wait. So that's what I have.

Okay. I don't know this Renee from a hole in the wall. However, the people that works at the library have been placed into a position and if they can't be trusted to make proper decisions, then why were they hired? And I know a board, if something don't go their way, they can vote that person out and fire them in a blink of an eye. And that's not fair either. I worked for the school district and this October the 4th would be 25 years. And I have not seen that book, but because of what I have heard today, I see it and live it every day, all day. And I am a Christian. I do love the Lord and we don't just throw the baby out with the bath water. We have a responsibility. Knowledge is education. And for the ones that's not sure or don't know or curious, I don't know that it's a good thing, but it's not a bad thing. And it concerns me that a board could take a vote and have someone we've put in position removed if they don't agree with what the board is saying they want. And I know that there's others that have applied for this, maybe not this time, but you have, the final say on who you choose. And that's why we're here today.

Any other discussion? Alderman Johnson.

Yeah, I don't know about all the Facebook stuff. I don't look at everybody's stuff on Facebook all the time. But I do know that Renee does have a black grandson, and she loves him. And I've seen her communicate and talk with different ethnicities, different times, and never seem to be racist toward those people. And the deal with the book, I would not want my grandchildren to look at that book either. And it's not that we're saying adults can't make decisions, but they should be able to have a decision about that book in particular if they want their children to learn all of those sexual things at an early age. That's it.

Any other discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson?

Yes.

Parker?

Aye.

Stacey? No. Shado?

Aye.

Sanders? No. Sellers?

No.

And Clem? No. We have two in favor, one, two, three, four against. Mayor? Three in favor. Three in favor.

Three in favor, four against.

Four against. I still don't have five. Correct. Mayor? The mayor wouldn't make it, so it doesn't matter. So it fails due to majority vote of five.

Okay, we'll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of ordinance 202651. Could you please read this?

Ordinance granting a special use permit to allow restaurants, taverns, packaged liquor stores, and any other establishment selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises at 116 South Adams Avenue, submitted by LaDonia.

Director Heimerdinger.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is the second and final reading for a special use application for Ladonia to be able to sell alcoholic beverages as requested by the patient.

Could you talk just a little bit louder?

If you want a drink with their meal, staff recommends the approval. Thank you.

Any discussion concerning this second reading? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Stacey? Aye. Shadle?

Aye.

Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The motion passes 7-0.

And item number 8 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-2652. Could you please read this?

Ordinance amending the master downtown parking map to provide for additional ADA parking stalls on the west side of Van Buren along 102 to 112 North Van Buren and near the intersection of Exchange and Van Buren on Exchange Street. Manager Boyer?

I think your honor staff is requesting additional disabled parking spaces on Van Buren and you've heard the location staff recommends moving forward.

Any further discussion concerning this second reading? Madam Clerk, please take the role.

Johnson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders.

Aye.

Sellers. Aye. Clem.

Aye.

The ordinance passes seven to zero.

Item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 202653. Could you please read this?

Ordinance amending section 1020.12, depositing of leaves on curb line for collection, and section 1020.99, the penalty.

Thank you. Manager Boyer?

Thank you, Your Honor. Staff has worked very hard to comply with our municipal separate storm sewer system. This is a requirement by the Illinois EPA. And as part of that, we've reviewed some of the ordinance related to disposing of leaves and putting them on curb line. staff is recommending adding additional items to the ordinance that clarifies what is expected when leaves are staged for leaf collection pickup so with that I've just handed over to council to review this is the first reading so I Obviously, as you consider this, there'll be other time to discuss. However, I think it's a very good step forward, and it also indicates that we're keeping our ordinance in line with what's expected through our MS4 permit.

Is there a motion to move this forward?

So moved.

Second. Clem Johnson? Motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the ordinance? And we will move on to item number 10, which is the first reading of ordinance 202654. Could you please read this?

A supplemental appropriation ordinance of the City of Freeport for the fiscal year beginning January 1 and ending December 31, 2026 for the pre-disaster mitigation grant or PDM grant.

Thank you, Director Heimerdinger.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. We have some good news. FEMA has reopened the pre-disaster mitigation grant that closed September 2025, providing the city with an opportunity to recover reimbursement for eligible expenses that were previously unable to be submitted before the grant close out. Due to the federal government shut down last fall, the city was unable to complete the reimbursement process for several eligible costs before the grant closed. The grant we hope is reopening, which will allow the city to receive reimbursement for 75% of the eligible acquisition professional services and demolition costs previously incurred with the city responsible for only the 25% local match. The city will receive $153,832.50 in PDM reimbursement for a cost that we've already incurred. And that will be returned back to the housing fund. In addition, FEMA also came to us and said that they are allowing six additional properties to be demolished this year through the grant. And those demolition activities will also be eligible for a 75% federal grant share and that bid will be voted on later tonight. So staff recommends the approval of this resolution, which allows us to have the necessary funds to reopen the grant. and it'll allow the city to take advantage of the grant opportunity reopening, recover eligible costs that we've already incurred within our city demolition fund, and continue addressing some floodway properties without the full financial burden of the city. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the ordinance? Alderman Shadle?

This is the grant from the Eastside Flood Mitigation?

Yes, this is. Thank you. Yep. That's what I was going to ask to find out.

Yep. Alderman Clem, did you have your?

I just wanted to make a motion to suspend the rules. Do we have a second? Second.

We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers to suspension, for the suspension of the rules. Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, would you take the rule on the suspension only?

Johnson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacey. Aye. Shado. Aye. Sanders. Sellers? Aye. And Clem?

Aye.

The suspension passes seven to zero.

Is there any other discussion concerning this ordinance? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacey? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to zero.

Item number 11 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-108. Could you please read this?

Resolution approving an agreement with Fair Graham to provide additional civil, environmental, project management, and other professional services for the 2026 Public Works Master Services Contract. Thank you.

Manager Boyer?

Thank you, Your Honor. We bring this addition to you tonight mainly related to the additional engineering that's required for Meadowbrook and also for the Demeter project. In addition to that, we've had a very large volume of permits to be approved. So staff is obviously bringing this for your approval, the increase to our master services agreement, bringing the ceiling to $125,000. And that will be billed out on a time and material basis. So if we don't use it, we won't use it. but if we need it, we have it. So staff recommends moving forward with the Fairground 26 Engineering Master Service Agreement added service order.

Is there a motion to adopt?

So moved.

Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacey? Aye. Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders?

Aye.

Sellers? Aye. And Clem?

Aye.

The resolution is adopted 7 to 0.

Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2026109. Could you please read this?

Resolution authorizing a change order from Fisher Excavating for the Carroll Avenue Street project for additional sanitary sewer extension improvements to unsewered properties on South Street. Thank you. Manager Boyer?

While working on Carroll and continuing to move forward, we've got an opportunity here to loop in an area of town that's within city limits. There are several locations here south of South Street adjacent to Carroll that do not have access to water or sewer. So the staff has put together an estimate of $127,204.02 and that would enable us to put together the boring that's required to go through the rock underneath the IDOT right-of-way and connect these parcels to the utility system. So staff's recommending moving forward with this resolution.

Is there a motion to adopt?

So moved. Second.

A motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution?

Alderman Clem? Yeah, if I could, I'd just like to bring up, these are both, properties that have been annexed into Freeport in the last X number of years. And they've had problems for years before that of being on well and sewer and on, excuse me, on well and septic and having major problems. So it'll do a good thing for all those businesses across the street there will be able to hook up there.

Any other discussion? Alderman Sellers?

Yes, I'd just like to have a question. How many businesses will this affect or help?

The primary ones are – oh, go ahead, Darren, if you've got something you want to add.

It'll be – right now it would be the four primary locations there, the animal hospital, the insurance agent, the slot place, and then the old Palmer Supply building is currently vacant, and then the property to the – excuse me, to the west of that would also be able to be served from this location. Um, so we tried to build it in mind that if there was any expansion that direction that it could handle it.

Any other discussion? Please take the role.

Johnson. Hi, Parker. Hi, Stacy. I Shadle Sanders.

Aye.

Sellers? Aye. And Clem?

Aye.

The resolution is adopted 7-0.

Item number 13 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-110. Could you please read this?

Resolution authorizing execution and amendment of Downstate Operating Assistance Program, or DOPE, grant agreement for fiscal year 2027. Director Heimerdinger?

Thank you madam mayor as part of the pretzels city area transit grant application to the state of illinois under the five three one one transportation program and downstate operating assistance program dope the city of freeport is required to have the council's approval for the following an ordinance adopting transportation services within freeport and stevenson county a resolution authorizing an Application to be made to the office department of transportation state of Illinois for financial assistance and under section five three one one for physical year of twenty twenty seven for the purpose of offsetting equation of the public transportation program operating deficits of the city of free point. And number three, a resolution accepting the City of Freeport is participating in said operating assistance program and will provide local and matching funds once application is approved. Items one and two were already approved prior this year. And so the resolution authorizing number three, the DOPE agreement is now present to accept and enter into the grant agreement. Staff recommends the approval of the resolution in order to move forward with the grant agreement. Thank you.

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. Parker. Aye. Stacey. Aye. Shadle.

Aye.

Sanders. Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Clem?

Aye.

The resolution is adopted 7-0.

Item number 14 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-111. Could you please read this?

Resolution approving an agreement with Fairgram to provide civil design engineering and permitting services related to the 2027 street projects.

Manager Boyer?

Thank you, Your Honor. As we look forward to the 27 program, there are two streets that definitely we need to be planning for now. Walnut Avenue from Empire to Main and then also Cottonwood from Foley to Apple. The reason Cottonwood has come up recently is due to the catastrophic water main break several months ago, it has become very clear that we cannot delay. We need to get in there and replace that water main so that we don't have it draining our towers. and Walnut's been an ongoing issue. If you recall back when we started discussing the five-year program, there was an asterisk at the bottom of the plan that said, hey, we don't know what we're doing with Walnut, and this may come up at some point in the future. So what we're looking for tonight is to approve a resolution to move forward with fair ground for the engineering that's required for those two projects, Walnut and Cottonwood. and staff recommends moving forward with approving it for $335,000, and that will come from the 2027 budget.

Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Stacy?

I'm not happy with this. i've waited five years for my street to get the needed work it needs and now for the plans to change i think we need to take next year and try to find some money that we haven't found that could help support Walnut and Cottonwood and move forward with the list as planned.

Any other comments? Madam Clerk, Alderman Shadle.

I just want to reiterate what was mentioned about Cottonwood and the massive water main break that we had back in late April. We had a hospital without water. We had a substantial part of the city without water. And for us to waylay this project one year opens the door for that potentially catastrophic failure again. And I just don't, uh, I don't see any one street in my ward that's worth that.

in the long haul it's it needs to be done parliament stacy yes um can you give the list the streets that were supposed to be done next year that will not be done if this happens besides garden

I don't have that in front of me, Alderperson Stacy, I'm happy to send you, I'll send you that email tomorrow.

But I just think that the people need to hear now, Director Darren, do you have that information? I do.

Go ahead. Just, I have a question. Alderman Stacey, weren't you at the Committee of the Whole when we discussed this?

No, I was on union business out of town. Okay. And I wasn't. Go ahead.

Okay, the list for 2027 that we are suggesting gets pushed to 2028, so we would just take the last three years and push everything back a year, would be Ward 2, Greenfield Street from Sue. I'm sorry, you're echoing echo. Oh, I'm sorry. Ward 2, Greenfield to Sue. I'm sorry, Greenfield Street from Sue to Galena. Ward 3, Winneshek from Adams to the Dead End. Ward 5, Garden Street from Galena to Boucher. Ward 1, South Carsage from Stevenson to Laurel. And Ward 2, Revere from Ridge to Greenfield Drive. I also wanted to point out, if I could, that these street programs that we're suggesting, if you haven't read the moment, these are complete full reconstructs of both cottonwood and walnut. So that means everything from the back of sidewalk to the back of sidewalk on the other street is going to have to be replaced. Um, we discussed it at the cow, but there is significant storm issues on Cottonwood Avenue that are going to be much larger when we open that street up. There's a, there's a 30 inch, uh, limestone arch under there that is going to completely cave in if we open that street up and it's completely full of debris as well. So, um, once we open that bandaid, it's, it's going to be a problem. So I, that's why we're suggesting a full reconstruct on that street.

Thank you. There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacey.

Aye.

Shadle. Aye. Sanders.

Abstain.

Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. The resolution is adopted six to zero with one abstention.

Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-112. Could you please read this?

Resolution approving an agreement with Fair Graham to provide civil design engineering and permitting services for utility design plans for water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer replacement to align with the 2027 street projects.

Thank you, Manager Boyer.

Thank you, Your Honor. So as we kind of go dovetailing here, the road engineering is one portion. The other portion is the utility engineering, and staff recommends moving forward with this resolution for $310,000 for the underground water sanitary and storm design for both projects out of the 2027 budget.

Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Stacey. Aye. Shadle.

Aye.

Sanders. Aye.

Aye.

Sellers? Aye. And Clem? Aye. And that resolution is adopted 7-0.

And item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 20-26-113. Could you please read this?

Resolution authorizing the city to dispose of surplus city real property to the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority, 425 East Prospect, 908 South Adams, 618 East Winnesheck, 515 South Chicago.

Director Heimerdinger?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport is a member of the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority with Region 1 Planning Council, serving as the administrative body. Since its creation in 2019, the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority has helped restore 1,800 properties, returning approximately $30 million in annual property tax revenue to communities it serves. We have four properties that we've identified that could be suitable for this program. And those are 425 East Prospect, 908 South Adams, 618 East Winnesheck, and 515 South Chicago. Following the sales of the property and approval of the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority Board, ownership will be transferred to the land bank as part of the land bank process. The selected purchasers will complete the necessary rehabilitation through private investment. This process allows the city to leverage the land bank's resources and expertise while encouraging private investment in Freeport's neighborhoods and expanding availability of quality housing. There are no funding impacts for this initiative. It will be 100% private investment. And staff recommends the approval of the resolution to transfer the ownership of 425 East Prospect, Terrace, 908 South Adams, 618 East Winnesheck, and 515 South Chicago to the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority. authority followed approval by the land bank board. And then on the screen here, we just have them so you guys can kind of identify them just a bit. So you can see what the houses look like they are completely vacant and have been vacant for quite a bit. You can scroll up to the top. The first one is the 425 East Prospect Terrace. This is an apartment, the rest is single family. So that's that one. And then 908 South Adams. The nice big homes. We can go down to 618 East Winnesheck. And then following to 515 South Chicago. And then if you scroll down just a little bit, I just wanted to bring this up that we did have a successful one finished this year, which is 52 North Bailey. You can see that on the left. The exterior looked fantastic. like that, and now it looks like this. It was sold to an owner-occupied, so they do pay property taxes now, and they do have a beautiful home, and even a bigger renovation you can see on the inside. So that's what it looked like before, and this is what it looks like now. So this process works, and it's private investment with just a little help by the land bank and us, you know, putting these homes into that program. So we're excited for them. And the Land Bank Board does a great job of thoroughly vetting to make sure that the new owners will make sure that the house looks like 52 North Bailey does. So we're excited for that, and we recommend approval of this resolution. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Sellers?

Yes, I just have a quick question. With these properties, there's a timeline, correct?

Yes. It's usually nine months. Unless there's something wrong with the property that the land bank board feels like it would take longer because there's something else going on. But usually it's nine months.

Thank you. Ms. Stacey, did you have your hand up?

that's what i had anything else darren i i just want to congratulate uh gertrude for this great work this is really awesome for our city to get four houses in this program if you guys remember we really struggled to get one in this is a huge win for freeport to get houses back into the tax market and fixed up and the length back the land bank is doing a great job so the more we can keep this going and i know she's put a lot of work into it

If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Stacey. Aye. Shadle.

Aye.

Sanders.

Aye.

Sellers. Aye. And Clem. Aye. That resolution is adopted 7-0.

Item number 17 is the adoption of Resolution 20-26-114. Could you please read this?

Resolution approving a redevelopment agreement with, pardon my pronunciation, Alazar Aguado regarding the property located at 1211 South Carroll.

Director Heimerdinger?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Talk about another private investment. This is NRDA. The single family residence located at 1211 South Carroll Avenue was previously owned by an out-of-state property owner and experienced prolonged neglect and deferred maintenance. Due to the ownership, during that ownership period, the property accumulated $5,644.09. in municipal leans and was ultimately designated as a chronic nuisance on January 2, 2025, with a 100 per diem fee. Without intervention, the property would eventually find its way to the demo list. This home is part of an established streetscape on South Cara Avenue. Rehabilitation helps to preserve the rhythm and the character of the street and increases available quality housing stock. Staff has negotiated a redevelopment agreement to rehab the property and restore it to a healthy single family resident. Under the proposed agreement, the property owner pays all outstanding municipal liens totaling $5,644.09 incurred by the previous owner. Pays all and any outstanding water and sewer charges and liens and will complete a full renovation in accordance with our building inspector to achieve code compliance. Correct all conditions required to remove the property from chronic nuisance. During the approved renovation timeline, the City of Freeport will pause the daily chronic nuisance fee, which has already accrued to $61,000 as of September 3rd, and we will waive that chronic nuisance fee after the successful completion of the rehabilitation of the house and full compliance with all the terms of the RDA. If at any time that they don't fulfill the terms or can't complete the house, the chronic nuisance goes right back onto the property, anything that was already previously established. This waiver provides a good incentive for successful rehabilitation and otherwise a property that would just sit. and chronic nuisances administrative in nature. So it's one of those fees we can play with a little bit. Staff recommends adoption of this resolution to approve a redevelopment agreement for 1211 South Carrow Avenue Approval will eliminate a chronic nuisance property, preserve the neighborhood character, and return the home to a productive use that's safe in a single family. If you see on the map above, you can see where it's located right in the middle of the street. So we really don't want to start demoing things that we can save. And as we scroll down, you can see this is what it looks like on September 3rd when I wrote the memo. That's what it looks like right now. It's actually a very big, beautiful home. And if we scroll down a little bit more, we can see what it will look like in a year from now.

Oh, beautiful.

We are confident that the individual can fix up the property, and we look forward to seeing another home fixed up here in Freeport with our private investment. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Johnson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacey. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. And Clem. Aye. The resolution is adopted seven to zero.

Item number 18 is the approval of bid openings on August 20th, 2026 for six demolitions. Director Heimerdinger.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is part of the PDM grant that we are getting 75% of the cost for demo covered by the reopening of the PDM grant. And so staff recommends issuing a contract to Fisher excavating in the amount of $45,780 for the demolition of four properties, which is 225 North Wilbur Avenue, 37 South Mary Avenue, 911 East Jackson Street, and 111 South Herker Avenue. Staff recommends issuing a contract to Elber Sons and Earthworks in the amount of $45,300 for two properties, 31 South Herker and 78 South Hancock. Staff recommends using the lowest bid by individual property to ensure that the lowest responsible bidder performs the work. And as mentioned, 75% of the funding is coming from the Reopen PDM grant. which is totaling $68,310. And we will only be paying $22,770 for the demolition of six properties. One of them is a more of a commercial property. So that one is very, if you look at there, the winning bid was... It would have been Wilbur, but it was like $38,000 was like a normal. And then this just shows you if you scroll down just a little bit, this just goes into a little bit of detail in that PDM. So that kind of shows you what we had spent on that first line and then that we get $153,000 back. So we only paid $51,000. um before and then our new demolitions kind of show you the breakdown of what we are going to get from pdm pdm fema never reopens anything um but because of the the um government shutdown last fall uh and us asking and also the incredible work we have been doing on staying on target and not missing any deadlines with the grant we are able to achieve reopening that grant and paying for six Remainder, six demolitions and also reimbursement of $153,000. Awesome.

Is there a motion to adopt as stated? So moved.

Second.

We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the bids? Alderman Stacey?

I'm trusting that these are upstanding businesses, and they have all the proper licensing and everything that they need to bid on these jobs.

They were they all completed every necessary thing within the bidding package, and they were responsible bidders. That's correct.

Thank you.

There's no other discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the role.

Johnson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders.

Aye.

Sellers. Aye. And Clem. Aye. And the motion passes seven to zero.

Next is reports from department heads, finance.

Nothing this evening.

Community development.

Nothing this evening, thank you.

Public works. Just some construction updates quick. Well, number 12's in action. The Park Road is closed this entire week and a little bit into next week. They're putting in three large culverts, which will have a very massive crater there in the middle of... the back entrance to Crave Park. And then as soon as that's done, Helm is going to move forward with the parks project on redoing the back entrance. That project has nothing to do with the city of Freeport. Our limits stop at this culvert system that we're putting on for drainage from the well house property. Walnut Hill lift stations entering its final phases here. They're trying to bore under the uh creek right now um they're in bedrock and electrical works going on at the lift station uh carroll avenue is in full swing we should be putting curb on the east side of the road hopefully later this week we have had some quality issues out there that we've been dealing with so i want you to know that we're doing our job in inspection it has nothing to do with a bad contractor we've got some bad product that's being replaced which is we're holding the standard of quality on the jobs uh demeter is in full swing we hope to be paving the section from um empire to la cresta uh probably week after next uh there's a little bit of curb going in there tomorrow not very much just some drainage issues at the ends um water main is completely finished as of uh yesterday and they still have some services to put on on the end sections uh coming projects yet for this season Benton is next. So as soon as we can wrap up Demeter with the underground crews, we'll be moving to Benton for water main and reconstruction. And then the final project of the year is North Stewart. That project will be our final road project of the year. We are a little bit behind for the year. We've had several obstacles this year and we're pushing forward. Everything seems to be on track to get done. And then obviously the council just approved Meadowbrook. um two weeks ago and those contracts just got signed and turned around so that'll be the next project starting as well thank you fire nothing here police

I have a few community things to talk about got a few community events that are coming up involving the Freeport police department tomorrow being Wednesday, September 9th. We have a beat meeting for beat C, which would be primarily wards 6 and ward 1. Then on Thursday, September 10th at 6 30 p.m., we have another BEAT meeting, BEAT D, which involves the second ward and the fourth ward. These meetings are both at the community library. Coming up on September 19th, we have a K-9 fundraiser at Bakker Auto Group, 801 East South Street. That runs from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There'll be lunch provided there, brats and chips, and then we'll have a canine demonstration at 1 p.m., as long as a few different police vehicles will also be there. And then lastly, we have coming up the Civilian Police Academy, which is always very well appreciated from everybody that goes to it. If you haven't attended the Civilian Police Academy, I'd recommend you do. um it's open to anyone within freeport and some of the surrounding area as well it's a basically a learn about your police department kind of event that we hold once a week thursdays in the evening it's free and it begins on september 24th if you're interested you can fill out an application for that either at the police department or online we have applications there as well pretty much all of our information for our community beat meetings fundraisers and the police academy is on our freeport facebook page so i'd recommend you take a look at all of that if you can't remember what i talk about or you're not sure what's going on moving forward take a look at our facebook page thank you library

Yes, I would like to point out that a library's purpose, especially a public library, in its most basic form is to provide as many viewpoints as possible on as many topics as possible. The library board is a governing board that is appointed by the mayor. They hire me, the director, they set the goals and objectives for the library, and they pass the policies that I and my staff use to operate on a day-to-day basis. There are two primary forms of censorship that can be a slippery slope to banning. Direct censorship, which is obvious removal of materials, not including materials, destroying or defacing any materials. Soft censorship is when materials are placed in areas that are difficult to find or not where they would typically be categorized, or an item is not added to a collection in fear of a challenge. All of these forms of censorship, whether it is direct or soft, are violations of everyone, no matter their age, First Amendment right to freedom of speech and freedom to read. A few people tonight mentioned thoughtful placement of library materials. Three staff members at the Freeport Public Library have degrees in library and information science. I personally bring almost 20 years of experience to this role. All three of us are trained in the proper placement of materials. The book that most people cited today is in youth nonfiction. It is not in picture books. It has to be sought out. It's not on a display. Somebody has to go looking for it. So moving this title to another location would be a form of soft censorship. um putting it in a more adult area would actually put it with adult non-fiction books which arguably are far more inappropriate for children to consume and one of the things that most librarians absolutely love and adore is serendipitous finding and that is when you're wandering the stacks looking for something and you You may find exactly what you're looking for, but you also find something else you didn't know you were looking for. I would hate for that to happen if this book was moved to another location. I will say that I have made the decision not to move this book. It will not be moved. But again, it's not the library staff decision. It's not library staff's job to be in loco parentis that is left to parents and school. We are not here to monitor what anybody is reading. We don't keep your reading histories. We don't care what you check out. We are happy to be able to provide as many topics and viewpoints as possible and leave it up to you what you choose to take off the shelf and what you do not. On a lighter note, it is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, so all month long, anybody who signs up for a library card who doesn't already have one gets to spin a prize wheel and is also entered into a drawing for a tote bag with this year's theme, which is libraries hit all the right notes. Thank you.

IT? City Manager?

Just one comment to the staff and all the employees of the city. I just appreciate all that you do every day. You bring so much professionalism, and you execute in so many outstanding ways that happen every day, and I just want to say thank you.

Alderman Johnson? Nothing tonight, Mayor. Alderman Parker?

Nothing, Your Honor.

Alderman Stacey?

Nothing tonight, thank you.

Alderman Shadle?

No, thank you.

Alderman Sanders?

nothing alderman sellers nothing alderman clem geez i gotta break the silence first i want to thank josh for uh bringing up the beat meeting tomorrow night at the freeport library at 6 30 and as probably all of you have heard before you put out your applause I will not be running for reelection and there are people out that there's a person out that does have petitions to take my spot. That doesn't mean I'm leaving tomorrow. So anything you have, please bring forward. I hope tonight's discussion discussion on the library Nobody has a fence either way that it's gone. I believe there's a topic that's brought up. I truly believe that the Christian side of it, hey, I go to church every Sunday and I've been involved in church. I've also been on the school board and I happen to know what happens at some of these schools. that we don't like to have happen, but it does happen. It's all a part of life. But I appreciate at least we were able to talk about it. Everybody talked about it civilized and came to discussion on it. Thank you.

That leaves us with public comment. We have Lynn Fulgate. I have two minutes.

And the Freeport Moose Lodge is having an invitation for three Freeport chiefs to receive a presentation at our lodge this Saturday, September 26th at 12 o'clock The three report chiefs who received the presentations are Chief of Police, Dr. Jacqueline Fausto, Fire Chief Tom Cordy, I gave him a copy already, and EMT Coordinator Adam Holtz, and I don't see him here tonight. Is Adam here? No. That's why I don't see him. All three are invited to Freeport Moose Lodge 162, located at our new address, 440 East Challenge Street, Freeport, Illinois. On Saturday, September 26th, 12 noon, to receive a presentation. If anyone cannot attend, they may send a representative. This invitation is also extended to our Freeport Mayor, Jody Miller, and City Manager William Rob Boyer, who a representative for them also may be made. The presenter for the Moose may be our new Illinois Moose Association President Patrick Lilley from Princeton Lodge 1339. This invitation is by me, Lynn Folgate, past president, Freeport Moose Lodge 162. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. Is there any other public comments?

Go ahead.

Hi, my name is Cheryl Altman. I think you said Stewart was going to get fixed at least. I measured potholes. The manholes are sticking up and you got to hit them things. Prospect Terrace is another street. Driving down there, you got to zigzag to see which hole you didn't want to hit. I had a police officer behind me. I wasn't too worried because he was doing the same thing I was. So I knew I was okay. Next thing. Darren, you are working with the Public Works and Fairgrams, which is really a conflict of interest. Because the Public Work Director's job is to protect taxpayers by securing best work at the lowest price possible. An engineer firm's goal is to maximize their profit. When the director works for the firm, getting the business, they're not supposed to act as the buyer and the seller. which you are because your firm is getting them. It's a conflict of interest, which it shouldn't be. And I hope Elvers really did get their license this time because they were tore down houses last time when they weren't licensed by the state of Illinois and it will come back and get them.

Wendy.

Good evening, Council, City of Freeport. Something was said tonight that I found to be kind of amusing. Alderman Johnson said that there were black babies And I just wanna tell Alderman Johnson that half of this town has black babies. When you look around this town, more of the individuals in this town are starting to look like me. So when you talked about people in this town who are white, who have black babies based around what was said about the young lady that was being put in a position or voted into a position, This goes back to what I say before I leave this council stand every time I speak. Be careful how you treat our children. Now, you may consider them black babies. Our community doesn't. If they have a white mother and a black father, they're not considered black. They're considered mixed, okay? Mulatto. If they are mixed with Indian, black, white, like me, I'm not black. You're not white. As far as the library is concerned, I'm glad that finally something has happened around the city council table that the people of this town were not in agreement with. FOR ONCE, YOU GUYS HAVE DONE SOMETHING THAT SOME OF US WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF. MY BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY OVER THERE, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I FEEL LIKE YOU ARE THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO THIS CITY COUNCIL IN A VERY, VERY LONG TIME. AND I APPRECIATE YOU. AND I WANT TO THANK YOU. TO THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR, JUST SO YOU KNOW, I HAVEN'T HAD A LIBRARY CARD IN 15 YEARS. I got one. Thank you. Now let me tell you why I'm not coming to the library. Because every time I want to get a book, We don't have them. Example, the ISIS papers. Now, before you came, there was interchangeable books from, and I'm not sure if it still is, but at one point, I was able to get the ISIS paper through the library based around the library exchange. Well, I just went up there to try to get that book again, and I can't get it. And so what I'm saying to you is that a lot of the books that I would like to read and some of us would like to read are not available to us here in this town.

Thank you, Ms. Pearson. Your time is expired. Thank you. Are there any other public comments? Go ahead.

Hi, my name is Sue Cook in Freeport, and I just want to say thank you to the library head and that some people go into puberty early. We're just going to say that some girls. go in very, very early. 10 is not young for a child to go into puberty, especially now. But just so you know, back in the day, there was a book called This Is My Body. And I'm sure some of you had that book. And when you go into puberty early, your mother or father would go, oh, look, here's a book. You go read this. So for the children that are not sure what's happening, maybe not getting the talk at home, that book might be a godsend. Now, please, I was a substitute teacher for a while. These kids, very young, know what's going on. But if they really want the information, the science, that is where you would look would be the book maybe not this is my body but whatever is there so I want to thank you and I also want to say sex is not from Satan or we would all not be here so I'm going to say thank you Tim for creating all of us thank you

Anyone else? Go ahead, Tommy.

Let's go, baby.

I want to thank Donnie Moore. I'll be moving to a different house. I heard good news about that. And Tom Quinn, we're going to miss you. I heard about you. We're going to miss you, Barry.

I'm going to miss you, Tommy.

And everybody's doing, cops do a good job in Freeport Police Department.

Thank you. Anyone else?

Hi, Mary Kaufman. Just wanted to say thank you all for your service. Wanted to state a couple of things that were brought up. It was mentioned that there were 13 copies of the book. It's perfectly normal. The library may have access to that many, but they do not have that many on the shelf that I'm aware of. I did also do a quick search myself of the library, and there are reciprocal libraries that we are part of. So your tax dollars were not spent on several copies that are not being checked out. Also, you can look up on the Cyber Drive Illinois and Albertson Earthworks is a legitimate legal business. Thank you.

Anyone else? Next is executive session. Madam Clerk, would you please read this?

We have two pursuant to 5 ILCS 122 C1, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. This is quite long, I'm gonna paraphrase, to determine the validity of any of those. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation, is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act and shall not be closed. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122 C 21, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 206.

Is there a motion to approve? So moved.

Second.

We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor? Yes, I'm sorry. Please take the roll. Johnson?

Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacey? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Do you think he's still on, Kurt? Let's go to Sellers. Aye. And Clem? Aye. What was that, Kurt?

I believe he's still on.

Alderperson Sanders, can you hear me?

Yes.

What is your vote on going into closed session? Aye. Thank you. The motion passes 7-0.