City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening, Justin. Could you please give the invocation? Good evening. Good evening, madame mayor, council, and merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. And I know it's a bit presumptuous, but happy new year as well. [laughter]

Please pray with me. Father, we thank you for this evening. Uh we thank you for your grace in our lives. uh your goodness to us as we see your gifts uh poured out uh in the world and even here in our city Freeport day after day. Lord, as we approach the end of 2025, Lord, we thank you for uh so much that's been done uh so many decisions made uh and so much work accomplished. And uh Lord, we thank you for giving us the strength uh and the patience and the grace through all of it. And Lord, even as we've already begun to plan towards 2026 and so much work has already been laid out there.

Yes. Just ask for your uh blessing and Godspeed in that work. Lord, I pray for uh this administration, this council, city manager and clerk and others uh that you would bless them in their work uh and help them to find joy uh in their callings that you've given them uh and particularly in the difficulties and the frustrations and and Lord, even as we celebrate peace at this time of year uh with the birth of Christ, Father, I pray too that you would help us to live in peace with one another uh even in disagreement uh that we would honor one another as fellow men and women made in the image of God. And so I ask these things in Christ's name. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Thank you, Justin. Uh now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam clerk, would you please take the role? Mayor Miller here. Alder persons Clem here. Johnson here. [snorts] Simmons here. Parker here. Stacy here. Shadel here. Sanders here. And Sers

here. [snorts] If you could please stand for the pledge of allegiance led by Alderman Sanders 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. [clears throat] Item number one is approval of the agenda. However, we are going to be re removing item number 10. It's not quite ready to go. So, is there a motion to approve? So, move second.

A motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. No. Opposed. Yeah, I oppose it. That vote is 7 to one. Item number This shouldn't be a vote. Mayor, I'm [snorts] sorry. It shouldn't be a vote. I app I did not approve it. I know. I just said it was 7 to1. Yeah, but it's not a vote. You can't tally this agenda to a vote. That's not how it's done. And the fact that I'm I'm uh not approving of it. Uh

okay. So, I'm going to let the attorney address whatever you Well, he can say whatever he wants because he would be out of order if he said anything. Okay. So, so Alderman Sanders already done the call and I have the floor as it's not approving of this agenda, but the vote is 7 to1. So, that means there is no vote on on this agenda. It has not been approved. You don't have the floor. Please refrain from talking. I've moved on from item number one. We're moving on to item number two. So, item number two is public. We cannot conduct this meeting as such. Sanders in charge. You're not in charge.

Alderman Sanders, please refrain from speaking or I'm going to call you in charge of order. You're not in charge. You can say you are given a warning. You are in given a warning that you are being out of order. So, please stop. Otherwise, I'm going to have to call you out of order if it continues. We're going to move on to item number two, which is public comment, where we have none signed in. So, we'll move on to item number three, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda consists of uh all these in one motion unless a member of the council would like to have something removed for further discussion. Is there anything to be removed?

Everything. I I I oppose everything. Um, matter of fact, I want to table this meeting until council has formally had a meeting amongst itself to determine how did this agenda [clears throat] come into play and why are we accepting agenda that we had not discussed. Okay, so here's the deal. You're purposely going off topic. Okay. And [snorts] the topic right now before us is the consent agenda.

So, is there anything specifically that any member of the council would like to have removed for further discussion? Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of reviewing re I'm sorry, approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the board of fire and police commission for October 28th and 29th, November 4th, and uh 2025. Did I read that correctly?

Okay, I believe so. Um, the Arts and Culture Commission, February 6th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, July 3rd, August 7th, September 4th, and November 4th, 2025, the schedule of the regular meetings for the city of Freeport for 2026, the building permit and fire department uh reports for November 2025, the adoption of resolution 2025, which is a ratification of emergency replacement on the HVAC, the adoption of resolution 2025153, which is the resolution of ratifying emergency storm water basin repairs, and the adoption of resolution 2025154, which is the resolution ratifying emergency water main repairs and looping. Also is the cash and investment report and the finance department report both dated October 2025 [snorts] and the approval of the finance bills payable in a total of 6,591,414.39 and approval of payroll for pay period ending November 29th 2025 in the total of $677,329. Is there a motion to approve?

So move second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sellers, I. Clem, I. Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, I. And Shadel, I. The consent agenda is approved 7 to one. Okay. Item number four is a statement and explanation by the city attorney regarding the rules of council.

Uh thank you your honor. Uh so during the course of the past few meetings of the city council and the committee of the whole uh there have been statements made uh by Alderman Sanders asking or questioning who has the authority to place items on the agenda and who has the authority to run or chair the council and committee of the whole meetings. uh these repeated statements uh by Alderman Sanders, including some made tonight uh and the time that it takes for him to make them have caused concern for other council members that these statements are leading to meetings being conducted in an inefficient manner. Uh at the request of the mayor, city manager, and other council members, I've been asked to state what the current rules of council are regarding agendas and the uh and the chairing of meetings of the city council and the committees of the hold. So revised rules of council were adopted by ordinance by a majority of the city council on June 16th, 2025. Pursuant to city code of ordinance section 220.10 subp paragraph 29, items can be placed on the council or committee of the whole agenda by the mayor, the city manager, any [snorts] two older persons, or as referred to it by city council subject to some additional requirements. As such, the mayor and the city manager have the authority to place items on the agenda. Further section 220.10 sub paragraph 7 and section 220.11 provide that the mayor shall preside and serve as the chairperson at council and committee uh committee of the whole meetings as the chairperson. The mayor is the one who has the authority to preside over the meeting, call on people to speak, determine when someone is out of order, etc. So that power is vested into the mayor by our city ordinances that have been approved. Uh Alderman Sanders, I understand that you may not agree with these rules. uh but these are the rules that have been adopted by a majority of the city council. As such, these are the rules that the council, including yourself as a member of the council, must by uh must abide by. It's my hope that with this explan explanation and clarification of what the rules of council are regarding who has the

authority to place items on the agenda and who has the authority to chair and preside over meetings that any further comments or questions uh will be alleviated uh there. To the extent, Alderman Sanders, you have any further questions about this, I'm happy to speak with you after the meeting about them. Item number five, asking me a question. You You didn't ask me a question. No, it it isn't a discussion item. It's simply a statement and explanation

and he is open to meeting with anyone afterwards. Um, item number five is a reappoint. Could you please read this? Reappoint of Tina Kenova to the alts arts and culture commission effective through October 31st, 2028. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sers, seconded by Alderman Shadel. Discussion on the appointment. Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sellers, I. Clem, I. Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, I. and Shadel.

Hi. The appointment is approved 7 to one. Item number six is a second reading of ordinance 202578. Could you please read this ordinance amending chapter 1020 streets generally section 1020.13 erection of banners, signs, etc. to prohibit the placement of signage on any city street, alley or public way. Thank you, Director Heimerdinger.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. This was presented at December 1st council meeting. there was no discussion. Um these changes don't or to the idea behind the already established chapter 10 section 13 um which is that the signs are not allowed in public way or rightway. Instead it just brings clarity, ensures fair treatment and addresses necessary signage that is permitted to be in there um by the city or other roadway districts. So staff and planning commission recommend the adoption of the amended amended uh ordinance. Thank you. Is there any discussion on this ordinance? Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders, yes. Sellers, I. Clem. Hi. Johnson.

Hi. Simmons. Hi. Parker. Hi. Stacy. Hi. And Shadel. Hi. The ordinance passes 8 to zero. Item number two is the second reading of ordinance 202579. Could you please read this? fiscal year 2025 reappropriation ordinance. Thank you, Director Richtor.

Thank you, your honor. On December 1st, we had first reading for the 2025 supplemental appropriation. At the end of each fiscal year, the city council amends the appropriation ordinance to take into account necessary revenue and expense adjustments. At our previous meeting, I went through um a very long list of uh items, and I I don't think you want me to read it again. It's really um quite long, but the memo was in your packets. Um it is staff's request to approve um this ordinance. Thank you. Is there any discussion on this ordinance?

Alderman's um Stacy? Yes. I have a question. I had asked that um monies be allotted um for a lightning program and I would like to know if that happened. Did you say lighting? Yes. Um I believe uh we're discussing street light in uh enhancements. So I um director, would you want to answer that? This is um this is the budget for 2025.

So, we've made adjustments for the project that we did earlier in the year um for the budget, but um I think you're talking about going forward. Yes. Into 2026. So, like this is 2025. So, um we passed 26 last on the 1. Um, and I believe there's there's funds in there, a a small amount in there in 2026. Yeah, this is this is finishing up the 2025 budget. Alderman Stacy. If there's no further questions, madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sers, I. Clem, I

Johnson, I. Simmons, I Parker, I. Stacy [snorts]

I and Shadel I. The ordinance passes 7 to1. Item number eight is the second reading of ordinance 202580. Could you please read this? Ordinance adopting revised hanger lease form. Thank you manager [clears throat] Ber. Uh thank you your honor. Just uh following up. This is an adjustment to the existing uh lease format for the hangers. uh we discussed at a December 1st meeting and staff recommends moving forward with the changes. Thank you. Is there any questions on this ordinance? Madam [clears throat] clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sers, I. Plum, hi. Johnson, I. Simmons, hi. Parker,

hi. Stacy, no. And Shadel, hi. And that ordinance passes uh 6 to2. And item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 202581. Could you please read this ordinance amending chapter 232, Department of Public Works to allow a consulting firm to manage the various divisions within the public works department. Thank you, manager.

Uh thank you, your honor. So the city code establishes the public works director and the city engineers appointed positions under the city manager. Historically, these roles have been filled by either an individual or a contractor. Many municipalities, including peer communities in Illinois, uh South Bait being one, now rely on contracted engineering firms to provide these functions uh when it offers greater technical depth, operational flexibility or cost efficiency. The proposed ordinance updates the code to clearly state that either an individual or an engineering firm may be appointed to these positions. Uh this brings our code in line with contemporary municipal practices and reflects how engineering services are increasingly delivered in local government. The ordinance makes targeted amendments to sections uh 232.03 and 288.25. Um the revisions state that the public works director and the city engineer may either be a city employee or a contracted engineering firm. They require that the scope of services for the firm be documented in writing and clarify that a firm may serve until a successor is appointed. The ordinance also clarifies that nothing in the code should be interpreted to either require or prohibit the use of an outside engineering firm. These changes provide needed administrative flexibility while preserving existing appointment and oversight authority. Um there is no actual impact to this. However, staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance change and uh staff's also requesting suspension of the rules uh due to the fact just we want to keep things in line. We have a few agreements that we need to approve at the end of the evening. And I felt that these uh minor changes would be um prudent given that uh we're working on the 2026 uh construction year planning and and uh moving forward with our plans for 26.

Is there a motion to adopt or to approve some? No, wait. I said that wrong. to move it forward. We have to move it forward. Is there a motion to move forward to suspend rules? Second. Oh, okay. So, we we have a we have a motion made by Alderman Sers, seconded by Alderman Shadel, and we have a motion made by Alderman Parker to suspend the rules. And who was the second on that? Second. And the second made by Alderman Sers. So before you is the suspension uh non-debatable must pass by two/3s majority. Madam clerk would you please take the role on the suspension only. Sanders no Sers I. Clem I. Johnson I. Simmons

no. Parker I. Stacy no. And Shadel. Hi. The motion to suspend fails. Uh you have five to three. So you have five five have half of the council voting in favor of a particular item. So that triggers one of the situations where the mayor is allowed to cast a vote. You got Oh, I'm sorry. Attorney Zitto. Mayor, what say you? I. Is that enough votes? Attorney Zo. Six. We needed the six. So, we have six to three. Thank you for that clarification. So, now before you council is the final passage of this ordinance, is there any questions concerning this ordinance? Alderman Stacy?

Yes. I would like to know, are we looking for an assessor to be appointed to this position? And Darren Stego sits here as the director over the water department, but his name is not stated nowhere in here. And why is that,

manager? Uh Darren is a representative of the firm that we're using, Fair Graham, who who has proven, especially over the last few years with a very large construction program that uh this has been working out excellent for the city. So the idea here is we're just making some minor adjustments to the ordinance. Nothing that is not currently there. Just want to make it clearer. So I would say uh um Darren, Mr. Steel has done an outstanding job and we want to retain him in that current position so that we can get a lot of work done and bring a lot of money into the city which we've received I don't know how many countless millions of dollars in uh outside funding for almost every project that we're working on. So, um I think it's working well and I would encourage council to support this change.

Okay. And my first question Yes. What was your first question? Are we looking for an assessor to be appointed to this position? Those were your words. Those weren't mine. Assessor. Assessor. Until we find an assessor. Do you mean a successor? Excuse me. Do you mean a successor? He said assessor. I think you I think you wrong. At this time, we're not looking for anyone. We're not looking for a public works director. What is she talking about? Are there any other questions? Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sellers, hi. Clem.

Hi. Johnson. Hi. Simmons.

Hi, Parker. Hi, Stacy. Hi. And Shadel, hi. And the ordinance passes 7 to one. Okay. So, I I see that we have a few people that have arrived. Are are um Xandra, are you ready to do what you needed to? Do we do we need or do you want to wait until the end of the meeting? I was going to ask for a leave of counsel if that was what you were is that what you were looking for. Yes. [snorts] You can wait. Okay. All right. Are you are you good with that or are you on a time frame? You're good. Okay. All right. I was just wanted to be sensitive of your time schedules.

Okay. Then we will move on to item number 11, which is the adoption of resolution 20255. Resolution authorizing and approving an agreement with Lauderbach and Aean to provide auditing services to the city. Thank you, Director Richtor.

Thank you, your honor. In January of 2023, the finance department issued a request for proposal for auditing services for the fiscal years of 2022 through 2026. On February 6th of 2023, city council approved the bid from Lauderbach and Aean. Past practice has been to obtain multi-year proposals during the RFP process. However, individual engagement letters are signed for each of the fiscal years to be audited. Lauderbach and Aean's fees for the city's 2025 audit are $45,430. This is a 3% increase from the prior year. At the time of the RFP, the communities of Rockford, Rock Island, and East Molen all gave positive responses in favor of Lauderbach and Aean's performance. In addition, the city of Freeport's 2024 audit was prepared accurately and on time and all inter interactions were professional. Their team is very experienced in the area of municipal government. [clears throat] The purpose of an engagement letter is to define the scope of the audit, specify the time of the audit and related deliverables, define the fee arrangement, and outline the auditors and management's responsibilities. The strategic plan alignment is responsive efficient government and at this time staff request approval of the fiscal year 2025 engagement letter with Lauderbach and Aean.

Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders. No. Sellers. I. Plum. I. Johnson. Hi, Simmons. Hi, Parker. I Stacy, I and Shadel, I. The resolution is adopted 7 to1. Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2025156. Could you please read this resolution approving the city's property general liability and workers compensation insurance policies? Thank you, Manager Boyer.

Uh, thank you, your honor. Um the city has begun the insurance renewal process uh in early fall and completing several of the documents for our broker AJ Gallagher. As our broker, they provide expert guidance uh access to more insurance options, assistance with claims and personalized support. Uh they also advocate for us in the underwriting process. Uh meeting was held with them on December 10th at at which AJ Gallagher's representative presented over the renewal. Um and what we're looking at here are some of the changes in our premiums. Um I can go through all those, but I assume everyone has uh read their um memo. So therefore, uh there a couple of the notable changes. There's it's relatively flat um this year. Very fortunate um on the uh on various coverages. So we're looking at a a minor overall increase, but relatively flat. So, I think we're looking at about $9,537 uh when it comes to the uh property um inland marine package, automobile liability, umbrella, crime, cyber, and so forth. So, overall uh staff is happy with the renewal and uh we are fortunate to see uh that it was less than 1% of uh total coverage limits. So, the city will also receive a safety grant from the Illinois Public Risk Association for I'm sorry, risk fund for 16,244 for safety related equipment and staff recommends moving forward with the uh 2026 liability property and workers compensation insurance.

Is there a motion to adopt? So, move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders. Uh, yes. Sellers. Hi. Clem. Hi. Johnson. Hi. Simmons. Hi. Parker. Hi. Stacy. Hi. And Shadel. Hi. The resolution is adopted 8 to zero. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025157. Could you please read this? Resolution approving payment of invoice to mobile electronics for upfitting district chief vehicle. Thank you. Uh, chief.

Thank you, mayor. So June 2nd of 2025, council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe to be utilized as an emergency response vehicle for the district chiefs. Um we took delivery on that vehicle August 26th. Shortly thereafter, we engaged mobile electronics to do the upfitting of that vehicle. And upfitting means installing the radios, the lights, the sirens, computers, all that equipment. So, the arrangement was we're going to pay the invoices as we went along. The plan was we would we would pay for the mobile radio when it came in, then we would pay for [clears throat and cough] all the lights, the sirens, the equipment, and then when the work was completed, we pay for the the uh labor. So doing it this way complied with the city's purchasing policy. It would have helped the vendor reduce his overhead costs and we would had this work done. So however once the work was completed he presented me with three different invoices all totaling over $10,000 which meets the requirement for council approval. So tonight, I'm bringing those three individual and specific invoices to council for approval for mobile electronics for a total sum of $13,972.92. So that project for the entire vehicle is out of the fire capital improvement fund which was provided for in this year's budget. We are currently under budget with this project. We're just seeking approval from council to pay this last and final bill.

Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Shadel. Discussion on the resolution. Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders. Yes. Sellers. I. Clem. Hi. Johnson. Hi. Simmons. Hi. Parker. Hi. Stacy. Hi. and Shadel I. The resolution is adopted 8 to zero. Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2025158. Could you please read this resolution approving fair 2026 master services agreement. Thank you manager.

Thank you your honor. Each year uh one of the things that we approve is the master services agreement. Um this is with fair Graham. They understand our infrastructure. Obviously, they they have an inventory of all of our roads. They have a very good understanding of what it is we need to be doing out here throughout our construction um season. 2026 is going to be a very busy year and we need to have a master services agreement set up so that we will have the the necessary um expertise on hand and ready to go um when we run into um unexpected things as well as projects that need to be moved forward. Uh so this year we're bringing forward uh to council. It's an agreement with fair grant for 450,000 for the uh for the uh master services agreement. In the past, this uh work has been very instrumental in terms of uh Adams Avenue for instance. It was a very important project. Uh ran into various uh storm water issues, things that were not able to be calculated early on. And uh because of this we were able to make a good a excellent decision on the ground in a timely fashion that in a big picture saves the city a substantial amount of money. And this is really one of the ways we were able to stretch our dollars as much as they have been stretched for all of our different projects. So um staff recommends moving forward with this master services agreement with fair.

Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadel, seconded by Alderman Sers. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sanders. Uh, have council uh negotiated this contract with Aaron Graham? Just a question I'm throwing out there. Manager. Um, well, I we have I have you have Yes, we have negot Well, tonight we've bringing this forward as bringing it forward, but council has not made a discussion on this particular contract. Well, the I guess this would be the discussion on this contract. Council has not had the discussion about this contract.

Actually, I' I've had this discussion with many of the council members, especially it's been every year, and this is something we do every year because this is part of the secret to our success in terms of getting projects going and launched and completed. So, um, if three years on council isn't enough experience, I don't know what else we got to do. But we're doing this every single year and it's worked out phenomenally. Yeah. But I'm being specific about my question. My question is, has council had a discussion on this contract. That's the question that I'm asking. Okay. So, attorney,

uh, Alderman Sanders, so this is your opportunity to have the discussion on this contract. So the normal process would be staff is going to present an item to council to vote on it. There's a motion in a second to put it on the floor and now there is discussion by council. This is your opportunity as a council to talk about this contract whether you like it, don't like it, have questions, whatever it may be. You know, attorney Zitto, uh you do not direct counsel. Okay? You do not discuss the matters of Actually, I haven't actually given you the floor, Alderman Sanders. I'm I'm on the floor, but but I had the last one I gave the floor to was the attorney.

So you you're actually out of order by doing that. So please refrain. If you would like to have a discussion, that's fine. But you have to understand the process here. The city manager actually is the one that does the negotiating of contracts and then he brings them to the council to discuss and evaluate. Um that is your job to either approve or not approve. So that's the discussion tonight. Olman Stacy, did you have a did you have your hand up?

Yes. City Manager Ber, how can we ensure the taxpayers that we are getting the best price for the needed services? I would think the most monetary responsible way to acquire these services would be asking for a request for [clears throat and snorts] quotes from other firms. And before anyone say that we can't do it, please note that on July 28th, 2022, the city of Peoria, Illinois, another home rural unit of government issued a request for quotes to suffice a master service agreement for various engineering service similar to ours. If they can do it, why can't we? Truth be told, we can. An Illinois municipality can request quotes or proposals for engineering services, but they must follow the local government professional service selection act. And for the record, that correspondent is 50 ILCS5101. So the real question is why aren't we doing this?

Well, number one, quotes are generally uh for well understood projects and you generally do not even quote for professional services. You do a statement of qualification. You issue the request for statement of qualification. you look at those and then you select one based on qualification and whatever that firm is, whatever their price is is what it is. So that's not actually how things are generally done. Not saying it's never done, but it's not generally done that way. So uh we have a company here in town who has supported this city and has done an excellent job. We have had uh saving a very large cost avoidance on every project that we've done in this city. We've done it right and there is absolutely no reason to change horses in the middle of this. We have a very active schedule for next year and I believe that uh uh every dollar is highly valued and has performed well for us. There's at this point we need to continue with what's been successful. [snorts]

Any other discussion? Darren, did you want to add something? if [laughter] I could. Um, so this year's master service contract award um was for 350,000. There was an additional service that was added for 100,000 a few months ago. Um, currently I look today um as of the 1st of No, uh, excuse me, the 1st of December. Um, we're at 385,000. So we will not max out our our our master service agreement for this year. So, we've been shown to be respectful of the money. Out of the 385,000, 20,000 of those are fees, which include testing services and/or security titles, things like that that we do for the city all the time. Um, structural uh uh structural assessments andor CAD fees that come along with some of the survey and staking jobs that we're required to do for the city. Um, additionally, um, just some pure facts of this, $70,000 of the fee goes to permitting review for the city of Freeport that is charged out to our clients, uh, to our customers that do permits. Uh, solar companies, any of the big arrays, civil services, community development uses all the time to do civil reviews or structural reviews for them as well inhouse. So all of these dollars are used amongst the different um uh departments within the city. Um I would also like to mention um being locally here in Freeport. I'm invested in the community. Uh all the directors uh that work for the city of Freeport, police, fire, community development, um finance will all tell you that I'm very involved with all the departments and I help them at any moment with any reach. And I typically don't even um charge the city for all the hours that we could because I'm invested in the programs here in Freeport.

Thank you. [cough] [clears throat] May I? Sure. Is that appropriate?

I I just want to reiterate what city manager Ber read in the memo because I think those are some very good points. Fair understands the infrastructure system and they have an inventory of roads. If we were to go out for an RFQ and we get a different firm, we're not going to have those records. You would have to account for a new firm to do a new road study. You would have to have them become familiar with the infrastructure. Um, you know, they'd have to come up to speed and there's a lot of added value in staying with the same engineering firm or Miss Stacy. So would it be true in saying that because you, city manager Ber know little to nothing about these services and our city streets infrastructure. You depend on fair ground because you need them to be successful.

I'm not really sure how that statement hold it. Hold it is um I I have the floor. I'm not sure how that statement is respectful in any way, shape, or form saying those things to him. Mayor, you just can't. That's just that's just disrespect. Yeah, it's disrespect because you can't Alderman Sanders, you're not you don't have the floor. Please stop talking. Um, manager warrior, would you like to say something to that?

I'm I'm I'm a little at a loss for words except to say that I am here to get the best value out of every dollar that we have for taxpayers. And I am I would not be bringing this before council if I thought that there was a single if there was any issue whatsoever. The they are bringing an outstanding value to this community. This is part of why we've been able to accomplish everything we've accomplished. And I would uh you asking me about my own credentials. I guarantee you I'm the only person that knows anything about utilities from a utility operator standpoint in administration in local communities. I will tell you I know more about the infrastructure in this town than virtually anyone else.

And I would say you are casting dispersions on me because this is a political game. But to me, we're trying to get something accomplished for this city. And I think you should be ashamed of yourself. Uh, it's not a political game.

I want to say this and I want the record to uh without uh any comments from the mayor nor the attorney. I don't want any comments from you guys. But what I have to say is this is that um we are the governing body here who is the protectors. Okay, I'm going to call you out of order on this because you are off topic. This topic is about the master service agreement. It is not for you to go off on some

okay misunderstanding of whatever you think government is. So I would encourage you that if you want to have a clear understanding of how things are run, you should probably put your concerns to the attorney general's office. Yeah. So consider this to be your you are out of order. So the next time you are disruptive in the order, I will ask you to be escorted out of the meeting. So let's move on. Is there any other questions concerning fair grams? I'm not done, mayor. Well, actually, you've had two times to speak. No, you stopped me

because you are not talking about what is on the agenda for before us right now. It is about the fair master service agreement. Period. Would you like to say something about the fair master service? Yes, I would. Okay, you have your time.

Um, the service that is being provided has not been broken down to us in quote uh tangible records, statement uh analysis. [snorts] um anything about this particular contract that uh fair Graham wants to introduce to I don't want that don't don't put that on my desk um what what I am saying is we have not been introduced to this contract officially to debate to determine and not only that putting the the taxpayers's trust into anything that deals with taxpayers dollars. Uh we have no oversight committee to determine whether or not we're getting a fair deal with any contractor or any sort of a contracting uh pres presentation unto council or to the city itself. So yeah, I'm debating I'm talking about this contract that has been all been introduced to us the last time we was here on time and material. We just can't open up the barn door and just let time and material determines how much the taxpayer is going to suffer. Yeah, the the the quote is $450,000 or more for that services, but it leaves opportunity for expansion of this contract for more tax high raises. it can because it's time and material and because that door is open. Uh we have no oversight committee to determine whether it's good or whether it's bad. And this is what we're talking about. And so we're not just going to sit here or I'm not going to just sit

here and just listen to the fact that we should be accepting the services without debating whether or not this is good for the citizens of the city of Freeport. [clears throat]

I don't want to continue to say that uh staff is making these recommendation because council is not making these recommendations to move forward. If council is not making recommendations to move forward, then this thing should be table until council had a full understanding of what it is that we're accepting for the citizens of Freeport. And taxpayers dollars are not to be uh um used at anybody's expense. And that's what the time and material does. It does exactly that. And if anybody wants to dispute that, you [snorts] show me where it doesn't. Because if we don't have it in writing, everything that we're talking about is is not in writing. I don't see it. I don't see the conclusion. And I don't even see the services or the invoices or the contract. So, we're looking at a a lot of things that has not materialized before council, but yet we sit we stand here to debate whether we should vote on it or not. So that's that's one of the thing things that I wanted to express and it's not that we don't trust nobody. It's just the fact that we don't have an oversight committee to look into the matters of of taxpayers dollars and this is where we're at right now. So

okay. So your full understanding is by informing yourself the contract is in your packet. So you have had it since Friday. If you had questions you could have been reading it for many days. So, let's uh go back to any other discussion on this resolution. Madame clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sellers, I. Clem, hi. Johnson, I. Simmons, I. Parker, I. Stacy, I. Shadel, I. The resolution is adopted 7 to one. Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025159. Could you please read this

resolution approving fair gram 2026 public works master services agreement? Manager Buer.

Thank you honor. Um [clears throat] so we currently contract with fair Graham for public works director services that includes many activities in the day-to-day operations of man of the staff um uh performing various uh reviews working with them on um last minute items failures uh that may occur out in the field. also as additional to that uh ensuring that we have everything we need in place for our snow removal program or our stump removals. Uh ensuring that we have um all of our equipment serviced appropriately and also assisting in and working with the staff to be effective moving forward. So the city requires this additional work. Um it's essential to have a director who deep is deeply immersed in the city's infrastructure and possesses the history and knowledge to effectively handle the numerous demands of this position. and the city uh requests assistance to handle this volume of work. So staff recommends moving forward with the uh approval of the fair professional assist uh services agreement for public works director.

Motion to approve. Motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the resolution. Madam clerk, please take the role. Sanders, no. Sers, I. Clem. Hi Johnson. Hi Simmons. Hi Parker. Hi Stacy. I and Shadel. Hi. The resolution is adopted 7 to one. Move on to reports from department heads. Finance. Uh nothing your honor. Thank you. Community development. Nothing. Thank you. Public works.

Uh just a couple things quickly. Um sorry about that. I wanted to let everybody know that uh we were able to submit um a fair team was and get a $100,000 grant uh back to the city for sewer lining. Um we received the notice uh this week, so that should be coming back um to the city coffers. Um the lift station on Walnut Road is underway. Uh they set the wet well down to nearly 40 feet on the quarter landfill. Um we're going to stop operations until weather's better. Um, but that's probably the deepest, hardest part of the project. We had significant water uh getting that set. Um, as a reminder to all residents and uh homeowners, property owners in Freeport, um, the snow ordinance is in effect. A half an inch of snow. Uh, cars need to be odd, even uh, moved. If they're [snorts] not, we will be towing vehicles moving forward. Uh, we can't chase everybody down on the streets. It's important that everybody comply with this. so we can gets the streets clean. We're still trying to clean streets up from the very first heavy snow and chasing people down. Um, shoveling sidewalks as well is a requirement by the homeowner or property owner within Freeport. Uh, please shovel your sidewalks and be respectful to your neighbors that have to use the path to get back and forth. Um, if you have an issue with the way the city has plowed uh a corner or something like that, please reach out. Um, they're doing the best they can. We have more snowfall in December than we had for the entire year last year. And we're running out of spaces to put it with more in the forecast. So, uh, please don't think anybody's doing it on purpose. There's just only so much space to go with it. Um, and again, we're getting lots and lots of complaints about sidewalks not being shoveled, which the next uh available avenue for that is code enforcement, which we have been reluctant to do, but we're going to have

to start doing it if people can't comply with the shoveling. Um, and lastly, I'd like to announce that Frontier has notified me that um, we've been negotiating on them going to a full fiber install in Freeport in 2026. Um, and they've already started sending in permits for the work. Uh, which is great news for Freeport. It should improve our communications and this is one of the benefits of us bringing surf to Freeport. Now, we're going to get more people to be more competitive and provide better service to all the constituents. Thank you. Thank you, fire.

Thank you, your honor. Director Stel kind of stepped into my topic for this evening, but uh our guys are have been out on the streets shoveling out fire hydrants with the deep snow and they're very appreciative of the the hydrants that residents have have helped us out with. So, the efforts do not go unnoticed. our guys come back to the station and say there were several hydrants in front of homes that were clean and accessible and they're very appreciative. So, I just wanted to recognize those residents who take care of that and encourage others if you have an opportunity to help us out and do those and ones that we can get to. Our guys certainly pull over with shovels on the vehicles and they dig out as as well. So, once again, thank you to the public for helping us out. Thank you. [snorts]

Yes, madam mayor. I just would [clears throat] like to thank all uh that contributed to shop with a cop this year. Um the police department, the sheriff's department. Uh were able to um involve a lot a lot of children this year and it was quite an amazing experience. So just wanted to take a second and thank all of those who uh made that happen uh for those children. So thank you all. Library. Thank you, your honor. I just wanted to remind everybody to stop by the library um now through Christmas to see the community festival of trees in um collaboration with FHN. Um it city manager. Uh nothing tonight, your honor.

Um I just have a couple of things. Uh just wanted to give a shout out to High Hope Freeport. They had a great event on Saturday at the girls and girls and boys club that brought early Christmas to some children that have lost a parent due to gun violence. So I'd just like to also thank alderman Shadel Sers and Johnson for joining city manager and I in serving uh those that attended. Uh and since this is our last meeting of 2025, our next meeting will be January 5th. And I'd like to wish each of you a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. Um, we'll move on to council announcements. Alderman Sanders, none. Alderman Sers,

I would like to also um wish everybody a merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Alderman Clem, uh, the same. I'd like to wish everybody a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Uh we will be taking a look at some changes in the uh dates for neighborhood watches simply because uh we [laughter] come up with some of the nights where there are other groups that are very popular that uh should have attendance also. So we'll take a look at that. I'll keep you all posted. Thank you very much. Have a great new year. Alderman Johnson.

Um yes, there will be no neighborhood watch meeting for the second ward due to the holiday. And also I too would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Alderman Simmons, I don't have anything. Thank you. Alman Parker, uh basically the same. I want to wish everybody a merry Christmas. Uh people in my ward, the city, and we will not have a neighborhood watch meeting next Monday night either. Thank you, man. Stacy, not at this time. Shadel,

just merry Christmas to everyone and thank you. Thank you. Uh Xander, would you like to bring your team up? Uh, good evening, mayor, members of the city council, city officials, fire chief, any guests here. My name is Xandra Brightite, and I'm here on behalf of Voices and Views with Xan and Chelse. This is my co-host here. U, we're a new podcast here in town. um started here in early September, but doing well solo on our own. On December 3rd at the city's main fire station, we gathered for something far more meaningful than a presentation. We gather to remember, to honor, and we gathered to say thank you. The art piece presented that day was powerful in both image and meaning. It was a New York City fire engine handdrawn entirely with the number two pencil. But what makes this art extraordinary is not just the image. The fire engine is composed of the names of the following firefighters from September 11. Each line, each detail, each shadow is made from a name. Names of the men and women who ran toward danger when the world ran away. Names of heroes who gave everything to

protect others. Names that forever changed fire service and our nation. This piece reminds us that behind every siren, behind every uniform, behind every call answered is a life, a family, a legacy. The artist behind this work is Rashad McIntyre from Wington, North Carolina. He is an artist who lives with autism and does not allow his disability to define him. Rashad's talent was discovered at the tender age of four years old. Since then, his work has been featured in museums and exhibitions reaching audiences beyond his hometown. Instead of creating simply to draw, he poured focus, discipline, and deep respect into this piece. Through his hands, the artwork became a memorial, a reminder, and a bridge connecting past sacrifice and to present service. When voices and views with Xan and Chz presented this artwork, it was a moment that spoke without words. It symbolized the bond between firefighters across generations. It symbolized respect for those we lost and gratitude for those who still served. To our local firefighters, your courage matters, your sacrifice matters, and your service carries the weight of history. Every time you answer a call, you stand on the shoulders of those who names are written into that fire engine, and you carry their legacy forth with every shift, every alarm, and

every life saved. We thank our city officials for recognizing moments like this. Moments that remind us that remembrance is essential. Appreciation must be spoken

and gratitude should be visible. At Voices and Views with Xan and Chairs, we capture the voices of those in our community and beyond. supporting, promoting, and engaging conversations with our audiences by uplifting voices, honoring service, and telling the stories that must never be forgotten. This artwork now stands as a keepsake, not only of September 11th, but of what it truly means to serve. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your leadership. And thank you to every firefighter past and present who has answered the call. This is Voices and Views with Zan and Chess. Thank you. [applause]

I would just like to state how how pleased the fire department was to receive this generous donation. It's piece of art to be presented to the fire station. We've already proudly hung it up in a special place at the station all by itself. It's not sharing the wall with any other art pieces. So, we're very grateful she and her Ms. Bright and her team presented this December 3rd and explained the history behind it. We even did a a remote discussion with with the the artists who did this this family.

Oh, wow. and and we were so happy to receive that. And then as a bonus, they brought food for all of us [laughter] and they able to sit with us and and interact and engage with our firefighters. Everybody enjoyed the visit. We're so proud to get to receive this piece of art. So once again, behalf of the fire department, thank you very much for your Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [applause]

Thank you, ladies. Oh, wow. Are there any other public comments this evening? [clears throat]

Hi, my name is Cheryl Alman. Hey Darren, I did talk to a snowplow driver the other day when we got that last snow uh on the east side of Stevenson and Grove. I had four and a half to 5 foot right there in the handicap. They're supposed to come back and help me shovel it. didn't happen, but that's okay. It got done. Rob, I wanted to know when I'm gonna get the paperwork for what I've been asking for for a few months now. And you were talking about the Girls and Boys Club, which is great. Awesome. But why are we talking about that homeless lady that passed because nobody in this town cared? What a shame. We sit here and toot our own horns, but she's gone and nobody cared. Second of all, I'm going to talk about Peter Alber again. He doesn't have a contract. Needless to say, he's renting spaces there and people are paying for when he's not even paying for what he has. That's wrong. Uh in last meeting, Stacy brought up where the lights and all that went. As a taxpayer, I want to know where the money went. I'm paying my taxes. Matter of fact, alderman are getting paid by taxpayers money, too. Some of you guys ought to start shaping up here. And mayor, you really have something against Sanders. You really do. You sit up there with such a smug face. But when you're out of line, who calls you that? And maybe you should be setting a better example for the city of Freightport because what's going around here? That big rumor was an an official and what's happening that's not cool. Because I talked to a guy and he said, "You was a churchgoing Christian." I set him straight. Believe me. Any other public comments, Tommy?

I hope Chief be the police chief in Freeport cuz he's the best and we want him to be a good job with it. Excellent. and and Darren uh so you said next fall we'll have that uh green when spring spring spring and Jordy Miller you you do a good job doing this and we want to keep you for mayor because you know how to do everything. Thanks Tommy and uh John Parker you the go to be the orman in free port.

Thank you Tommy. Is there any other public comments this evening? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move. Second. Motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadel. All those in favor.