City Council - Regular Meeting

The man, sign in, please. Okay. Good evening. Michelle, could you please give the invocation? Good evening. We thank you [clears throat]

for your word. In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him and he will make all your um paths straight." Lord, we ask tonight that you would impart wisdom on each one here tonight that they would have ears to hear and eyes to see what you would say. For your word in um instructs us not to lean on our own understanding, but yours. So, we ask for wisdom tonight concerning all things for Freeport, submitting all of our ways to you. Lord, that you would make all the decisions clear. We thank you, Lord, that according to Proverbs 2:6, says, "For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding." That's what we seek tonight, wisdom and understanding. I ask that you bless each one here tonight with your love and grace. In Jesus Christ's name, we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Now, we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Mayor Miller. Here. Alderperson Klem. Here. Johnson. Here. Simmons. Parker. Here. Stacy. Here. Schaidle

Here. Sanders is absent and Sellers. Here. Thank you. Uh now if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Sellers. [clears throat] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Item number one is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion?

So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shaidle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed? That motion passes. Item two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on April 20th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Okay. [laughter]

We have a motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shaidle. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed? That motion passes. Item number three is the presentation of the 2025 Water Ambassador Award. Seth. Good evening, everybody. Uh I'm Seth Gronewold. I'm here on behalf of the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association. Um congratulations to the city of uh Freeport for being selected for the Gold Water Ambassador Award for 2020 um six. 2025 is is really the award, but we're pre- presenting in 2026. A little bit of background about the ISAWWA. Um the ISAWWA provides resources for education of safe and sustainable water. We have 2,400 members across the state and over 50,000 members in our association globally. The water ambassador program was created to elevate public perception, knowledge, and consumer education of the water industry. The program aims to accomplish these goals by presenting a new communication platform of educational and promotional content in a manner that's relevant, engaging, and consistent among participants. How it works. Um participating members can access water education tools as well as content from the ISAWWA website and then communicate to their community through social media, website postings, bill inserts, newsletters, tours, community events, schools, etc.

[snorts] There are three levels of awards, bronze, silver, and gold. Each is determined based on the frequency and method of communications and this year Freeport has reached the gold standard. Oh. This year, which is our fifth year of the program, the ISAWWA is awarding 36 gold level water ambassadors and one bronze level water ambassador throughout the state. [snorts] Thank you to you our communities and specifically Freeport for efforts in educating the public about water systems and for the work that you guys do to maintain safe and sustainable water for all. Congratulations. [applause]

Nice. Okay, if you guys want to come up and take a photo, I'll take a photo of you guys. Perfect. I'd like to give credit to the city of Freeport and the council members for their participation in this. There's a lot of that is the city knowledge and people that want to be in participation of the award and getting to know this the water system. And this city manager because we're all his uh pushed uh train and get everybody knowledgeable about water. [laughter] [applause]

I have quite a few proclamations to read and it seems only fitting that the first one has to do with drinking water. So, um Randy, I don't know if you'd like to come up for this. Okay. So, the first proclamation is Drinking Water Week. Whereas water is our most valuable natural resource and whereas drinking water serves a vital role in daily life, serving an essential purpose to health, hydration, and hygiene needs for the quality of life our citizens enjoy. And whereas hard hard work performed by the entire water sector designed designing capital projects, operators ensuring the safety and the quality of our drinking water, or a member of the pipe crew maintaining the infrastructure communities rely on to transport high-quality drinking water from its source to the consumer's tap. And whereas we are all stewards of water infrastructure upon which current and future generations depend. And whereas the citizens of our city are called upon to help protect our source water from pollution and practice water conservation. Now, therefore, I Jodi Miller, mayor of Freeport, declare May 3rd through the 9th, 2026 as Drinking Water Week in the city of Freeport and an urge all of our residents to continue to utilize the clean clean drinking water that city services provide. Thank you, Randy.

[applause] [laughter]

Okay, so the next one is International Firefighters Day. Whereas International Firefighters Day is observed each year on May 4th to honor and remember past firefighters who lost their lives while serving their communities. And whereas at a moment's notice, firefighters are quick to respond to uncertain situations to mitigate danger and combat the threat of destructive fire in order to protect individuals, families, and the economic being of our community. And whereas the demands of firefighting are accomplished are accompanied by personal and physical tolls that all firefighters knowingly accept while risking their own lives to protect the lives of others. And whereas the Freeport Fire Department is a key community asset to health and safety as the department responded to over 6,000 calls in 2025 alone. So therefore, I Jodi Miller hereby declare May 4th, 2026 as International Firefighters Day in the city of Freeport and encourage all residents to help fire suppression in their own right by taking responsible by taking necessary safety precautions to help save lives in their own communities. Thank you, Chief.

[applause]

Please join me for the next proclamation. Oh, did you want to say anything? I know. Okay. [laughter] Sure. [clears throat] [laughter]

The next proclamation is National Day of Prayer. Whereas the first National Day of Prayer was proclaimed by the Continental Congress in 1775. And whereas in 1952 the United States Congress approved a joint resolution setting aside a day each year to recognize the importance and value of prayer throughout America. [clears throat]

And whereas the National Day of Prayer is a time set aside for Americans to pray and to reflect upon the spiritual principles upon which our nation was founded. And whereas this year marks the 75th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. And whereas this year's theme is glorifying God among the nations seeking him in all generations taken from 1 Corinthians Um I'm sorry, 1 Chronicles 16:24 which says, "Tell of his glory among the nations, his wonderful deeds among all the peoples." And whereas it is appropriate for the citizens of Freeport and Stephenson County to join in this year's National Day of Prayer and to call upon the almighty for guidance and assistance. Now therefore I Jodi Miller declare May 7th, 2026 as the National Day of Prayer in the city of Freeport and extend greetings and well wishes to all who observe this day.

[applause]

I just want to let everybody know that yeah, we do have room for people to come to the morning session. You do need to call for a reservation though cuz we do provide food for that. And the number to call is 815-297-2918 if you'd like to come to the morning session. And also there is and it's at the Farm Bureau building. And the evening session is at 7:00 at Breakthrough Church. So, all are welcome. Thank you. What time is the morning? The morning one is at 7:00 a.m. in the at Farm Bureau building. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Juliet. [clears throat]

The next proclamation is World Migratory Bird Day. Whereas migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that share our communities. And whereas these migrant migrant species also play an important economic role in our community controlling insect pests and generating millions in recreational dollars statewide. And whereas migratory birds and their habitats are declining throughout the Americas facing a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both their summer and winter homes. And whereas citizens enthusiastic about birds informed about the threats that they face and empowered to help address these threats can directly contribute to maintaining healthy bird populations. And whereas since 1993 World Migratory Bird Day has become a primary vehicle for focusing public attention on nearly 350 species that travel between their nesting habitats in our communities and throughout North America to their wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Southern United States. And whereas well World Migratory Bird Day officially is held each year on the second Saturday in May, its observance is not limited to one single day. And the planners are encouraged to schedule activities on the dates best suited to the presence of both their migrants and their celebrants. And whereas since World Migratory Bird Day is not only is not only a day to foster appreciation for wild birds and to celebrate and support the migration conservation but also as a call to action. Now, therefore I Jody Miller hereby declare May 9th, 2026 as World Migratory Bird Day in the city of Freeport And then urge all citizens to support these efforts to protect these migrant birds and their habitats in our community.

[applause]

Welcome to say something. I'm Juliet Moderow, board member of the Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance. I am here today as part of our annual proclamation recognizing World Migratory Bird Day. The city of Freeport has been recognized as a bird city of Illinois since 2022. We are among the first of three cities in the state to earn this designation. There are now 14 cities in the state of Illinois. We have to renew this recognition every 3 years and our chapter has supported the fees and completes the application for the city every year. This recognition is similar to Tree City USA, but the mission of Bird City Illinois is to encourage all communities in Illinois to implement sound bird conservation practices by offering public recognition to those that succeed in enhancing the environment for birds and educating the public about the relationship between birds and people and how that contributes to a healthy community. As part of the requirement, our municipality is required to fulfill certain requirements including this annual proclamation and a World Migratory Bird Day event. This year, our sixth annual event is taking place this Saturday, May 9th at Oakdale in an open house style from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with co-host the Freeport Public Library, Freeport Park District, and University of Illinois Extension, and 4-H Youth Education. Each year has a different annual international theme and this year highlights the role role of community science where community members help with counting birds and contributing their observations for bird conservation. It's a free event and is rain or shine. We will have activities for all ages and abilities including bird outings on the hour using the accessible trail. We have free snacks and giveaways, many varieties of bird crafts, and a migration obstacle course. And tonight I want to give a special thanks to Josh Elliott from Elliott Graphics who helped expand our migration game and donated their services to help support this event for our community. And I just brought examples of the game that the kids roll the die and they learn how to migrate. So, I appreciate their donation. We invite the community and council

members to attend and we thank the city for the annual recognition of being a bird city of Illinois. Thank you. [applause] [applause]

And our last proclamation is National Police Week. Whereas there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving the communities across the United States including the dedicated members of the Freeport Police Department. And whereas it is important that all citizens recognize the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices undertaken by our brave men and women in law enforcement whose unwavering commitment ensures that our families and communities may thrive in peace. And whereas the Freeport Police Department is crucial to initiate in initiating crucial improvements to crime response and prevention through trained officers and technology. And whereas as they live within our community and protect us from dangers that surround us, Freeport considers the police department vital to the lives of every resident in our city. Now, therefore I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare May 10th through the 16th, 2026 as National Police Week in the city of Freeport and encourage all our residents to join the Freeport Police Department in crime prevention. Thank you, Chief.

[applause] [applause]

Did you want to say something? Um National Police Week was founded in 1962 by our President John F. Kennedy. And it was specifically for those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, who gave their lives and along with their family members who still are serving in some type of form of our department. National Police Week, yes, is important, but we also have to think about those that are still serving, those that are keeping our streets safe, those that are working with the community, and those that put on the badge every day knowing that one day, and hopefully never, that they are going to be injured or hurt.

[applause]

Thank you. Item number five is recognition of service awards, Manager Wyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Just give me 1 second here. Uh tonight we'd like to recognize Matt Graves who could not be here. But Matt Graves is currently our lab manager, uh doing important work sampling, running analysis, and ensuring compliance of the city's uh utilities that are maintaining the parameters required uh by the Illinois uh EPA. So, we thank Matt. He started uh at as a uh operator at the wastewater plant, and then I and then he moved his way up and now he is a lab manager. So, thank you very much, Matt. Um secondly, I'd like to also recognize Andrew Lampy. Andrew Lampy's been with the city for 5 years. Uh he has been working uh with the street department, and he is very dedicated employee that always answers his phone and very conscientious with his work and surroundings. Andrew is always willing to jump in and help where he can whenever. So, we thank uh Andrew uh Lampy for the 5 years of service to the city of Freeport.

[applause]

Item number six is public comment, but there are none signed up, so we'll move on to item number seven, 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 approval to receive and place on file from the minutes of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners February 24th, March 3rd, and March 24th, 2026. The report of CDBG uh housing rehab grant payment from April 30th, the finance bills payable in the total of $2,528,951.16, and the approval of payroll from the pay period ending April 18th, 2026 in the total of $710,137.56. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion [clears throat] made by Alderman Schaedel, seconded by Alderman Klem. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Sellers? Aye. Klem? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Schaedel? Aye. The motion passes 7 to 0. Item number eight is uh that [clears throat] time of year with uh the Finance Committee of the Whole and a uh an appointment that needs to be made for the chair and the vice chair. Alderman Mayor. Alderman Klem. I would like to make a motion to uh retain Alderman Schaedel as chair from last year and Alderman Sellers as vice chair from last year. Is there a second? Second. So we have a motion made by Alderman Klem, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the motion? Madam Clerk, can you come All those in favor? Yeah, Alderman Stacy.

I thought that position changed yearly to give others opportunity.

a council decision. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Can we Can we go back now? Okay. Yes, Alderman Simmons. I I would motion to to recommend Alderperson Johnson as vice chair. No. Second. I second.

[laughter]

So so just for clarification purposes, there was a main motion on the floor that was made by Alderman Klemm seconded by Parker. If anything were to change from that original main motion, uh we would need a motion to amend which the main motion which I believe is what Alderman Simmons is seeking to do and Alderman Sellers seeks to second. Okay, so before you then is the amended the amended motion to have Alderman Shadle as the finance chair and Alderman Johnson as the vice chair. Is that correct? Yeah. Okay, so um all those in favor of that amended motion um well, the motion the in the motion and the second is Alderman Simmons and Alderman Sellers. Okay. And this vote is on the amendment only, correct?

That is correct. So this is just on the amendment. Wait a minute. I want to change my amendment. You may not want to second this. In order to change a motion on the floor, the second would have to be withdrawn first. I you Who withdraws it? The ones that made it. Yeah, yeah. It would be Alderman Sellers withdrawing her second, and then Alderman Johnson can make another motion cuz you can only have one motion to amend on the floor at a time. So, you're just moving We'll just uh if you original my original amendment that motion. I won't ask you to withdraw. Okay, so just everybody's clear, the motion is amended for Shade and Johnson as the chair and vice chair for this year's Finance Committee of the Whole. Any further discussion? I guess that would take care of the final vote too, worded that way, correct? Ultimately, yes. Okay. Um we'll begin with Sellers. I. Clem. I. Johnson. I. Simmons. I. Parker. I. Stacy. I. And Shade. I. The amendment passes 7 to 0. Okay. Is that how I call it? The amendment and the final action? Yeah, the main motion as amended. Okay.

[snorts] [clears throat]

Okay, we'll move on to item number nine, which is the first reading of ordinance 2026-29. Could you please read this? As after I get that all figured out. Ordinance amending chapter 806 liquor section 806-02 C1 tier 3 licenses to clarify parameters of class CR caterer license. Thank you, Manager Warrior. Uh thank your honor. The city has uh had in place for a number of years uh licensing requirement for caterer retailers who serve alcoholic liquor. Recent clarifications from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission suggested that city should clarify existing language to avoid any confusion over terminology. The proposed changes to the codified ordinances are intended to address these issues and I would also ask that um Clerk Anderson has a few things she'd like to highlight. I'll just continue reading the State of Illinois license The State of Illinois licenses the sale of alcoholic liquors by caterer retailers only where the caterer charges a package price for food and beverage and the sales of liquor are an an incidental part of food service. The Liquor Commission believes that the promotion of legitimate catering services for private events should be fostered. However, the Liquor Commission is also concerned that the existing regulations could allow for operation of a mobile pub which is not believed to be a beneficial use within the city. To balance these two goals or concerns, the Liquor Commission suggests taking an example from several other Illinois communities which have specifically limited carry catering licensees to private invitation-only events. To avoid any arguments about the definition of incidental, the Liquor Commission is suggest suggesting the adoption of a 50/50 minimum food to beverage value ratio which means um

so a caterer could charge for example um $50 for an event but the food would have to be $25 or more of the value and the liquor sales would be the the smaller half. Is there a motion to move this forward? So move. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Scheidel. Discussion, Alderman Clem. Yes, who determines that magic 50/50? The guy in charge of [laughter]

Yes, it'd be an honor system, but we would not expect them to serve popcorn and say it was $24 popcorn. You know, it should be a local a local range of an acceptable price for that kind of meal. Alderman Johnson. So, could there possibly be um [clears throat]

they would have to write down, you know, when they get their license or whatever, write down this is what our food's going to be, this is what our alcohol's going to be so we can kind of monitor that 50/50 or would that not be a possibility? Um I I think it's possible, but let's see. A caterer needs to notify me what is it, Mayor, within 10 days of the event or something like that, where they're going to operate. I I don't know that we would have much control over saying you you must do this and this. I I think your monitoring suggestion is probably pretty good, but that could really greatly vary and that would be contractor and agreement between the caterer and the you know, the bride and the groom or the graduate or whoever would be planning the party. Okay. Thank you. If there's no further discussion, then we'll move on to the next City Council meeting. Item number 10 is the adoption of resolution 2026-61. Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement with Lexington Computer Recycling for electronic recycling services. Manager Boyer. Uh thank your honor. Uh we The city is planning to do another electronics recycling event on June 6th. Uh, that'd be a Saturday. And it will be held at the, uh, Stephenson County Fairgrounds. Uh, last year we had a similar event where we collected, uh, 1,096 screens, 3.2 total tons of electronic waste, and it roughly 400 residents took advantage of it last year. Uh, we went out to bid and, uh, we received, uh, only one bid. I'm sorry, um,

request for quote, and we received one quote back from Lexington Computer Recycling. Um, their quote was a $5,000 base fee with, uh, 35 cents per pound for every flat screen TV, uh, 15 cents per pound for, I'm sorry, every, uh, monitor, and 85 cents per pound for every, uh, cathode ray tube, uh, monitor. Uh, staff recommends moving forward. This is roughly, uh, I I would say it's it's maybe 25 to 30% of what it was last year, and, uh, staff approves and requests moving forward with this, uh, quote. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Scheidle. Discuss resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klum. Aye. I do. Sellers. Aye. Klum, I will record as Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons.

Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Scheidle. Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 0. Item number 11 is the adoption of resolution 2020-662. Please read this. Resolution approv- approving a facade improvement grant agreement for the property located at 2 West Spring Street. Thank you, Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So, I'm going to read this only one time, so bear with me, and then I have the next seven. So, it'll be a little faster, but um the 2026 facade improvement grant received nine applications reflecting strong participation. The program's original budget was 30,000 funded through the downtown TIF district, um and this was exceeded by total requests. However, unspent funds from prior years allowed the city of Weidport to increase the available allocation to 60,000. Each application was reviewed and scored by the Historical Preservation Commission. Final scores reflect the average of individual commissioner's evaluation using the adapted uh criteria, which includes historical significance, scope of improvements, transformat- transformation impact, and um contribution to the streetscape and urban fabric. Uh today, we have out of the nine applications submitted, um seven are presenting are being presented to you tonight. The first one um was the highest score, which was uh 94.25 um out of 100. And that is to West Wing, which is up on the screen. This is what it looks like relatively in the last couple years. It was recently painted like in October. Um but this is what it looked like prior to it being painted before winter. Um and then if we scroll down just a bit,

so you see the before, and then this is what it will look like after. So, this particular uh case, they requested 15,000, and the Historical Preservation recommended funding allocation before you is 15,000 for this property. Um they're doing extensive uh renovations and rehab to the interior, um and also to the exterior it it definitely is going to cost more than 15,000. So they and 30,000. Um because we will allow up to 50% of the of the cost. So this uh plan is to rehab it so that the upstairs will become uh apartment units and the garage doors will become um tenant uh garage space um to serve the upstairs units and then the bottom floor will be some commercial prop property commercial businesses. And this is right next to the window. This is uh right on Spring and Chicago. So uh the staff recommends funding this particular uh project to West Spring for the full funding request which was 15,000. Is there a motion to adopt?

So moved.

Second. We motion made by Alderman Saylor, seconded by Alderman Shaydel. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Stacy. I would like to see there's seven I believe on here. I would like to hear the discussion on all of them and I would like to have it moved to the cow for further discussion. Um well, I'll answer the the first statement. The first statement is you will see all of them. We We're starting with two West Spring. All of them have been separated into separate resolutions. So there's seven resolutions. We're on the first one. Um and uh for the cow discussion, um this already went through historical preservation commission. This is the the big thing every year that they do uh their due diligence to give scores um with their level of expertise. All of them have some amount of connection to uh architecture, historical preservation, and community planning. Um so they're the experts in the field and they bring those requests, much like zoning board of appeals or planning commission, to um to council. So the put of the discussion would have to happen tonight on any of these. Anything else? So why can't it go to the cow? Because we're voting on it tonight. This is the time for resolutions. We can't vote on resolutions at cows. I don't want to vote on it at the cow. Okay. I want it to take some time and do some research on my own and have discussion of it at the cow. The research has been done by the historic preservation committee.

[snorts]

And so that's what they're putting forward, these seven recommendations, and it's pretty much at the limit of what the city has for funding. So it's not like we can add more to it. It's pretty much at the limit. Well, I'm not saying that I even want more added. I mean, if I'm not mistaken, you said that the city like the 15,000 plus the city is putting in 15,000. No. So this particular project, how it works is every application or every applicant has the opportunity to ask for 50% of the project costs, up to 15,000. So is the applicant asking for that 15,000? Yes. And is the city giving it to them? That is what is being determined tonight with a vote by the council members. And there's nine There's nine different buildings, but seven tonight. Seven qualify.

[clears throat]

Yeah, the historical preservation met and they discussed all of these properties and all of the applications and they have moved forward with seven of them to stick to the budget and also the highest scoring ones. Based on the budget that that we could allocate to this. Councilman Parker. Is it out of line for me to make a motion to approve this? It's already the motion's already done. I'm not saying no. Just did. No, I didn't.

[snorts]

I'm saying I'm trying to understand more about it. And when stuff comes to us it could have been last month at the cow. Well, the historical preservation met on April Oh, that would have been April 20th. But just to know what they were thinking, what they were considering, what was going to come to us as a council. Manager Boyer. Um Alderperson Stacey, as as a matter of fact, that may not just be such a bad idea. Um I think we can do that maybe moving forward. Um tonight we're a little bit under the gun because it's already been proposed, you know, reviewed by the historical preservation committee and it's up for vote tonight. However, I think we can accommodate that moving forward. You have to remember what the responsibilities of the council is. Um if we get into the weeds on everything that the commissions are appointed to do, we're going to get ourselves into a lot of things that we just that's not our purpose. It's like, you know, we have an arts commission that will be choosing the sculptures. That's their job. The historic preservation, that's their job to figure out these these facade improvements. They're not coming to us and saying, "Oh, you know, give us your input." And you know, it's no different than the sculptures that they pick. We either trust their judgment or we don't. They should be removed from council or removed from the committee if we don't think that they're doing their job. But, that's their job. So, am I out of order to ask questions? Yes. Yes, ask questions. I mean,

into the weeds like we have many a times, and then we're just in the weeds, but it's a goal because it came to council. They're doing their job, Alderman Stacy.

I'm not saying that they're not doing their job. Okay, so how would this have been better for you? I I don't know. I'm asking you a question. You know, it's like when something is brought to the council, if anybody question it, or want further discussion, then there's a problem. And I don't think that that's fair to me to put me on the spot. Like I said, it could have been brought to the council in April. And it could have been discussed what they were thinking, what they were hoping for, what they were planning for. But it wasn't. I I We were out of here in 20 minutes. I will note that the commission had happened before the cow. So that these applications weren't due before we had the cow. So I couldn't have brought them to council. Um in addition, tonight during this time you do have the opportunity to ask questions and you have the opportunity to vote no to ones that you don't see fit. And all the applications um all the applications, the memo um and the agreement are posted to this agenda on Friday for review. And and you have to remember that all the council members are welcome to attend any of the commissions. You you get those notifications from the clerk. And so once a year this historic preservation committee meets. You could have gone and no one I mean that's not stopping anyone from attending those. You could have asked questions in it and like any of the commissions.

Alderman Scheidel, did you have your hand up? Yes, I did. And I don't usually get into this discussion but um these topics were all discussed by myself with Manager Boyer. I missed my normal Thursday afternoon meeting this week but we met on Friday and we discussed this. So when it comes to the council floor, it's not a surprise. And I know you've said in the past you have issues with trust or whatever but here's a classic example of have that meeting and it's not going to be a surprise. And if I could have that meeting with city manager Boyer alone like you did. That's only cuz

Then maybe I would have that meeting. It was only because I was gone, Alderman Cezy. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Scheidel. Aye. The resolution is adopted 6 to 1. Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2026-63. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a facade improvement grant agreement to the property located at 13 East Stevenson Street. Director Heimerdinger. Thank you. This is the second one that we're going to show today. Um and this one the requested fund amount was 2,500 and the staff recommends the full requested amount of 2,500. This property is actually owned by Tricore insurance. It is the if you're going from the it's the one in the middle. So if you're going in, it would be the very the third one. Or if you're going from the other side, I think the mouse is on it so you guys can see. Um what this project entails is a painting of the facade to kind of freshen it up. That I think if you go further down, we can see what that would kind of look like. Um and so they kind of use like paint samples. So it'll be a more white instead of tan color and then a darker uh charcoal gray black color to kind of make it more vibrant and and make it look a little bit more clean for the streetscape.

Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on this resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Shaedel. Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 1. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2020-664. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a facade improvement grant agreement for the property located at 22 East Exchange Street.

Excuse me. Director Heimendinger. You said 7 to 1, I believe it's 6 to 1. And I wrote it incorrectly, 6 to 1. Thank you. Let me check the other one. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So, this is the third one. This is 22 East Exchange. This is also known as the new um art museum that will be going in here. And their project entails a um side entrance. Um I think if you scroll down just a bit, we can see the before and after. They took some lovely photos for us. So, that's the before. Um this is a side entrance. They already have the canopy, but they have a window opening for a storefront. Um and then this is what it would look like after. So, you can see that canopy um there's a a nice storefront um being uh inserted into that location. The total funding request was 50 uh $5,601.50. And the staff and uh historical preservation commission recommends uh funding the total amount of $5,601.50. Sir, motion to adopt. So moved.

Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Scheidel. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers? Aye. [clears throat]

Excuse me. Clem? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Scheidel? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 0. Item 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-65. Could you please read? Resolution approving a facade improvement grant agreement for the property located at 2 to 6 East Stevenson Street. Director Heimerdinger? Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is 2/6 East Stevenson. Um this is a fourth one. Uh this is also kind of known as the Smith building. Um what's being done here is I don't have a before and after because it you wouldn't see a difference, but there is major tuckpointing being done. Um that is what they uh submitted their application for. There's also a lot of other work being done for for this building in addition to that, roofs and windows and and um in interior build-outs as well. So, um for this particular uh building, um they're going to be spending 91,000 on tuckpointing, and they are asking for a funding request of 10,000. And so staff and the historical preservation commission uh recommends funding the full amount of $10,000 for tuckpointing. Sir, motion to adopt. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Scheidel. Discussion on this resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. That was Shaydle Sellers. Yeah, whatever. No, it's Sellers.

Other way around. Sellers Shaydle. And the votes, Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Shaydle. Aye. The resolution is adopted 6 to 1. And item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2026-66. Could you please read this? Resolution approv- approving a facade improvement grant agreement for the property located at 1 West Main. Director Heimerdinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is 1 West Main. Uh this is a fifth uh application that the Historical Preservation Commission would love to see funded. Um what is being done here, if you scroll down, um you can get a a kind of a sense of before and after. So, what will be um completed is there'll be some lighting going in as well as an awning. Um and then, if you kind of scroll down just a little bit, you'll see some uh some more after uh photos of what that kind of looks like. Um this is right on Chicago, so the lighting will be very beneficial to um you know, the later events happening and and kind of add to uh the historic nature of this building. The total funding request for this project um is $7,979.50. And the staff and the Historical Preservation Commission uh recommends approving the full allocation um and the full funding request of $7,979.50. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.

[laughter] Alderman Clem. Go. We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Schaedel. Aye. The resolution is adopted 6 to 1. And item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 20 20 [laughter]

67. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a facade improvement grant agreement for the property located at 27 South State. Director Heimedinger. Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is a sixth application that the Historic Preservation Commission would love to see funded. This involves a new awning canopy over one of the entrances used at 27 South State. This entrance goes into a um a a school classroom that they use. Um and so this is an area that students are entering and exiting quite frequently. If you scroll down, you can see the before and after that was submitted with the application. So that's before. It's very outdated and kind of weathering pretty bad. And this is the new one, same color, just slightly different style to help shed water a little bit better. And those you know, withstand the the weather and uh And so they asking for a funding request of $1,572. And the staff and the Historic Preservation Commission would recommend funding the full requested amount of $1,572. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. And motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Schaedel. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers

Aye. Clem Aye. Johnson

Aye. Simmons Aye. Parker Aye. Stacy Aye. and Scheidel Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 0. And item number 17 is adoption of resolution 2020-668. Would you please read this? Resolution approving a facade improvement grant agreement for the property located at 21 South Chicago Avenue. Director Heimerdinger Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is our last one, the seventh application the historical preservation commission recommends funding. This building needs some TLC and they are working on the inside and the outside. And so this is part of a bigger project. They are hoping to put either apartments or Airbnb on the second floor. There's no before and after submitted for this project mainly because what they are asking us to fund won't won't make a a huge noticeable difference to a before and after. They're looking at windows and also um on the left side of this photo there is a part of the building that is not brick. It's actually like wood over there. And so that needs to be completely redone because it's a lot of wood rot. And so they'll be doing windows and also some tuckpointing, some finishing up some second floor painting of the paint that's the brick that's already painted and then replacement of windows. I think the if I remember the application correctly, it is somewhere near it is definitely six figures being put into this building and they are requesting the full the the full limit of $15,000 to help them with their overall improvements um

knowing that these will be allocated to the outside of the building. And so the staff and the historical preservation commission um recommends funding the full uh 15,000 um for the owners property owners at 21 South Chicago. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Clem. Discussion on this resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Scheidel. Aye. And that resolution is adopted 6 to 1. And item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2026-69. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency roof repairs to Hangar K at the Albertus Airport by Freeport Industrial Roofing. Manager Boyer. Uh thank your honor. Uh recently we had some pretty heavy rains. Uh Hangar K's ridge vent uh is a fiberglass plastic. It has uh it failed and it was uh allowing rain just to kind of rain straight in the hangar. So um we went ahead and had uh Freeport Industrial come out and replace that ridge cap. And uh the cost was over my allowable amount. So the total amount for the emergency repair was $10,190. And uh staff recommends uh moving forward with uh ratification of the uh payment of this uh invoice. Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Clem, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

Sellers. Aye. Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons is absent. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Scheidel. Aye. The resolution is adopted five to one. Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202670. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an agreement with Crawford Murphy and Tilly for airport terminal building design and special services engineering at the Freeport Albertus Airport. Manager Boyer. Uh thank you, Your Honor. Uh Crawford Murphy Tilly or CMT is our engineering uh partner at the airport and does our airport work. Uh we've been working on the terminal building for a number of well, really this last year we've been working very diligently on it and we are ready to go to bid on the project. Uh however, we need to approve a resolution for design engineering uh uh contract or construction observation and the like. Uh the total amount of this agreement is $138,600. Um and the project total cost will be about $1,028,000 for the buildout of the terminal. Uh we budgeted $100,000 for engineering in the 26 budget. However, uh CMT is uh extended um has mentioned that we can go ahead and submit for the remainder of the balance of $38,600 in uh fiscal year 2027. So, the staff recommends um moving forward with this agreement with CMT for the buildout of the terminal building. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Any motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klem. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Johnson. Um yeah, I just like uh for those that are listening, what is our goal vision for this building? For the people that

are listening. Uh so, essentially we are updating our terminal uh at the airport. Uh currently we are uh working out of a small stick-built uh almost like a very small house. Uh it's uh very dated and old and doesn't meet current standards. Uh when we have out-of-town business people flying to the airport uh for various reasons, we want them to uh think positively and be met with um up-to-date terminal building. Uh right now there is no access after-hours access to even bathrooms. So, uh that doesn't uh that doesn't really project well on the community. So, uh this has been a project that's been in the queue for a number of years and we're able to move forward on it now. And I will say that the funding for this will be 90% from the FAA, 5% from the state, and 5% will be from the city. So, it's a pretty substantial addition to the city using outside funding. Thank you.

[clears throat]

Alderman Stacy. And what is the city's 5%? Of the total, uh we budgeted about $200,000 uh thereabouts. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers. I. Klem. I. Johnson. I. Simmons is absent. Parker. I. Stacy. No. Hand Scheidel. I. That resolution is adopted 5 to 1. Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 202671. Could you please read this? Resolution rescinding previously adopted resolution R-202640 regarding an intergovernmental agreement with a Freeport Park District for reimbursement of paving costs for Laidwood Drive. Which one? Uh thank you, Honor. I I'll take uh total responsibility for this request. Uh this resolution moving forward. We had uh discussions with the park district about repaving the park road coming out of Glade Wood. So, we're going to be there doing Glade Wood already. The park came to us and asked us if we would repave the section from Glade Wood out to uh Woodside Drive. Um we went ahead and put together the resolution and then um I was notified that there were some changes that were necessary. So, these next three items are really having to do with the park district. The first one is uh rescinding our first resolution uh 2026-40 and then adopting uh 2026 um let's see here. I can look at that other one. Yeah. Um take that back. So, uh taking back uh 2040, I'm sorry, 40 and then adding uh 2026-72 and 73. After discussions with the park district, they would prefer us to not

only pave uh the park uh boulevard from Glade Wood to Woodside Drive, but they want to also add a section from the maintenance facility at the stop sign to uh Glade Wood. So, the entire stretch from the maintenance shed all the way out to Woodside Drive. I think that's a a good collaboration and uh they did have a few terms they wanted to see changed. So, uh staff recommends moving forward with rescinding uh resolution 2026-40 and then adopting uh the 2026-72 and 73. So, then uh doing those separately, is there a motion for the rescind part, which is 71? So moved. Second. You have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on this particular resolution. Alderman

Yeah, I just wanted to add to this that these three resolutions will provide $100,000 with the funding from the park district to the city of Freeport for the complete cost of doing the work. Actually, excuse me, it's uh $200,000. It's 140 for one section and 60 for another. So, basically, this agreement is giving us 100% reimbursement for the city costs for them to participate in our project. So, this is at no cost. And Rob's gracious to take the blame, but 21 repeal is my fault because I I didn't confer with the park district's attorney prior to presenting that. Any discussion? Does it say that they I'm sorry. Does it say that they will cover it 100%? Yes.

any writing? Yes. Uh each each uh 2073 [snorts] says that they will reimburse us 140,000 and 2074 or 20 2674 says they'll reimburse us $40,000. We've run the estimates and that will cover our cost. [snorts]

Alderman Clem Uh just to follow up and that's doing it with our guys and our paving. Uh For paving, yes, and for the removals and shaping, uh it's part of the Fishers contract. That's how we came up with the cost. Okay, thank you. Mhm. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers Aye. Clem Aye. Johnson Aye. Simmons Aye. Parker Aye. Stacy Aye. and Scheidel [snorts] Aye. The resolution is adopted 6 7 to 0. Item number 21 is adoption of resolution 202672. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with the Freeport Park District for roadway improvements at Krape Park alternate one. Manager Boyer. So, this resolution is simply the it same as the last one except with the changes the park district requested and staff recommends moving forward with this resolution. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sellers. Aye. Klem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. And Schaedel. Aye. The resolution is adopted seven to zero. And item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 202673. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with the Freeport Park District for roadway improvements at Krape Park alternate two. Manager Boyer. As mentioned before, this is the section from the maintenance shed to Gladewood Drive and staff recommends moving forward. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Klem, seconded by Alderman Schaedel. Discussion on the res- on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

Sellers. Aye. Klem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Schaedel. Aye. That resolution is adopted seven to zero. And item 23 is the adoption of resolution 202674. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a tower occupancy agreement with Computer Dynamics, formerly known as JC WiFi, for the use of city water towers for internet facilities on the Carroll and Burchard water towers. Manager Boyer. Uh thank your honor. Uh this is a agreement we've had with JC WiFi for a number of years. They have uh they have an internet equipment up on the Burchard tower and also the Carroll tower. Uh we are renewing this agreement um for the next uh 3 years. However, uh there is an increase in the rent. We went from $300 a month to $600 a month and staff recommends moving forward with this agreement with JC or with uh computer dynamics. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Klein, seconded by Alderman Scheidel. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Stacy. So you're telling me that this went from 300 a month to 600 a month for the next 3 years? Yes. And there's no one else that you have searched out to see if they could do any better? Well, Alderman Stacy, this is um a local company that we've been doing our best to work with um and uh in lieu of the uh I guess there was a a tower that they were trying to build that did not work out. So uh they wanted to go forward and renew this contract.

So uh we did negotiate it uh with them and uh we felt that $600 uh would be a a pretty substantial increase being a 100% increase off of the last contract and they uh they're in agreement. So you were okay with doubling? Uh yes. With the cost doubling? Yes. Alderman Um this is not the only available space on our towers. This is just the first person right now that we have to go on them. We have more space if more people want to join. We have other options to rent more more space on each tower if anyone's interested in those.

[clears throat] If there's no further discussion I don't I don't think so. You you understand they're paying us.

They're paying yeah. Okay. Oh, okay. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Oh, I am on the wrong page. Sellers is absent. Clem? I. Johnson? I. Simmons? I'm sorry. Did you say I? I didn't say anything. I was going slow. You're waiting. Okay. Okay. I'll come back to her. Okay. I. Parker? I. Stacy? I. [snorts] Schadle? I. And back to you, Alderman. Sellers? On 19 On the on the water tower rental. Oh, okay. I. And that resolution is adopted 7 to 0. Item 24 is discussion amending section 840.09 citywide garage sale ordinances to change the date. Alderman Stacy, did you want to present that? Okay.

[snorts] Section 840.09 of the codified ordinances was passed for citywide garage sale twice a year on October 16th, 2006. These garage sales were once known as the Cherokee Hills garage sales and now are acknowledged as citywide garage sale. Currently, the ordinance allows citywide sales to happen twice a year in June and in September. [clears throat]

The third Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each month. Being that the third weekend of June has become a federal celebrated holiday, we would like to see the citywide garage sales moved to the second weekend consisting of and Saturday or the fourth weekend consisting of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for both months, June and September. Director Director, how many did you How many? Uh thank you again for your phone call last week. Um we can absolutely adjust the future side uh citywide garage sales to avoid conflicting with Juneteenth. Um this is the first time in a long time the city has hosted a citywide garage sale, and our intent was to ensure that we were fully compliant with the existing ordinances established in 2006. Um because of that, it is set for a June um the third Thursday, Friday, Saturday of June from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which is outlined in that ordinance that uh that uh was read off uh previously. Um we following the June sale, um we plan to bring forward an ordinance to council um for consideration. A key proposed change will be adjusting the time so that it doesn't overlap with Juneteenth in the future. There might be some other changes um once we have this one go. If it needs to be 3 days, if the hours need to change based on how this event goes, but absolutely, without a doubt, we'll move it so it doesn't interfere in the

future with Juneteenth. Absolutely. Thank you. Alderman Simmons? I guess my question is, why is it why in the future? We're still 6 weeks out. Has publication going out or anything? Yeah, publication has gone out and the ordinance is um, still the the current ordinance. Right, but we we can motion to change the ordinance. So, why future? Well, we'd like to stick with it now since the publication, it's already been advertised as those dates. Alderman Stacy? What she's saying is that for the first time in a very long time, she organized I heard what the garage sale for this year. Understood. Um, okay. Uh, Clerk Anderson? And I I believe quite a few people have already RSVP'd and

Yeah, we have yep, as of That's fine. Fi- like 5:30 um, this evening we've had 45 addresses um, already signed up. Um, and it uh, you'll be seeing a map come out shortly, a nice Google map that allows you to click on them and be able to track how to get there to make it easy for the day of. Um, we also hope that uh, since it does interfere um, one of the days does interfere with June Juneteenth, we hope that it doesn't uh, create any um, that people can celebrate both and that people are able to celebrate and and go to a garage sale and also celebrate at the activities around town celebrating Juneteenth. Do you have the exact times of the garage sales?

Yes, the garage sales per the ordinance 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on those days and then what we have done is we've asked you know the people who are signing up to host their own garage sale at their residence what time they're going to be open and those dates outlined on the Google Maps. So when you click on the link when it becomes live um later on this week you'll be able to see when that particular sale is going to be open within those three days. Alderman Simmons When can we expect these ordinance changes? You'll you'll see the ordinance right after the June sales. So they just come through and we just have the attorney to write the new ordinance on how we're going to shift it. Okay. So it'll be coming this summer. I have a question on that. So you're you're proposing to move it to like the Father's Day weekend? I mean Would you What difference does it prefer it There's always going to be a conflict somewhere. Would you prefer it to be July 4th? No, it's my birthday.

[laughter]

No, we're going to play around with the dates. Maybe There's a time maybe it's a you know we'll play around with the dates to try and see. Maybe it has to move out of June to not not interfere with uh with certain things. Manager Boyer I have every confidence that our community development director will find the right the right right range of options for us to look at. Oh, I I I I totally agree. I'm just saying there's always a conflict. It doesn't matter what The comparison was a slap in the face to hundreds of years of enslaved people and their lives. That is crazy that you would even make that comparison, ma'am. Well, I have a lot of value to Father's Day. So, it's it's a matter of what your preference is on saying. It's It's [clears throat] a holiday.

preference is non-enslavement. Alderman Stacy, the third weekend of June is Father's Day weekend. So, thank you for showing your hand. Okay, so any further discussion, otherwise we can move on. You can say enough, mayor. Reports of department heads, finance. Nothing, your honor. Thank you.

Community development. Uh I don't have anything tonight. Thank you. Public works. Just a couple of things. Um I'd like to reiterate how important it was that we received the 25 uh water ambassador gold award. It's a really big achievement. Um public works continuously takes a lot of grief about water quality in Freeport, and I believe this is at least the third, if not fourth, year in a row that we've received the gold award, uh which is uh really empowering considering how many communities in Illinois uh serve drinking water. And it is a quality-based and education-based award along with the investment that the city has put into the waterworks. Um I had an old mentor remind me one time that all civilization started around good water quality. So, that's the most important thing into building our community is continuing to have good water and sewer. Um Also, just a couple project uh uh updates. Um hopefully by Friday, uh the viaduct will be paved, um and then it can be reopened next week. I'm glad to say that the new height requirement will be 14 ft 6 in. So, it was even greater than we predicted. So that will be allow full size semis to go under there permanently once it's reopened. We are having new signs made with the new heights. There's also been crash bars installed on both sides. Um The 2026 street projects are underway. Uh we chose to start Lakewood this year to get away from the park district. The park has a lot of things going on this year along with their own projects that they're doing and our well projects. That has been already going for a week. Um Concord started today. Um putting traffic control up and they'll be mobilizing equipment in Seminole will be right behind it. And at the cow I'll have an update of all the

other projects. But we're we're laying out plans with Fishers and Helms to get everything hopefully completed by the end of September. Um this year. So um if you have any questions relating projects at Freeport, feel free to send me a email or text and we'll be we'll be glad to help. One key item that we've done this year for not just council but the people in the areas, I've worked with the community communications director and we're putting one leaflet out to the areas that we're working in. On that leaflet there will be our special city code um that you can punch it to a text and then there's going to be a word keyword for each projects that will be on that first paper. For instance in Gladewood it was Gladewood Freeport. If you text that to that number and then it'll send you a text back and you say yes, you will get weekly project updates so you can be informed and we will not be bringing more paper around that gets very expensive to have manpower delivering flyers after flyers that people don't see. And unfortunately most people like to communicate through text. so each project area, whether it be Benton or Dameter or Dewey, will have its own project code that will get distributed to all the owners in that area one time at the beginning. And if they choose to opt into the text, they'll get them for the duration of the project. And when the project's over, um they will quit. It's only a one-way text. You'll only receive notifications. If you still have a project issue or complaint, our phone numbers will be on the flyer. Feel free to reach out to myself, uh our inspector, or uh Pat Ingram, and we'll be happy to deal with any project issue along the way. Uh but I wanted to find a streamlined way to communicate with people that want to be informed. Uh if you don't live in the area and you still want to be informed, anybody can text into these, but I don't

assume that everybody wants notifications about Concord that doesn't live in the area. So, um again, if you have any questions, we've been trying to put that out on social media, uh but we're happy to answer them. And please, if you live in the affected area, sign up so you get the latest information. Thank you. Nice job on that communication. Uh fire. Yes, your honor. Um over the last weekend, our three recruits graduated with honors from the Romeoville Fire Academy. Uh they're back in town and hopefully we'll be going on shift here soon. Uh they've got some more local training that they have to do. Um and thank you for the proclamation. Um I just wanted to reiterate a little bit about that. Um that was based on um five firefighters that died in Australia um in a brush fire. Um but it also go collaborates with National Fallen Fighters Memorial Weekend, which was this past weekend at the United States Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

[snorts]

Please. Again, thank you for the proclamation uh to the City council Amanda Mayor. On the 15th of May of 2026, we're going to have a uh Duncan Donuts Special Olympics Cop on the Rooftop at the Duncan Donuts, and it is to actually help out Special Olympics and to give the proceeds to to them fully at 100%. Tommy, you'll appreciate that. Library. [clears throat] Yes, thank you, Mayor. Um I just wanted to let everybody know that registration for youth programming for Summer Read is open. You do not want to miss anything that Amanda has planned. Um this year's theme is Unearth a Story at the Library. So, we hope to see everybody there because summer reading is for all ages, not just youth as well. IT. City Manager. Uh nothing tonight, your your honor. And I don't either. Uh Alderman Sellers. Nothing. Alderman Clem. Uh first off, I I'd like to thank Darren and and the communication ends. I signed up for the texts and gotten them on all the projects, and they're really great and really important to the people in those areas. Uh the ones for Gladewood were very extensive and, you know, really laid things out. Also, uh the end of the month, we'll be having a neighborhood watch. And the only comment I got on garage sales is in 20 years of being on an alderman, that's a project garage sales when we made that ordinance. Drug on forever, and once you get the public involved in it, you'll get a whole new idea of what they think. But just you know, it was funny, but when when you brought it up, I think it's a a good thing that you're doing. I don't have a problem with it, but if you got a lot of feedback from the

[clears throat] from the public, don't be surprised. Alderman Johnson. Um I just want to thank the over 150 walkers that came Saturday for Coalition for Life. It was a great turnout. Alderman Simmons? I don't have anything, thank you. Alderman Parker? Uh, the only thing is our neighborhood watch meeting this month is canceled because it's on Memorial Day. Thank you. Alderman Stacy? Yes. Um, [clears throat and cough]

a couple things. Uh, the police officer currently over our neighborhood watch is moving on to bigger and better things and we will be welcoming Miguel Miguel Lobato. as of the third Tuesday of this month. [snorts]

Um, for fifth ward. And I also want to say that last Thursday I indirectly was placed in a situation that required some fast-moving to keep a family whole. And paperwork was not in place. But, City Manager Boyer and Darren, director Stieko, I want to thank you for doing what you did so that that family could remain whole. It was bigger than you really can imagine and thank you. Alderman Shaytle? Just want to mention our 6th Ward Neighborhood Watch Thursday this week at 6:00 p.m. at Schwartz on Park Boulevard. Public comment.

[snorts]

I just like to say about the garage sales. I'm one who have already signed up. And had you change it, I don't know if I You know, garage sales are a lot of work. And it's kind of strategic how you have to plan them, and you did a very good job planning them because um I do believe there's some hardcore garage sellers out there, okay? And they like to bing bang boom. And I don't the way that it falls you did perfectly because um I think um Route 75 is like a week or so before us, and then I know Orangeville is having theirs I do believe the week before. And then I know that Rockton is having it the week before 75. So it's very strategic on how you plan things. So I think you did a wonderful job, and garage sales are a lot of work. So people want people to come, and it also they're going to eat lunch here. They're going to do all the things. You don't want to have it when someone else is having their garage sales in their town. It's got to be strategic, so well done. Tommy?

[clears throat] I'm go Jody Miller, can I look at this? I went to a special Olympics in Lockport. Got [clears throat] second place in Awesome. all that. [applause]

And Jane what uh when you going do that the Queen of doing good Dylan? Yep, it's about two-thirds down. Maybe a little bit more than that. So brick by brick it's coming down. And Jeff Stacy, you did a good job speaking tonight. Thank you, Tommy. Any other public comments? I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shannon. [clears throat]