Freeport council approves routine items, emergency repairs and surplus declarations

The Freeport City Council approved a slate of routine and emergency items during its meeting, including finance bills, board reappointments, multiple city code revisions, and emergency repairs at the wastewater and stormwater systems.

Consent and appointments: The council approved the consent agenda — which included the Cruise Night street‑closure resolution 2026‑77 and finance bills totaling $3,593,970.04, plus payroll of $714,634.55 — by an 8–0 vote. The council reappointed Alan Green, Betty Butler and Tasha Mazique to the Board of Library Trustees through May 31, 2029; that reappointment motion passed 7–1 (Alderman Johnson voted no).

Ordinances and surplus property: The council completed second reading and final passage of ordinance 2026‑29 (clarifying parameters for the class R caterer liquor license) by an 8–0 vote. It advanced ordinance 2026‑30 (a housekeeping title change from "city accountant" to "finance specialist") to the next meeting for further consideration. The council adopted ordinance 2026‑31 to authorize sale/donation/disposal of retired fire turnout gear — Chief Corty said the gear has reached the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10‑year life limit and staff proposed donating 40 coats, 45 pants, 11 sets of boots and a helmet to Hearts in Motion; the ordinance passed following suspension of the rules 8–0. Council also declared city hall/police office furniture and other property at 709 South Liberty surplus and approved a corresponding ordinance 8–0; Manager Boyer said a local Ministers Alliance has expressed interest in acquiring the building for classroom/training use, but the surplus declaration does not itself transfer the property.

Emergency repairs and capital buys: The council ratified several emergency repairs and purchases. It ratified an emergency engagement to fabricate a replacement 72×72 electrically actuated sluice gate at the wastewater treatment plant at a cost of $59,232.50 (staff said the quoted manufacturer price exceeded $135,000) and approved that ratification 8–0. The city also adopted a resolution authorizing emergency box culvert repairs on Seeley Avenue by Nikkam Construction for $9,212 (resolution passed 8–0), and ratified emergency HVAC/boiler repairs at the wastewater blower building after staff replaced the failed heat exchanger with exterior heating/cooling units at a reported cost of $74,238 (resolution passed 8–0). Separately, the council approved a budgeted capital purchase of a mulching head attachment for a John Deere mini excavator via Sourcewell for $23,500; that resolution passed 7–1 (Alderman Stacy voted no).

Public works updates and community items: Public Works announced the opening of the Hancock Shawnee Viaduct with a new clearance of 14 ft 6 in, updates on the municipal parking lot and the 2026 paving schedule, and the availability of neighborhood text‑alerts on construction projects. In public comment, Ryan Walton thanked Mayor Miller and referenced police activity numbers (he said the department seized more than 40 illegal firearms and executed about 65 search warrants year‑to‑date); Ricky Stedman presented signatures and cost information for a proposed street name petition for South 700 South Liberty Street.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (finance bills and Cruise Night street closure): approved 8–0. - Minutes approval (May 4, 2026): approved 8–0. - Library trustee reappointments (Alan Green, Betty Butler, Tasha Mazique): approved 7–1 (Johnson no). - Ordinance 2026‑29 (liquor code clarification, second reading): approved 8–0. - Ordinance 2026‑30 (title change to finance specialist, first reading): advanced to next meeting. - Ordinance 2026‑31 (turnout gear disposal/donation): approved 8–0 after suspension of the rules. - Ordinance 2026‑32 (surplus furniture at 709 S Liberty): approved 8–0 after suspension of the rules. - Resolution 2026‑75 (mulching head purchase): adopted 7–1 (Stacy no). - Ratification of Precision Piping emergency fabrication (wastewater sluice gate): adopted 8–0. - Resolution 2026‑78 (Seeley Ave box culvert emergency repair): adopted 8–0. - Resolution 2026‑79 (emergency HVAC/boiler replacement at wastewater plant): adopted 8–0. - Resolution 2026‑80 (declare 709 South Liberty surplus): adopted 8–0.

What to watch next: The outdoor lighting ordinance (Chapter 1480) was advanced after a first reading and will return for further consideration and potential public comment; council follow‑ups were also indicated for budget adjustments to absorb emergency repair costs.