Tag Archives: Freeport City Council

Your Vote Does Make a Difference – Be Sure to Vote Tomorrow!

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Government is like a business. The voters are the shareholders. Imagine that you own stock in a business that is on the verge of bankruptcy. Would you want a change in the management of the business, or would you vote for the same management to continue its failed policies? A business goes bankrupt and you just lose your investment. When government continually outspends its income, what does government do? The answer is simple – Just keep raising taxes to cover the failed policies. Are the voters of Illinois ready to ratify the failed polices of Governor Quinn, or are they ready to at least elect someone who will attempt to address the problems facing the State of Illinois? The answer should be obvious, but then this is Illinois where Governors only leave office and the State to go to prison.

If You Think It’s Time for Change in Freeport, Consider Running for the Freeport City Council!

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The City of Freeport will hold an election to nominate candidates for the offices of Alderman in Wards 1 through 7 and the Alderman At-Large on the following dates:

Consolidated Primary will be held on February 24, 2015 (Nominating petitions must be filed November 17 – 24)

Consolidated Election will be held on April 7, 2015

The terms of office for Alderman in 2015 shall be:

First Ward – 4 year term – Present alderman – Thomas Klemm who is totally in effective. Once he stated something to the effect that he was lucky that his ward did not have any problems so he could devote himself to the rest of the city. Where does this man live? On the good ship Lollypop.

Second Ward – 2 year term – Present alderman – Shawn Boldt

Third Ward – 4 year term – Ronnie Bush, the present alderman, does a good job of representing his Ward. Forget the rest of the City.

Fourth Ward – 2 year term – Jennie DeVine, the present alderman, is a nice person whose biggest contribution on the Council was to wish her constituents “Happy Birthday.” Not too bad – that’s more than most of the aldermen have done for their constituents!

Fifth Ward – 4 year term – Present alderman – Dennis Endress (picture above at last council meeting) – In the same category as Thomas Klemm. The difference is that Mr. Endress knows his limitations, and keeps quiet.

Sixth Ward – 2 year term – Sally Brashaw was appointed to represent this ward by Mayor George Gaulrapp at the end of his term. Enough said. If you think George Gaulrapp was a good mayor, then you should like Sally Brashaw.

Seventh Ward – 4 year term – Present alderman – Mike Koester – His problem is his background. He views everything from the viewpoint of someone who has worked for the government and who has forgotten who pays the bills. Fiscal responsibility is not a word in his vocabulary.

Alderman-At-Large – 4 year term – Andrew Crutchfield – This alderman is no longer effective, and has faded in the last two years after he ran for mayor and lost. He should be replaced by someone who can constructively deal with the problems facing Freeport.

Freeport City Meeting Tonight – Perhaps Tom Klemm Will Miss the Meeting, and We Will Not Have to Listen to Him Blabber About Nothing While The City and His Own First Ward Continue to Deteriorate!

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The Freeport City Council will be meeting Monday, October 20, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

Some items on the meeting agenda:

Proclamation honoring Judy Barney for her service as a Library Trustee for 17 years!

Public hearing on vacating remaining portion of Fairview Road west of Anne’s Landscape Supply and north of West Galena Ave.

2nd reading of ordinances on tax breaks for Pearl Valley Farms (egg farm).

For the complete agenda go to http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/citygovernment/Agendas/A20141020a.pdf

Shawn Boldt to Lead Freeport City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance – It’s Too Bad This Council Has No Leadership On The Real Issues Facing This City!

IMG_3492.JPGThe Freeport City Council will be meeting Monday, October 6, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

Some highlights of the meeting:

Introduction of new police officers.

5th reading of ordinance amending garbage collection ordinance. It allows a multi-family dwelling owner of four or more units to form its own contractual relationship with a garbage hauler of their choosing.

Several ordinances dealing with Meadows TIF Redevelopment Project Area.

2nd reading of ordinance expanding Enterprise Zone to assist Dubuque, Iowa company to expand in East Dubuque. Hopefully, someone from Freeport can commute to East Dubuque for a job!

1st reading of ordinance on amending Enterprise Zone for Pearl Valley Farms (egg farm).

Resolution on redevelopment agreement dealing with property at corner of West and South Street (Jo Ann Fabrics area)

Resolution to create Transit Advisory Council consisting of seven member appointed by the Mayor. Great – another advisory council!

For the complete agenda go to http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/citygovernment/Agendas/A20141006.pdf

Question of the Week: What Does The Freeport City Council Have in Common With the Freeport School Board?

IMG_3463.JPGThe answer is obvious. Both the city council and school board have a majority of members who have no conception of fiscal responsibility. Most of the members on each of them believe that the taxpayers of Freeport have unlimited funds to pay outrageous real estate taxes. There is a reason homes are empty all over Freeport – people are leaving and one of the reasons is high real estate taxes which have contributed to the destruction of real estate values and with it the City of Freeport. Do the citizens of Freeport deserve better? Perhaps not! The school board and city council may accurately reflect the values of the citizens of Freeport since they were all elected by the Freeport community. If that is the case, you see the future of Freeport in every empty home for sale.

Now for the bad news. The Freeport City Council will be meeting Monday, September 15, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

Some highlights of the meeting:

Alderperson Klemm will lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. He also leads the Council when it comes to spending our money.

2nd reading of an ordinance amending the garbage collection ordinance allowing the City to exempt certain dwellings from paying garbage collection fees if they have their own dumpsters. When it comes to garbage, this is an area that this council has real expertise. As they say, garbage in and garbage out – this council does it twice a month.

2nd reading of ordinances dealing with Meadows Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) which will just shift more of the real estate tax burden to homeowners and small businesses not in a TIF! Solution – TIF the rest of the town. Then everyone will live in a TIF.

1st reading of ordinance to change the zoning to M-1 of property at 928-930 W. Galena Ave. so that the owner can establish a small restaurant with alcohol and video gaming. It’s nice to know that video gaming is such a growth industry in Freeport.

For a complete agenda go to

Click to access A20140915.pdf

Why Does the Freeport City Council Have Any Meetings?

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The Freeport City Council will be meeting on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

The real issue is why have meetings when this council is totally incapable of understanding and addressing the issues facing Freeport. Issues come before this council and often there is absolutely no discussion. Questions are not asked. Now, this council must make a decision on a city hall building. Will this council just blindly follow the recommendation of the mayor or some commission appointed by him? We all know the answer.

If you have nothing else to do, watch the meeting. Here are some of the items on the agenda:

Report from Dave Young, Northwest Illinois Development Alliance (NIDA) covering first six months of the year. This should be interesting. Too bad the tough questions will not be asked.

2nd reading of ordinance to purchase new fire truck for $540,000 with financing through US Bank.

1st reading of ordinance dealing with garbage collection. It provides that the City, at its sole discretion, can exclude a multi-family dwelling of four or more units from this definition (residential dwelling unit), if the owner of such a dwelling provides proof to the City’s satisfaction of a long-term contractual relationship with a City approved hauler for the provision of adequate dumpsters.

For the complete agenda, go to http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/citygovernment/Agendas/A20140804a.pdf

Freeport City Council Meeting Tonight, July 21, 2014 – Resolution on agenda for Approving Incentives Offered by Stephenson County for Medical Cannabis Facility at Mill Race Crossing – Let’s See the Incentives!

20140720-204058-74458642.jpgThe meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

1st reading of three ordinances dealing with new Meadows Redevelopment Project (TIF). There will be motion asking that it be laid over until the September 15, 2014 city council meeting.

1st reading of ordinance for purchase of new fire truck ($540,000). Too bad the fire truck will be unable to get to your house since the streets are in horrible condition – especially on the south edge of Freeport!

Resolution authorizing incentives from Stephenson County in form contract relating to Mill Race Crossing intergovernmental agreement for medical cannabis (marijuana for you non-pot heads) growing facility and/or dispensary to this area. What are the incentives? The public and council should see the form contract before approving the incentives contained in the contract. Mayor Gitz says this this resolution does not make any financial obligations on the part of the city. If it does not commit the city, then why is the city’s approval necessary?

Notice from Fire Chief of the emergency purchase of two new stretchers and accessories for price of $28,603.00. If it is an emergency, council approval is not necessary.

For the complete agenda, go to http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/citygovernment/Agendas/A20140721.pdf

TIF, TIF, TIF – That is the Question! Public Hearing at Freeport City Council Meeting Tonight, July 7, 2014 on New Meadows TIF.

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The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

The major item on the agenda is the public hearing on the new Meadows TIF (Tax Increment Financing District) consisting of 173.5 acres. A TIF creates funding for public or private projects by borrowing against the future increase in property tax revenues. Every TIF shifts the tax burden to home owners and small businesses since any increase is property tax revenues will be used to subsidize businesses in the TIF. Freeport has many TIF’s established to help such diverse areas or businesses as downtown Freeport, Walmart and Menards, and Heritage Woods on Pearl City Road. A TIF will only last 23 years, and then they will again start contributing their share of real estate taxes! Freeport has lots of TIF’s.

For the Project Plan and Eligibility Report, go to http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/departments/Freeport%20RPA%20Meadows%20TIF%20Public%20Draft_05-09-14.pdf

Other items on the agenda:

New equipment for the Fire Department:

Approval of bid from Bocker Auto Group for $32,251.31(with trade) for 2015 red Chevrolet Tahoe

Requesting action from the City Council to waive the formal bidding process and approve the purchase of a new PUC fire engine from Pierce Fire Apparatus, Appleton Wisconsin in an amount not to exceed $540,000 financed over a period of 60 months.

Update from Community Development Director on transit phone system. Listing of bid amounts at http://www.cityoffreeport.org/OrdRes/DH%20RPT%20Cell%20Phone%20Quotes%2020140707.pdf

For the complete agenda, go to

Click to access A20140707.pdf

Freeport City Council Meets Monday, June 16 – Watch Alderman Shawn Boldt in Action -A Real Leader – That Is a Leader for Higher Taxes!

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At the June 2 Freeport Council meeting there was the first reading of the new Comcast (cable) franchise agreement. As is usual with this Council, there was little constructive discussion except for Alderman Shawn Boldt who wondered if the 5% franchise fee (basically a tax of 5% on your cable bill) could be increased. He was advised that the FCC set the maximum which is 5%. It’s good to know that Alderman Boldt is looking for ways to increase our taxes. He must be auditioning for a job with Governor Quinn and his tax and spend friends in Springfield.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor. If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

Some items of interest on the agenda:

Proclamation of Mayor proclaiming June 19 – 22 Juneteenth Day, read it at http://www.cityoffreeport.org/OrdRes/PROCL%20JUNETEENTH_20140616.pdf

Memo on monthly garbage rate increase starting July 1 from $12.02 to $12.25 per month

2nd reading of Ordinance approving Comcast Franchise Agreement

2nd reading of Ordinance amending Residential Rental Property Regulations

Various Resolutions pertaining to county-wide transportation program to be run by Senior Resource Center in Freeport

Appointment of James Brown, Community Development Director, to the Board of Directors of the Jane Addams Trail Commission and the Pecatonica Prairie Path Commission, with Shaun Gallagher, City Engineer, as an alternate Board member for each Commission.

Acceptance of low bid and Contract for Mill and Overly Program to Civil Constructors, Inc. for $292,567.20

To read the complete agenda, go to http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/citygovernment/Agendas/A20140616.pdf

New Fire Chief as One of His First Acts Submits New Fire Works Ordinance to Freeport City Council – Forget Private Fireworks Displays in Freeport!

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Freeport City Council Meeting Monday, June 2, 2014, 6:00 pm
City Council Chambers at 524 West Stephenson Street, 3rd Floor
If you have Comcast Cable, go to channel 17 to watch live.

Some items of interest on the agenda:

Mayor will give his annual State of City speech.

Life Saving Award for Freeport Police Officers

Resolution Honoring Retiring City Accountant Duane Price

Resolution Honoring Gene Plum for service on Water and Sewer Commission

1st Reading of Ordinance to approve Comcast (cable) Franchise Agreement with City – City gets 5 per cent of gross revenue for Franchise Fee. No wonder City Administration likes high Comcast Fees since they receive more money to spend!

PRIZE ORDINANCE OF THE MONTH!!!
1st Reading of new Fireworks Ordinance. Let’s forget the 4th of July this year and save some money! The requirements of this ordinance will make most private displays impossible unless you have unlimited funds like the City and Freeport School District which can tax their way to compliance! Among pages of requirements for the approval of a display is the requirement that fire protection on site consist of one fire engine and one ambulance. Too bad most of us do not have a private fire department so we can get a fireworks permit. Big brother and big bureaucracy in action. An example of what is wrong with America!!!

Now that Freeport has solved its crime problem with the new rental ordinance, the enlarged police department can devote its attention to fireworks violations!

The mayor when asked by a little girl whether she could have sparklers on the 4th replied – Sure you can – just get a fire engine and ambulance in your back yard!

To read this ordinance and its requirements for a permit go to

Click to access Fireworks%20Ordinance%2020140602.pdf

The complete agenda for the June 2 meeting is available at

Click to access A20140602.pdf