City of Rockford City Council met Jan. 6

City of Rockford City Council met Jan. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m.

A. Roll Call 

II. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. Memorandum from Sarah Leys, Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development Department, regarding the 2025 Funding Agreement with Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

2. Memorandum from Jeremy Carter, City Traffic and Development Engineer, regarding the approval of an application and acceptance of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative Grant. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding an Annexation Agreement for 54xx 35th Street. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on January 8, 2025 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on January 27, 2025. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer/Interim Director of Public Works, regarding a City-State Intergovernmental Agreement for IL-70 (Kilburn Avenue) Resurfacing (Safford Road to Glenwood Avenue). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer/Interim Director of Public Works, regarding a City-ComEd Agreement for Madison Street Improvements (ComEd Line Relocation). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Alderman Frost opened a bid for the sale of the city-owned property (a vacant lot) located at 815 West State Street from The Salvation Army in the amount of $1,000.00. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

III. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. 2025-1-CR – Approval of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant Program)

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. 2025-2-CR – Plat No. 2 of Sports Factory Subdivision

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

2. 2025-3-CR – Request for a Modification of an existing liquor license for an additional Video Gaming Terminal at 3301 11th Street (Nilufar Kabir/Opsahl Tavern, Inc. dba Opsahl Pizza/Applicant).

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

3. 2025-4-CR – 2930 Grinnell Court and 29xx South Alpine Road

Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of two (2) 4-unit townhomes, a 5-unit townhome, and a 6-unit townhome in an R-3, Multi-Family Residential Zoning District at 2930 Grinnell Court and 29xx South Alpine Road (Attorney Jim Rodriguez for Omni Rockford, LLC/Applicant)

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

4. 2025-5-CR – 839 North Perryville Road

Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a:

a. Variation to increase the landmark style sign from eight (8) feet to twelve (12) feet; and

b. Variation to increase the maximum permitted square footage from sixty-four (64) square feet to one hundred and fifteen (115) square feet in a C-1, Limited Office Zoning District at 839 North Perryville Road (Attorney Gino Galluzzo for Timothy J. Leake/Applicant)

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. 2025-6-CR – Approval of Vouchers in the amount of $17,778,485.59.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

2. 2025-7-CR – Approval of Addendum to Asset Purchase Agreement with Metro Fiber Solutions, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $1.00. This is a one-time payment. The funding source is the Information Technology Operating Budget.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

IV. OFFICERS REPORTS 

A. Alderman Meeks 

Alderman Meeks announced Tommy Meeks was organizing Martin Luther King Jr. Events at Allen Chapel AME Church on Saturdays in the month of January. She stated the events would include watching speeches given by Dr. King and then there would be a time of discussion. She indicated the first event would be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Alderman Meeks encouraged all citizens to attend the events.

B. Alderman Torina 

Alderman Torina recognized and thanked the Interim Public Works Director Tim Hinkens and the Public Works staff that helped resolve the flooding issue at El Tenampa Bar. She indicated the business has dealt with water issues and flooding as a result of an IDOT project that took place years ago. She reported everything has finally been repaired properly and the business owners were very grateful.

Alderman Torina mentioned she went on a ride along last week with the Fire Department. She spoke about her experience and shared she had a wonderful time. She thanked Fire Chief Michele Pankow, District Chief Slade Berry and the Fire Department personnel at Stations 1, 3 and 6 for all of the information they provided to her.

C. Alderman Bailey 

Alderman Bailey shared he attended a solar training event that took place in the Thirteenth Ward and he mentioned he was excited about the number of students involved in the training.

Alderman Bailey indicated he attended the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Event on Saturday and he shared he was so impressed with the diversity in the crowd.

D. Alderman Durkee 

Alderman Durkee requested an update regarding the Fire Department staffing to help mitigate the issues on the east side.

Mayor McNamara asked Chief Pankow to provide an update regarding the increased staffing with the additional ambulance and the new fire engine.

Chief Pankow reported on January 1, 2025 they put Engine 5 and an additional ambulance (Medic 4) in service when staffing allows. She stated Engine 5 was at Fire Station 5 located behind Target and Medic 4 was at Fire Station 4 which was located by Guilford High School. She provided an overview of the number of calls for service Engine 5 and Medic 4 have responded to. She spoke about things they were doing to address the geography issues and how they were trying to lower the response time on the east side.

E. Alderman Prunty 

Alderman Prunty expressed her appreciation to Tommy Meeks and Allen Chapel AME Church for hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Event.

Alderman Prunty thanked everyone that attended the Kwanzaa Community Luncheon at the Booker Washington Center.

Alderman Prunty thanked Interim Public Works Director Tim Hinkens for his participation in the recent Sixth Ward meeting.

Alderman Prunty congratulated the Divine 9 organizations that were celebrating their Founders’ Day in January. She expressed her appreciation to the organizations for their service to our community.

Alderman Prunty announced a Sixth Ward meeting would be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Brooke Road United Methodist Church. She mentioned the topic of discussion would be Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness.

V. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER 

1. Reappointment of Kerry Harlacher to the Building Board of Appeals for a term expiring June 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

2. Reappointment of Mokhtar Mohamed to the Building Board of Appeals for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

3. Reappointment of Bill Hatfield to the Civilian Oversight Board for a term expiring December 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

4. Appointment of Sana Siddiqui to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring December 2026. This appointment will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Nikki Lynch. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

5. Reappointment of James McDowell to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring August 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

6. Reappointment of Jurea Crudup to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring October 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

7. Reappointment of Scott Garwick to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring October 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

8. Reappointment of William Martin to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring October 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

9. Reappointment of Carrie Hagerty to the Fire Pension Board for a term expiring October 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

10. Appointment of Brad Benedict to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring August 2026. This appointment is to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Kathleen Kline. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

11. Reappointment of Amanda Becker to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring July 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

12. Reappointment of Maureen Kirschmann to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term expiring October 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

13. Reappointment of Raed Salem to Mechanical Board for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

14. Reappointment of Scott Laue to the Police Pension Board for a term expiring August 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

15. Reappointment of Marcia Mueller to the Police Pension Board for a term expiring October 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

16. Appointment of Kevin Schwitters to the RAVE Board for a term expiring June 2025. This appoint will fill the vacancy created by the passing of Dan McMahon. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

17. Reappointment of Craig Thomas to the RAVE Board for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

18. Reappointment of Dorien Peterson to the Traffic Commission for a term expiring December 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after January 15, 2025.)

VI. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. 2025-1-R – A Resolution calling for a Public Hearing and convening a Joint Review Board in connection with a new Madison and Oak Tax Increment Financing District

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. 2025-2-R – Award of Bid: Water Division Electrical Services to Mechanical Inc., and Morse Electric, both of Freeport, Illinois also William Charles Electric, and Miller Engineering Co., both of Rockford, Illinois for an estimated contract amount of $125,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through December 31, 2025 with four (4) possible annual extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

2. 2025-3-R – Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Four (4) Pierce Enforcer PUC Pumpers (Engines) and One (1) Pierce Velocity 105′ HDL PUC Aerial (Ladder) from MacQueen Equipment, LLC, of Saint Paul, Minnesota in the amount of $7,285,000.00. This is a one-time purchase.

The funding sources are Capital Lease Funds and Fire Department Capital Budget.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

3. 2025-4-R – Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Four (4) Demers MPX170 Ford F550 4×4 Diesel Type Ambulances from MacQueen Equipment, LLC, of Saint Paul, Minnesota in the amount of $1,539,084.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding sources are Capital Lease Funds and Fire Department Capital Budget.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

4. 2025-5-R – Void Contract Award and Take New Bids: Lead Service Line Replacement Program Phase 7 (Bid No. 824-PW-084). Future bids will be updated according to the funding requirement and will not include the vendor’s election for the local business downward adjustment.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

5. 2025-6-R – Resolution approving appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code – Region 1 Planning Council FY-2025 Funding (24-00667-00ES) in the amount of $91,308.49.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

6. 2025-7-R – Renewal of Contract: Workers’ Compensation Excess Coverage 2025 to Safety National Casualty Corporation, of St. Louis, Missouri for the contract amount/rates: Premium is based on estimated annual payroll of $99,606,516.00 at $0.2479 per $100.00 of payroll, for a total estimated annual premium of $246,925.00. The contract duration is one-year. The funding source is the Workers’ Compensation Fund.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

7. 2025-8-R – Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Winnebago County for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance 2024 Grant. The total award is $322,910.00 with 60% ($193,746.00) staying with the City and 40% ($129,164.00) going to the County.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

VII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. 2025-1-O – An ordinance approving the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant Program).

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. 2025-2-O – An ordinance approving the Modification of an existing liquor license for an additional Video Gaming Terminal at 3301 11th Street (Nilufar Kabir/Opsahl Tavern, Inc. dba Opsahl Pizza/Applicant).

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

2. 2025-3-O – An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of two (2) 4-unit townhomes, a 5-unit townhome, and a 6-unit townhome in an R-3, Multi-Family Residential Zoning District at 2930 Grinnell Court and 29xx South Alpine Road (Attorney Jim Rodriguez for Omni Rockford, LLC/Applicant).

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

3. 2025-4-O – An ordinance approving a Variation to increase the landmark style sign from eight (8) feet to twelve (12) feet and a Variation to increase the maximum permitted square footage from sixty-four (64) square feet to one hundred and fifteen (115) square feet in a C-1, Limited Office Zoning District at 839 North Perryville Road (Attorney Gino Galluzzo for Timothy J. Leake/Applicant).

Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. 2025-5-O – An ordinance approving an Addendum to the Asset PurchaseAgreement with Metro Fiber Solutions, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $1.00. This is a one-time payment. The funding source is the Information Technology Operating Budget. Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

VIII. CLOSED SESSION 

1. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Pending Litigation matters. 

Alderman Frost moved to convene into Closed Session in order to discuss pending litigation matters, seconded by Alderman Durkee. MOTION

PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Logemann and Rose were absent). The meeting convened into Closed Session at 7:26 p.m.

Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 7:56 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Durkee, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey and Bonne (Aldermen Logemann, Frost and Rose were absent).

IX. ADJOURNMENT 

1. Motion to Adjourn 

Alderman Torina moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Barrios.

MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Logemann, Frost and Rose were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

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