City of Rockford City Council met Nov. 17

City of Rockford City Council met Nov. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance 

The invocation was given by Chaplain Mark Miller and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.

B. Roll Call 

II. PROCLAMATIONS 

There were no proclamations presented at this meeting.

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. Memorandum from Andrea Hinrichs, Housing and Program Manager, regarding the 2026 Annual Action Plan, Citizen Participation Plan and Amendments to 2020-2024 Annual Action Plan. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on November 18, 2025 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on November 24, 2025. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on November 18, 2025 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on November 24, 2025. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

3. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Pre-Annexation of 5581 Montague Road. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

4. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special event for Festival of Lights. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

5. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding a request to vacate the Right-of-Way for 203 South Rockford Avenue. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

6. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the Final Plat of St. Luke’s Missionary Baptist Church of Rockford Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

Legal Director Angela Hammer announced receipt of the Comcast Quarterly Franchise Fee payment in the amount of $276,166.18.

1. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer, regarding the approval of the 2026-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, regarding the acceptance of Expanding Multi-Disciplinary Efforts Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority grant award at the Family Peace Center to Combat Domestic Violence. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the acceptance of two Sub Recipient Agreements through Continuum of Care (COC) PY24 approved grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS 

1. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and reflected on the importance of honoring veterans for their sacrifice.

2. John Tac Brantley expressed his desire for increased development on the west side of the city and outlined activities he had planned for at-risk youth in the community.

3. Steven McMaster provided details of the Open Meetings Act requirements and described a time when he was unable to attend a meeting. He also shared his personal feelings regarding a recent arrest that occurred in a public park.

4. Paul Goddard described the Poet Laureate selection process and spoke about the City of Rockford’s vibrant and growing poetry community.

5. Denzil Wynter thanked veterans for their service to our country and conveyed his hope that the United States will provide better support for military families.

V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. 2025-235-CR – Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 6 of Walmart Subdivision.

The developer is creating an out lot in the Ashley Furniture Center parking lot for a two-lot plat. The site was approved for a drive-thru coffee shop.

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

2. 2025-236-CR – Committee recommends approval of the request for an Honorary Street Name Change renaming a portion of Court Street from Montague Road to Knowlton Street. The request is for a designation of Paul L. Wixom Way in honor of Paul L. Wixom, former Principal of Montague and Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Schools. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

3. Committee recommends approval of the request for a Text Amendment to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances prohibiting the sale of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

Alderman Torina made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by

Alderman Bell. This item was then laid over.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. 2025-237-CR – Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $10,147,712.20 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on November 10, 2025.

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

2. Committee recommends approval of the 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. This item was then laid over.

3. Committee recommends approval of the 2025 Proposed Tax Levy Ordinance. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. This item was then laid over.

4. Committee recommends approval of the 2025 Property Tax Abatement Ordinance. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. This item was then laid over.

5. Committee recommends approval of the 2026 Fee Schedule. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. This item was then laid over.

6. Committee recommends approval of the 2026 Salary Ordinance. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. This item was then laid over.

7. 2025-239-CR – Committee recommends approval of the Third Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the City of Rockford and 303 North Main Street, LLC for the lease of 303 North Main Street from July

1, 2025 to November 30, 2030. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

8. 2025-240-CR – Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and the State of Illinois to utilize space for 303 North Main Street from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2030. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

9. 2025-241-CR – Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for Madison Street (Phase 2) in the total amount of $296,300.00 which will be reimbursed to the city at 100%. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

10. 2025-242-CR – Committee recommends approval of the Third Amendment to an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for the City Well Wastewater Discharge Agreement. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

11. 2025-243-CR – Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Omni Rockford, LLC Lease Agreement in the amount of $57,600.00. The agreement does not require a cost match. The lease term is for one (1) year. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

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

VI. OFFICERS REPORTS 

A. Alderman Salgado 

Alderman Salgado thanked Finance Director Carrie Hagerty and the Finance Department for their assistance and for answering questions related to the 2026 Budget. He also expressed his appreciation to Chief Redd and Chief Tyo for taking the time to meet with him to discuss the staffing operations for their departments.

B. Alderman Granath 

Alderman Granath thanked Public Works Director Scott Sanders, Neighborhood Stabilization Officer Vic Wilder and Mayor McNamara for their participation in the recent Ninth Ward meeting.

C. Alderman Prunty 

Alderman Prunty mentioned she attended the Rockford Wolves Awards Banquet held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. She stated it was a wonderful event and she applauded the athletes for their hard work. Alderman Prunty recognized the coaches for their dedication and the positive impact they have made on the students.

D. Alderman Bell 

Alderman Bell informed the council members that a memorandum had been distributed outlining a proposed amendment to the cannabis funds in the 2026 Budget. He asked the aldermen to give the amendment thoughtful consideration and to contact him with any questions.

E. Mayor McNamara 

Mayor McNamara advised the council members that Alderman Salgado submitted two proposed amendments. He informed the aldermen a memorandum outlining the proposed amendments had been placed on their desk.

VII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. 2025-236-R – Committee recommends approval of the authorization for acceptance of the Line Item Appropriation Grant in the amount of $1,000,000.00 from State Senator Stadelman for the Davis Park Improvements (Phase 1). If approved, DCEO would reimburse the city’s construction costs with these grant funds.

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. 2025-237-R – Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Fire Station 11 Renovation (Bid No. 925-FD-106) to Stenstrom Construction, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $650,600.00. The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds.

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

2. 2025-238-R – Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Jefferson Street Rock River Bank Stabilization (Bid No. 1025-PW-114) to Semper Fi Land, Inc., of Yorkville, Illinois in the amount of $249,781.72.

The contract duration is through April 1, 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

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

3. 2025-239-R – Committee recommends approval of the Award of

Engineering Agreement: 6th Street and 9th Street Two-Way Conversions (Railroad Coordination) to Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $48,485.00. The contract duration is through December 31, 2027. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

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

4. 2025-240-R – Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Parking Management (RFP No. 825-PW-103) to ABM Parking Services, of Chicago, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $1,361,842.00. The contract duration is five (5) years with two (2) additional one-year extension options. The funding source is the Parking Fund.

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

5. 2025-241-R – Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non Competitive Contract: InTime Scheduling and Timekeeping Software System to InTime Services Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in the amount of $116,328.00. The contract duration is one (1) year with two (2) possible one-year extension options. The funding source is the Police Department Operating Budget.

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

6. 2025-242-R – Committee recommends approval of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Resolution to allow service credit for military service prior to participation.

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

7. 2025-243-R – Committee recommends approval of the funding of $100,000.00 to food pantries as a reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Major Corridor Signage Program.

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

VIII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES 

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. 2025-205-O – An ordinance approving an Honorary Street Name Change renaming a portion of Court Street from Montague Road to Knowlton Street. The request is for a designation of Paul L. Wixom Way in honor of Paul L. Wixom, former Principal of Montague and Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Schools.

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

2. An ordinance approving a Text Amendment to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances prohibiting the sale of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. An ordinance approving the 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.

2. An ordinance approving the 2025 Proposed Tax Levy Ordinance.

3. An ordinance approving the 2025 Property Tax Abatement Ordinance.

4. An ordinance approving the 2026 Fee Schedule.

5. An ordinance approving the 2026 Salary Ordinance.

6. 2025-206-O – An ordinance approving the Third Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the City of Rockford and 303 North Main Street, LLC for the lease of 303 North Main Street from July 1, 2025 to November 30, 2030.

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

7. 2025-207-O – An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and the State of Illinois to utilize space for 303 North Main Street from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2030.

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

8. 2025-208-O – An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for Madison Street (Phase 2) in the total amount of $296,300.00 which will be reimbursed to the city at 100%.

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

9. 2025-209-O – An ordinance approving the Third Amendment to an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for the City Well Wastewater Discharge Agreement.

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

10. 2025-210-O – An ordinance approving the Omni Rockford, LLC Lease Agreement in the amount of $57,600.00. The agreement does not require a cost match. The lease term is for one (1) year.

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

IX. 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 Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a roll call vote (Aldermen Tuneberg and Meeks were absent). The meeting convened into Closed Session at 6:15 p.m.

Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 6:38 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Durkee, Logemann, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Bell and Bonne (Aldermen Tuneberg, Frost, Salgado and Meeks were absent).

X. ADJOURNMENT 

1. Motion to Adjourn 

Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Bonne.

MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Tuneberg and

Meeks were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

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