Rockford Sun

Rockton Township Administration Committee met August 6. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

Chairman Winters called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Adams, Arianne Honkamp, John Peterson and Dave Winters Staff present: Chief Dickson, Tricia Diduch, Corine Hughes and Jodi May (5:34 pm)

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of July 16, 2018. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Public Comment

Michelle Marella, resident at 151 Old Meadow Lane, stated that she received notice that her recreational vehicle cannot be parked in her driveway because it is longer than 22 feet. Mrs. Marella said that she understands the reason for restrictions, but was wondering if the Village Board would consider revising the limitations. Mrs. Marella suggested that the size of the driveway be considered when determining how large of a trailer can be parked there. Mrs. Marella stated that she feels the current 22 foot restriction is outdated and that most new trailers are larger than that.

The Mayor – Dale Adams

Mayor Adams discussed the All-American City Award with the Committee and would like to consider pursuing this. Mayor Adams stated that volunteers would primarily be responsible for putting the packet together, rather than Village staff. Mayor Adams added that there is a $150 fee to apply. Mr. Winters asked Ms. Diduch if she would have time to coordinate the volunteers for the project. Mr. Peterson inquired if anything had been posted on the Village Facebook page looking for input.

Public Safety & Legal – Dave Winters, Chairman

Ms. Diduch stated that three years ago the issue of recreational vehicles in residential areas was discussed and that the decision was made not to revise the requirements. Mr. Peterson inquired what type of policy the Village of Roscoe has and Mayor Adams stated that they don’t have any restrictions and that other municipalities either allow them or they don’t and don’t regulate or place restrictions on the issue. Ms. Diduch said that by making changes to the RV restrictions that this would open up issues for boats, snowmobiles, etc… Mrs. May stated that the restrictions need to be clear because many if the issues are subjective and what one neighbor is fine with, another neighbor will have an issue with. Mr. Peterson stated that he would like to see some of the verbiage that other municipalities use so that the Village can consider changing the code. The Committee would like this placed on the agenda to be discussed further for the first meeting in October. This will allow Village Trustees and staff to discuss the issue with other municipalities at the IML Conference in Chicago. The Committee agreed to allow Mrs. Marella to temporarily park her RV on her driveway while the issue is being researched.

Mr. Winters stated that Charter Communications will not be providing anything new with the updated franchise agreement, but will provide services to the new public works building.

Community Development & Budget – John Peterson

None.

 Administration – Arianne Honkamp

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp to approve the Village Clerk to attend the MCI Academy in Springfield, IL from October 16th – 19th at a cost not to exceed $999, second by Mr. Peterson. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

The Chief – Steve Dickson

None.

 Planning and Development Administrator – Tricia Diduch

Ms. Diduch stated that the RACVB provided information regarding a public art/sculpture walk and that she would like to know if the Village would be interested in participating in something like this. Ms. Diduch explained that the participation period is for two years and the RACVB would spearhead the project with cooperation from the Village. Mayor Adams said that he feels that any donations would be better served updating the holiday decorations or downtown signage. Ms. Diduch stated that this project would have minimal cost to the Village. The Committee was okay with Ms. Diduch pursuing the project and obtaining more information.

Ms. Diduch advised that she had two options presented by Fehr Graham for the parking area behind the Main Street businesses. Ms. Diduch said that the Village needed to see if they had any major concerns before she pursued more detailed proposals and cost calculations. Ms. Diduch stated that after the proposals are created, they will be taken to the business owners for their input on the project.

Executive Session

None.

 Any Other Business Allowed By Law

Mayor Adams stated that he met with IDOT regarding the ITEP bike path on Rockton Road and that IDOT doesn’t want the Village to take the path under the bridge on Highway 251 because it’s scheduled for reconstruction in 2024. IDOT said that they would take care of the bike path under the bridge during the reconstruction project. Mayor Adams advised that the Village would still receive full funding for the project even though the length of the project would be shortened.

Adjourn

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp to adjourn at 6:23 pm.

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