Rockford Sun

City of Rockton Public Works Committee met September 4.

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

Chairman Fridly called the regular meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 5:35 pm. Members present: Mayor Adams, Dan Barber, Kevin Bunge, Scott Fridly, Cory Magnus, Jodi May and Don Self

Also present: Jean Carlson & Shelby DeFilippis

Motion by Mrs. May, second by Mr. Magnus to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of August 20, 2018. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Public Comment

Gayle Lester, resident at 906 N. Blackhawk Boulevard, spoke with the Committee about her utility bills over the last several months. Mrs. Lester stated that she noticed her utility bills were higher about the same time that the new meters were installed and it went to monthly billing. Mrs. Lester said that she has been using the same amount of water, but her bills seem to be high. Mr. Barber advised that he checked her meter and that there were no leaks, but that he can have the meter tested to see if there is an issue. The Committee looked at her utility bills and stated that one of her bills was for 6 weeks and that was why she had an increase in her bill. Mr. Barber recommended that the penalty fees be waived on her bill. Motion by Mr. Magnus to waive the penalty fees in the amount of $37.58, second by Mrs. May. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Phyllis Peterson, owner of 101 W. Union Street, spoke with the Committee in reference to a damaged water service/coupling that occurred on the property at the time the state was working on the Highway 75 project. Mrs. Peterson initially met with Mayor Adams and Mr. Magnus in May about her concerns and later met with Mr. Magnus again. Mrs. Peterson provided the Committee with photos of the coupling and the water service and stated that her plumber that repaired the water service told her that this wouldn’t have happened if the construction didn’t happen. Mr. Barber advised that he spoke with Northern Illinois Services and that the Village doesn’t use this type of coupling. Mr. Bunge, Village Engineer, confirmed that the Village doesn’t use this type of coupling and that the coupling appeared to be very old. Mr. Fridly stated that other corners had the same construction work going on in the Village and that there were no other issues. Mr. Fridly added that there is no definitive proof how the coupling/water service was damaged and that the Village isn’t responsible for the repair work. Mr. Magnus advised Mrs. Peterson that she could discuss this further with the state since this was their project that she feels affected her property.

Jean Carlson (Water Clerk) and Shelby DeFilippis (Administrative Assistant) spoke with the Committee about some concerns they had in reference to their positions in the Water Department. Ms. Carlson described the heavy workload that she has and that there are many interruptions throughout the day when she has deadlines that she has to meet. Ms. Carlson suggested once again that the Committee members sit in her office and observe her daily job duties. Ms. Carlson stated that Ms. DeFilippis helps her all day Monday and in the afternoons Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but that she needs help in the mornings. Ms. Carlson addressed her concerns with Mr. Barber and Mr. Barber, in turn, spoke with Chief Dickson to see if they could have Ms. DeFilippis help Ms. Carlson in the mornings, but he was told that Ms. DeFilippis needs to be at the police department in the mornings. Mr. Fridly advised Mr. Barber to speak with Chief Dickson again and try to work something out and come to a resolution.

Village Engineer – Kevin Bunge

Village Engineer Kevin Bunge gave his report. A copy of his report is on file with the Village Clerk’s office.

Mr. Bunge spoke to the Committee in reference to the area of Quail Trail and Rockton Road. The Committee advised that they would like Mr. Bunge to focus on the left turn lane on Quail Trail because it is in poor condition.

Mayor - Dale Adams

Mayor Adams advised the Committee that he received a message from SLATS and they were wondering if there were any changes to the transportation improvement plan regarding anything recreational. Mayor Adams stated that he will let them know that the only recreational plans are the ITEP bike path and along Old River Road.

Water, Sewer, & Garbage – Scott Fridly

Mr. Fridly discussed the Well #10 chemical treatment proposals and advised that Cahoy Group was the low quote in the amount of $56,438. Mr. Fridly stated that this was up for approval at the Village Board meeting later in the evening. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Fridly said that there are three purchase requisitions up for approval at the Village Board meeting as well. The purchase requisitions are for Praxair for gas for the diffuser cleaning in the amount of $1,035.35, MCO for the cleaning of the diffuser in the amount of $1,140 and Alta Heavy Equipment for backhoe repairs in the amount of $2,877.32. The Committee was okay with all three purchase requisitions.

Streets and Walks – Cory Magnus

Mr. Magnus discussed the Holden Rockton Road, LLC proposal with the Committee and stated that he would prefer to table this since he hasn’t seen the proposal in writing. Mr. Bunge stated that he is okay with two more weeks waiting on this, but that a month is too long for him to wait. Mrs. May commented that they should stick to the original agreement for time’s sake. Mr. Magnus stated that the original agreement was that the Village will pay for a full access directly across from Swedish American and that we will allow them a right in/right out on their dime along with a 50/50 sales tax rebate for 10 years with a sunset clause of 2028. Mayor Adams said that this is the best that they are going to get. This is up for approval at the Village Board meeting later in the evening. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Barber presented a draft letter to the Committee for their review in reference to the culvert cleaning on Glendowery Lane. The Committee was okay with the letter to be sent out to residents.

Buildings and Parks – Jodi May

Mrs. May stated that there are two special events applications up for approval at the Village Board meeting for The Hononegah High School Homecoming parade on Friday, September 28th from 4-5 pm on Main Street (Downtown Rockton) and the Hanz Brew Fest on Saturday, September 29th from noon until 6 pm at Settlers Park. The Committee was okay with both special events applications.

Public Works – Dan Barber

None.

Parks & Recreation Director – Don Self

None.

Any Other Business Allowed by Law

None.

Adjourn

Motion by Mr. Magnus, second by Mrs. May to adjourn at 6:33 pm.

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