Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Planning & Development met July 8.

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Attendee Name       Organization     Title             Status    Arrived

Tim Durkee          City of Rockford   Alderman    Present

Linda McNeely     City of Rockford   Alderman    Present

Chad Tuneberg    City of Rockford   Alderman    Absent

Natavias Ervins    City of Rockford   Alderman    Present

Bill Rose               City of Rockford   Alderman    Present

Alderman Rose called the meeting to order at 6:48 pm.

II. COMMITTEE REPORTS

      A. Great Neighborhoods Funding Agreement between the City of Rockford and Transform Rockford in an annual amount of $20,000 for three years, subject to annual review by City Council

           Karl Franzen, Community and Economic Development Director, reviewed the staff report and explained that because Great Neighborhoods is not an established corporation, the funding and development agreement would go through Transform Rockford.

           The proposal would have Great Neighborhoods continue their efforts working with neighborhoods to identify assets and align activities in support of neighborhood improvement. The work would be coordinated with our internal efforts, including our Neighborhood Planner, Great Neighborhoods, and NRN revitalization strategies.

            Great Neighborhoods is requesting $20,000 annually for three years for a total investment of $60,000. They are estimating that they will have an annual budget of approximately $130,000 - $160,000. The additional funds needed to support the program will be raised through private funding and other taxing bodies. Funding will be used to hire a Program Director.

              Alderman Durkee made a motion to approve the Committee Report and Alderman Ervins seconded the motion.

              Alderman Thompson Kelly stated that she had previously requested an amendment to this item. She would like this item to come before City Council for approval each year. Alderman McNeely made a motion to amend the agreement to have City Council approve this yearly and Alderman Ervins seconded the motion. The motion prevailed 4-0.

              Alderman McNeely stated that several weeks ago when this item was presented to City Council, she had made several comments and no one from Transform Rockford (Great Neighborhoods) contacted her and she is not in support of this item. Group discussed and after discussion group voted on the amended agreement. MOTION PREVAILED 3-1.

              RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 1]

                              Next: 7/15/2019 5:30 PM

              AYES:      Tim Durkee, Natavias Ervins, Bill Rose

              NAYS:      Linda McNeely

              Alderman Durkee made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Ervins Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

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