Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Nov. 4.

Here is the minutes 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

Also present: Chief Dickson, Tricia Diduch, Scott Fridly (5:53 pm), Cory Magnus and Jodi May

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Peterson, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of October 14, 2019. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jill Golden, owner of JR Finally Art Studio located at 210 W. Main Street, spoke to the Committee in reference to concerns about parking in front of the businesses during the Rockton Christmas Walk. Ms. Golden stated that the business owners would like to work something out and wanted to know what the businesses could do to help. Chief Dickson stated that he would be more than happy to get together with the business owners and hear some ideas.

THE MAYOR – DALE ADAMS

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Winters discussed Ordinance 2019-21: An Ordinance Providing for and Requiring the Submission of a Proposition for Expenditures on Public Roadway and Sidewalk/Path Infrastructure Improvements Via a One Percent Non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers Occupation Tax and Service Occupation Tax by the Village of Rockton, Winnebago County, Illinois at the General Primary Election to be Held on March 17, 2020 with the Committee. Mr. Winters stated that this is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on November 5, 2019. Mayor Adams commented that this is a bad idea. Mayor Adams stated that you don’t tax first and that you need to look for other options. Mayor Adams said that the Village budgets $190,000 for 32 miles of road and that the Village can bond the roadwork that needs to be done. Mayor Adams also suggested forming a regional park district with the Village of Roscoe and City of South Beloit to help decrease park costs. Mr. Peterson stated that he was against the 1% road tax and went over the loan payments that will be paid off next year. Mr. Peterson said those funds could then be used for the roads. Mr. Winters said that the Village will have funds for a project, but not for future projects. Mr. Winters added that there is no money in reserves for the Village. Mr. Peterson said that if the Village can limp through the next 2 years then we should have $350,000/year after that to put towards road projects. Mrs. May stated that Mr. Magnus’ approach to this is spreading this out to those who come into the Village to spend money. Mr. Winters stated his concern for tying up funds in the budget and that it can’t be used for anything else. Mr. Peterson said that the funds are tied up now and that he wants the Village Board to do a better job with the budget. Mr. Winters added that the Illinois Municipal League magazine projects decreasing Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds coming to the Village instead of increasing MFT funds.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & BUDGET – JOHN PETERSON

Mr. Peterson stated that the Village received a donation request from Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) in the amount of $750 for the Christmas tree recycling program. Mr. Peterson stated that in the past the Village has budgeted $500 for this, but he was unsure where it was in the budget. Mr. Peterson suggested waiting until the next meeting to approve this so that he can find out from Ms. Hughes, Village Collector, where this has been paid for out of the budget. Mr. Magnus suggested that the location for the Christmas tree recycling program be located on a hard surface this year. Mr. Magnus said that grassy area near the boat ramp (where the recycling program has been located for years) always sustains damage and it takes a while for the grass to grow back.

ADMINISTRATION – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

THE CHIEF – STEVE DICKSON

None.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that she is working on the Christmas Walk and that she will be submitting the special events application soon.

Ms. Diduch advised that she met with a resident of the Village and that they discussed a possible donation to purchase 25 garbage cans that would cost approximately $40,000.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp to adjourn at 6:06 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/11-4-19__Administration_Minutes.pdf