City of Rockford City Council met Dec. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m.
A. Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | 6:19 PM |
| Tony Gasparini | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Kevin Frost | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Venita Hervey | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Natavias Ervins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Ann Thompson-Kelly | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Karen Hoffman | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Franklin C. Beach | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Tuffy Quinonez | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| John C. Beck | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Linda McNeely | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | 6:19 PM |
| Joseph Chiarelli | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on December 2, 2019.
Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on December 2, 2019, seconded by Alderman Hervey. MOTION PREVAILED with a voice vote.
II. PROCLAMATIONS
There were no proclamations presented at this meeting.
III. PRESENTATIONS
1. Marathon Year End Presentation
Lauren May from Marathon Health presented the council members with a 5 Year Executive Summary of the City of Rockford Wellness Clinic. Her presentation included information regarding employee involvement, risk identification, claims trend analysis, satisfaction survey results, 2020 opportunities, next steps and engagement plan. Ryan Brauns of Rockford Consulting & Brokerage Inc., Lauren May and Kim Ryan answered questions from the aldermen.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
IV. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda for the meeting to be held on December 17, 2019 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on December 30, 2019. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board Agenda for the meeting to be held on December 17, 2019 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on December 30, 2019. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
3. Memorandum from Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the annexation of 4801 Linden Road and 5055 Linden Road. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
4. Memorandum from Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the proposed amendments to the City of Rockford Liquor Ordinance - Chapter 3, Article I. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
5. Memorandum from Mike Hakanson, Land Transaction Officer, regarding the proposed sale of the city-owned property located at 134 N. Main Street (PIN No: 11-23-307-008). Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
6. Alderman Thompson-Kelly submitted a referral for review and discussion of the Trajectory Ground Lease Agreement. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Memorandum from Deb Dorsey, Housing and Program Manager, regarding the proposed sale of two city-owned properties located at 615 Furman Street and 1128 Blaisdell under the City's Mow to Own Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
2. Memorandum from Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, regarding an Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Assessment Complaint Intervention between the City of Rockford, Rockford School District 205, County of Winnebago, Rock River Water Reclamation District and Rockford Park District. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
3. Memorandum from Fire Chief Derek Bergsten regarding approval for the Rockford Fire Department to sell used equipment to the City of Loves Park. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
4. Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, regarding the Surplus Property Policy. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
5. Memorandum from Shurice Hunter, Human Resources Director, regarding approval of revisions to the City of Rockford Rules and Regulations. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
V. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. Timothy Scordato of Rockford, Illinois stated he works for Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. He shared his belief that the City of Rockford is discriminating against elderly residents in this community by charging a paper billing fee for printing their water statements. He informed the council members he would be contacting each of them to discuss this matter.
2. Prophet Yusef of Rockford, Illinois recited scripture and encouraged citizens to seek God in good and bad times.
3. John Tac Brantley of Rockford, Illinois recited scripture and encouraged citizens to help others that are in need.
VI. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2019-283-CR - Committee recommends approval of the request for permission to place a city-owned parcel located at 728 S. 6th Street (PIN No. 11-26-426-006) up for sale.
The City of Rockford recently acquired this property by deed in lieu of foreclosure through the Winnebago County Trustee. The parcel had a building, which burned and resulted in the City of Rockford’s emergency demolition of it. The lot is 18,006 square feet in size, and is zoned C-3, commercial. Staff recommends approval.
The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
2. 2019-284-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Plat of Swedish American Hospital/East State Street.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
3. 2019-285-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a grocery/convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2907 West State Street (Raja Abdo Shami/Mini Mart Food & More Inc./Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2019-286-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $5,795,931.64 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on December 9, 2019.
Alderman Beck, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
2. 2019-287-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Budget Amendment to the 2020 Police Department Operating Budget increasing the authorized number of non-sworn personnel by one full-time employee. This budget amendment will eliminate the contract employee position and implement a full-time exempt position of Media and Marketing Manager. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Beck, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
3. 2019-288-CR - Committee recommends approval of the City of Rockford Grant Policy. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Beck, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
VII. OFFICERS REPORTS A. Mayor McNamara
Mayor McNamara distributed a memorandum regarding the appointment of Leslie West to the Airport Board. Ms. West will be replacing K. Edward Copeland whose term will end February 2020. Ms. West will serve a five-year term ending January 2025. Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will lay over for 30 days.
B. Alderman Tuffy Quinonez
Alderman Quinonez wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Alderman Quinonez expressed his disappointment with the Rockford Public School District 205 for demolishing King Elementary School without Public Notice.
C. Alderman Thompson-Kelly
Alderman Thompson-Kelly voiced her frustrations with Trajectory Solar and apologized to the council members for supporting the agreement to rent the quarry with Trajectory Solar. She stated Trajectory Solar misrepresented that they would hire people from this community to work on the project but she commented now that is not the case and they are choosing to only use their union employees. She submitted a copy of the Ground Lease Agreement with Trajectory Solar to the Code and Regulation Committee for review and discussion.
D. Alderman McNeely
Alderman McNeely expressed her disappointment regarding the demolition of King Elementary School. She stated she hoped the building would have been repurposed and used for community gatherings and meetings.
Alderman McNeely voiced her frustrations concerning a comment made by United States Attorney General William Barr with regard to individuals that do not show respect to police officers not getting police protection. She stated his comment is not the sentiment of the City of Rockford or the Rockford Police Department.
Alderman McNeely referenced a recent article in the Rockford Register Star regarding the casino and its investors and she inquired if the City of Rockford has Lobbyist Filing Requirements.
Legal Director Nicholas Meyer responded and indicated that the City of Rockford does not have any registry for lobbyists. He stated he believes Chicago, Illinois has one but that he was unaware of any other municipality in the State of Illinois that does.
Alderman McNeely replied and stated that she would be contacting Director Meyer to discuss lobbyist requirements as well as conflicts of interest with individuals serving on committees and boards. She submitted a copy of the City of Chicago's Lobbyist Filing Requirements and she mentioned that could be used as a guideline to start discussions.
Alderman McNeely wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Alderman McNeely announced the Democratic Caucus that was previously scheduled tonight has been cancelled.
E. Alderman Rose
Alderman Rose spoke about the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers game that took place on Sunday. He congratulated Dean Lowry, a Rockford native who plays for the Green Bay Packers, on the win and on his big interception during the game. Alderman Rose shared he is a Chicago Bears fan but he wished Dean Lowry and the Green Bay Packers success in the upcoming playoff games and commented he hopes they make it to the Super Bowl.
F. Alderman Hervey
Alderman Hervey recognized the United State Presidents Cup Team on their victory. She congratulated Tiger Woods, the Captain of the team, who played very well and helped the team come from behind to win the 2019 Presidents Cup.
Alderman Hervey shared personal childhood memories of the horrible conditions of the Montague School building and when King School was built to replace Montague School. She stated she understands the concerns regarding the demolition of King School but she gave credit to the Rockford Public School District 205 for their pledge of $500,000 for each school they closed. She said the School District indicated if they could not find an acceptable use for the buildings then they would be torn down so they would not become a nuisance. She mentioned she would like to see the former King School site re- dedicated for some type of community use.
Mayor McNamara indicated that citizens were allowed to obtain bricks from King School and he stated that if the School District is offering that then he would assume they completed the proper notifications prior to demolition.
G. Alderman Hoffman
Alderman Hoffman commended Police Chief O'Shea for the informative article in the Rockford Register Star concerning drug issues in our community.
H. Alderman Ervins
Alderman Ervins congratulated Pastor Justin, Lady Rebecca and the Soar Assembly Congregation for their purchase of the former New Zion Baptist Church building on Salter Avenue in the Fifth Ward and he expressed his excitement for the future of Soar Assembly.
I. Alderman Durkee
Alderman Durkee encouraged his fellow constituents to review the Perception on Crime Survey that Chief of Staff Wester Wuori distributed to each of them. He shared his feelings that the data contained in the survey does not accurately reflect a sample of this community.
J. Alderman Tuneberg
Alderman Tuneberg indicated he would like to have further conversations regarding the lack of economic opportunities in the City of Rockford which prevent lower income households from improving their income. He mentioned there are companies in the City of Rockford that have job openings that they aren't able to fill because people decide they don't want to work. He commented there are many factors that play a role in improving economic opportunities and income and that he looks forward to discussing this matter further.
Alderman Tuneberg thanked Associated Bank for the investment they made into improving the Armory.
Alderman Tuneberg shared he attended The Norwegian Snomarket event over the weekend and stated it was a great success. He thanked Alderman Beck, Alderman Rose and Alderman Thompson-Kelly for their support in improving that area. He also thanked the event organizers, Director Saunders and the Public Works Department for their hard work and efforts in making the Snomarket event possible.
Alderman Tuneberg congratulated Lisa Frost for opening up her art studio in the Third Ward and he wished her great success.
K. Alderman Beach
Alderman Beach expressed his excitement about the free winter events that take place annually in the City of Rockford. He shared Stroll on State, the beautiful lights at Nicholas Conservatory, the Festival of Lights display and the Snow Sculpting Competition are all great events that take place in our community and he encouraged citizens to take part in these free winter events. Alderman Beach thanked everyone who organized and worked hard to make these wonderful events happen for our community.
Alderman Beach announced the Republican Caucus previously scheduled for tonight has been cancelled.
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2019-289-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the:
a. Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store; and
b. Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4307, 4311, 4315, 4317, 4417 Auburn Street (Anghan Bhavesh/Rockford Gas Inc./Applicant).
Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinances.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [11 TO 2]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
NAYS: Venita Hervey, Franklin C. Beach
AWAY: Natavias Ervins
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
IX. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER
1. Appointment of Janet Larsen Moore to the Library Board to replace Dawn Durkin whose term ended June 2019. Ms. Moore's term will expire in June 2022. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after December 18, 2019.)
Mayor McNamara read in the appointment. Alderman Beck moved to suspend Rule 18, seconded by Alderman Chiarelli. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. The appointment was then placed up for passage and was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
2. Appointment of Novella Veal for a five-year term to the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) Board replacing Ken Oliver. Ms. Veal's term will expire in December 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after December 18, 2019.)
Mayor McNamara read in the appointment. Alderman Beck moved to suspend Rule 18, seconded by Alderman Chiarelli. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. The appointment was then placed up for passage and was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
3. Appointment of Dorien Peterson for a five-year term to the Traffic Commission to fill a current vacancy. Ms. Peterson's term will expire in December 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after December 18, 2019.)
Mayor McNamara read in the appointment. Alderman Beck moved to suspend Rule 18, seconded by Alderman Chiarelli. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. The appointment was then placed up for passage and was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Beck, McNeely, Chiarelli
X. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
http://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=1753&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up