City of Rockford Planning & Development Committee met Dec. 30.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rose called the meeting to order a 5:37 pm.
A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The invocation was given by Chaplain Kenneth Hendley of Free Will Baptist
Church and Alderman Rose led the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived | Departed |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Late | 6:00 PM | |
| Linda McNeely | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | ||
| Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | ||
| Natavias Ervins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | ||
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
A. Prophet Yusef quoted scripture and spoke about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how he supported the poor.
B. John Tac Brantley reported the activities that the group participated in. He also discussed future activities such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Underground Railroad events.
C. Brendalyn Langdon spoke about a prostitute who has set up her business by her house and what she has done to report this. Ms. Langdon stated that she is concerned that home health will eventually refuse to come to her house to treat her paraplegic husband. She is asking the City of Rockford to help her solve this issue.
III. INFORMATION ONLY
A. Review and Discussion of Trajectory Ground Lease Agreement
Alderman Hervey stated that Alderman Thompson-Kelly could not be here tonight. Alderman Hervey asked to have this laid over for 30 days because Alderman Thompson-Kelly is waiting for requested information from the State of Illinois regarding the solar program. They have concerns that low-income residents would not have opportunities for these "green" jobs.
Alderman Rose called on Jon Carson from Trajectory Energy Partners to provide an update regarding job opportunities for community members. John Carson provided a detailed summary regarding the project and the hiring plans for the project.
Mr. Carson stated that Rockford Solar is one of 110 projects of the same size that will be built across the State of Illinois this year and they anticipate that this industry will continue to grow in future years. One key goal they have is to be an avenue for long-term employment in this industry. However, the jobs initially will be temporary positions. Mr. Carson stated that they will be working with local union apprenticeship programs. He reported details regarding the jobs forum on December 12, 2019. There will be about a half dozen part time positions and one full time position. They believe all of these positions will be filled by Rockford residents.
The summary stated that Trajectory Energy Partners and its affiliates has remained in close coordination with Rockford Housing Authority (RHA). They are planning a partnership with RHA on two fronts: 1. RHA Anchor Subscription and 2. Outreach to RHA residents for residential subscriptions.
Alderman Rose asked about the cost savings to low income users when they sign up for this program. Mr. Carson explained that subscribers need to meet certain criteria including being low income or below 80% medium income. That is why they are working with RHA because by definition their residents meet that criteria. He explained the details of their savings.
Group discussed the details at length including clarification regarding union membership. Mr. Carson stated that they are on track to complete the project in 2020. Group also discussed laying this item over to a future date.
Alderman Tuneberg made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman McNeely. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
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