City of Rockford Planning & Development Committee met Feb. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rose called the meeting to order at 6:43 pm
| 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 | Present | |
| Natavias Ervins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. 2020 Funding Agreement and Work Plan with Rockford Area Arts Council.
Karl Franzen, Community & Economic Development Director stated that the Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) has submitted a request to the City of Rockford for $50,000 to support its 2020 programming. The City of Rockford has previously made funding allocations to RAAC, most recently in 2019 in the amount of $50,000. RAAC uses local funding to leverage state and federal grants for art programming.
Staff recommended approval of the RAAC's 2020 funding request. The funding source is the Redevelopment Fund.
Group discussed and after discussion, Alderman McNeely made a motion to approve the committee report. Alderman Durkee seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED. 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 2/18/2020 5:30 PM
AYES: Durkee, McNeely, Tuneberg, Ervins, Rose
2. 2020 Funding Agreement and Work Plan with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful.
Rob Wilhelmi, Brownfields Redevelopment Specialist, explained that Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) submitted a request to the City of Rockford for $50,000 annually to support its 2020 through 2022 programming. The City of Rockford has previously made funding allocations to KNIB, most recently in 2019 in the amount of $50,000. KNIB is a 50l(c)(3) non-profit public education organization whose mission is to improve our environment through education, public awareness and community involvement. KNIB continues to operate the Rockford
Recycle Center, which provides convenient biweekly, volunteer assisted, drop-off service at 4665 Hydraulic Road. The facility makes it possible for City residents to recycle who do not have curbside bins to recycle, such as residents living in condos and multi-family apartments. Additionally, KNIB accepts large items such as white goods and electronics that are typically not accepted as part of curbside collection.
In 2016, the City of Rockford spent $165,000 on a public e-waste recycling program. The City was on track to spend $180,000 in 2018 before KNIB allowed the program to relocate from two Kelley-Williamson Mobil stations, which allowed for a more secure and monitored drop-off location. The relocation reduced the City's e-waste bill by approximately $91,000 in 2018. Furthermore, in 2 0 1 9 KNIB established itself as the only Illinois Consumer Electronics Recycling Act (CERA) authorized collection facility in Winnebago County. By becoming a State-authorized drop-off site, this completely eliminated the City of Rockford's need to cover the cost of e-waste collection and disposal for residents that allowed for an additional annual savings of approximately $90,000.
Attached was KNIB's combined 2019 Year-End Report and 2020 Work Plan. Staff recommended approval of KNIB’s 2020 through 2022 funding request. The funding source is the General Fund.
Group discussed and after discussion, Alderman McNeely made a motion to approve the committee report. Alderman Tuneberg seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED. 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 2/18/2020 5:30 PM
AYES: Durkee, McNeely, Tuneberg, Ervins, Rose
3. Renewal of a License Agreement between Zion Development Corporation and the City of Rockford for the use of 908 8th Avenue as a Strong House.
Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, explained that in the fall of 2014, the United Way approached the Rockford Police Department with an offer to further our partnership and establish an enhanced police presence in Rockford neighborhoods by establishing "Strong Houses" in distressed neighborhoods in the City of Rockford. The Rockford Police Department worked with the United Way to identify neighborhoods that would benefit from a Strong Neighborhood house based on crime rates, poverty levels and other factors.
The subject property is located at 908 8" Avenue (District 2) and owned by Zion Development Corporation. The current license agreement will expire on February 21, 2020, but under the agreement, the City has the option to renew the Agreement for five (5) additional one (1) year terms. Zion Development
supports the extension. Not including the one-year automatic renewal from 2016- 2017, this will be the third renewal period. Staff is proposing a one (1) year extension to the attached license agreement, pursuant to the same terms of the original agreement.
City Staff recommended approval of the license agreement between Zion Development Corporation and the City of Rockford for the continued use of 908 8" Avenue as a Strong House.
Alderman McNeely asked about the current costs to the City for the property. Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, said it was about $7,000 in 2019.
Alderman Rose expressed his support for this Strong House and the benefits to the community.
Group discussed and after discussion, Alderman McNeely made a motion to approve the committee report. Alderman Durkee seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED. 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 2/18/2020 5:30 PM
AYES: Durkee, McNeely, Tuneberg, Ervins, Rose
Alderman Durkee made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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