City of Rockford City Council met April 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:54 p.m.
A. Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| 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 | |
| Linda McNeely | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Joseph Chiarelli | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on March 30, 2020.
Alderman Frost moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on March 30, 2020, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote.
2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on April 6, 2020.
Alderman Frost moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on April 6, 2020, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote.
3. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on April 13, 2020.
Alderman Frost moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on April 13, 2020, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote.
II. PROCLAMATIONS
There were no proclamations presented at this meeting.
III. INFORMATION ONLY
A. 2020 Census Update
Chief of Staff Wester Wuoir presented the council members with an update of the City of Rockford's response to the 2020 Census. He indicated the State of Illinois and the City of Rockford are both ahead of the national response rate and he mentioned the city's current response rate was 54%.
Mr. Wuori gave an overview of the Census process and he indicated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census Bureau has extended the deadline to October 31, 2020. He then provided the aldermen with details of the adjusted timeline.
Mr. Wuori stated that radio advertisement would be launching soon and direct mail postcards would be delivered this week. He mentioned print and online advertisements would also be appearing soon and the city would continue to push out information through social media.
B. Mayor McNamara's Update
Mayor McNamara informed the council members he recently sent out several letters on behalf of the City of Rockford.
Mayor McNamara advised he sent a letter to the Federal Delegation asking them for immediate help through the general stimulus funds.
Mayor McNamara indicated that he, along with the Public Works and Water Department, sent a letter to the Federal Delegation for funds to help the City of Rockford maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure.
Mayor McNamara stated there was a push by some in the Federal Government to change how the Community Block Grant distributions are provided and he forwarded a letter in support of keeping the process the way it is currently.
Mayor McNamara informed the aldermen a letter was sent advocating for more flexibility with the SDA Loan Program.
Mayor McNamara indicated 15 different taxing bodies joined together and forwarded a letter to the State of Illinois asking them to not defer property taxes. He mentioned the City of Rockford was supposed to receive $24,000,000 in property taxes which would assist the city with cash flow during this time. He explained the Rockford Park District operates mostly on fees collected and property taxes but for over a month they have been unable to collect fees and if the Park District does not receive property taxes, the impact would be devastating. Mayor McNamara also stated if property taxes were deferred it would have a negative impact on the Fire Protection Districts.
Mayor McNamara shared he and Mayor Irvin from the City of Aurora, Illinois have been working to have all of the cities in Illinois that have a population over 75,000 join together and urge the Federal Legislators in Illinois to provide stimulus funding for municipalities. He indicated municipalities have been drastically impacted by the recent loss of sales tax and income tax but they still need to provide assistance and services to residents who are in tremendous need during this time.
Mayor McNamara advised he sent a letter last week to Governor Pritzker stating that his Stay at Home Order has unintentionally had negative impacts on local small businesses in this community. He shared he urged Governor Pritzker to allow small businesses to offer curb side pickup and if businesses are not allowed to reopen then non-essential departments in big box stores should also be closed down. Mayor McNamara mentioned the letter was reviewed and approved by the Winnebago County Health Department.
Mayor McNamara informed the council members that since different areas of the State of Illinois have been affected worse by this pandemic than others, there have been discussions about restrictions being decided by regions rather than the state as a whole.
Mayor McNamara reported there has been an increase in the number of essential workers testing positive for COVID-19 in Winnebago County. He indicated as of today in Winnebago County 2,129 people have been tested for COVID-19 and out of those 209 tested positive and there have been 11 COVID related deaths.
Mayor McNamara announced River Bluff Nursing Home, the Rockford Rescue Mission and Amberwood Care Center have all reported their first cases of COVID-19.
Mayor McNamara explained this was a very fluid situation. He stated there was a delicate balance between the priority of health concerns of residents and health workers and the very true reality of an economic crisis.
Mayor McNamara then took questions from the council members.
Alderman Hoffman asked if the total number of positive COVID-19 cases reflected the number of people that have been sent home to recover or just those that are currently hospitalized.
Mayor McNamara replied it included all cases.
Alderman McNeely asked if the Mercy Health Hospital on Rockton Avenue has been turned into a hospital for COVID-19 patients and if there would be testing in the community or if all testing would be done at a hospital.
Mayor McNamara replied and indicated that last week Javon Bea sent a press release out stating that he would be placing all of the Mercy COVID patients at the Rockton Avenue campus. In the same press release Mr. Bea asked all of our local hospitals to place their COVID patients at the Mercy Health Rockton Avenue campus as well. Mayor McNamara confirmed that all COVID patients at Mercy Health have been transferred to the Rockton Avenue campus.
Mayor McNamara informed the council members of the individuals that make up the Policy Group and he stated the group plans to review Mr. Bea’s proposal. He stated the Policy Group would come up with a plan that has the best interests of all three hospitals and all citizens of this community in mind.
Mayor McNamara shared in the upcoming week there would be additional testing available in our area. He reported that less than 1% of our population has had the opportunity to be tested and right now our numbers are doubling approximately every eight days. He explained we would most likely see an increase in positive tests locally in the next few weeks because it is our peak time and because more tests would be available.
Alderman Durkee indicated it was his understanding that any individual that was symptomatic was currently being tested at local hospitals. He mentioned researchers are adjusting modeling patterns for the virus with new data and the results are showing we may not be hit as hard by this virus as first projected. He stated that social distancing was necessary to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed and he shared his feelings about safely reopening businesses so we can start to get our local economy back on track.
Mayor McNamara replied that we have been able to slow the surge by implementing the restrictions and practicing social distancing and he stated because of those efforts we should not see the peak that was first projected. He thanked Dr. Sandra Martell for the tremendous job she has done during this pandemic.
Alderman Hoffman asked for clarification if all local COVID patients are being sent to the Mercy Health Rockton Avenue campus or if that is what Mercy Health would like to see happen.
Mayor McNamara clarified that Javon Bea would like all COVID patients to be transferred to the Mercy Health Rockton Avenue campus and he invited all hospitals to send their COVID patients there. He stated that all decisions that have been made have been done so by unanimous support of all of the health systems and he plans for that to continue. He indicated the Policy Group is considering Mr. Bea’s proposal but right now all hospitals are caring for their own COVID patients.
Alderman Hervey asked since the Mercy Health facility on Rockton Avenue has reduced its services who determines if the hospital is sufficiently equipped to support the needs of the COVID patients.
Mayor McNamara replied it is his understanding that the Mercy Health Rockton Avenue campus has been sufficiently equipped with items such as ventilators and negative pressure rooms.
Alderman Hervey stated one of the things Mercy Health reduced at the Rockton Avenue facility was their Intensive Care Units and she shared her concerns regarding patients being stigmatized and the Rockton Avenue campus becoming overwhelmed if all three hospitals begin sending their COVID patients there.
Alderman Durkee shared he doesn’t believe there are any issues with patients being stigmatized in our local health systems. He stated all of the infrastructure is still in place at Mercy Health Rockton Avenue campus and that the Intensive Care Units would just need to be supplied with equipment.
Alderman Hervey mentioned it was her understanding that Mercy Health had completed some remodeling projects at the Rockton Avenue facility and she inquired who determines if that hospital is at the level it needs to be in order to accommodate the COVID patients as well as other area hospitals.
Mayor McNamara informed Alderman Hervey that he did not know the answer to her question but he would find out.
C. Emergency Operations Center
Fire Chief Derek Bergsten presented the council members with an overview of the Emergency Operations Center's function and responsibilities. He reported the Emergency Operation Center was in its 38th day of operations and it was located inside the Criminal Justice Center. He indicated there are approximately 22 to 26 people working inside the center.
Chief Bergsten informed the aldermen that the Policy Group has daily conference calls at 10:00 a.m. and during the calls he receives updated reports of the number of patients, negative pressure and ICU rooms available, ventilators on hand and Emergency Room visits and admissions at all three area hospitals. He mentioned he visits all three hospitals on a weekly basis and works closely with the Instant Command Teams at each hospital to provide assistance with any rapid onset of patients, equipment shortages or any training required.
Chief Bergsten announced on Friday, April 24, 2020 that they plan to open a Testing Center at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UIC) and that center would be open for testing seven days a week. He indicated the Illinois National Guard would be assisting with the Testing Center.
Chief Bergsten reported that a Supply Center has been opened at Rock Valley College and all equipment received from the State of Illinois was tracked and distributed throughout Winnebago County as needed.
Chief Bergsten explained that there have been a number of patients that were presumptive COVID positive because they were never actually tested but they were symptomatic and treated as having the virus. He stated this could be one reason why our local numbers are low. He mentioned test availability has been a concern for all three hospitals.
Chief Bergsten then answered questions from the aldermen.
Alderman Hervey shared her feelings of the importance of testing and contact tracing as businesses reopen and she inquired if the Testing Center at UIC would be the only place that residents who are symptomatic could be tested or if there would be additional sites.
Chief Bergsten responded that the Testing Center at UIC would be the first and only site for now because of the availability of testing. He mentioned the Illinois National Guard would be bringing tests with them and he was hoping a second site would be opened in the next few weeks on the west side of town to service individuals who do not have transportation.
Mayor McNamara replied a contact tracing system has been in place since the first person tested positive for COVID-19 in Winnebago County.
Alderman McNeely asked if patients, who have COVID related symptoms, that are being taken to the hospital by ambulance have the option of choosing which hospital they are taken to or if they are automatically being taken to the Mercy Health Rockton Avenue campus.
Chief Bergsten responded that patients can still chose which hospital they are transported to. He reported the Policy Group was in the process of evaluating the proposal by Mercy Health but as of now, all hospitals were keeping their COVID patients in their own facilities.
Alderman McNeely then inquired how the public would know about the Testing Center at UIC and if individuals have to be symptomatic before they could be tested.
Chief Bergsten indicated information about the Testing Center at UIC would be distributed to the community and he confirmed that individuals would need to be symptomatic before a test would be performed.
Chief of Staff Wester Wuori advised the aldermen they are finalizing the information that would be distributed regarding the Testing Center. He informed the council member there would be a screening process in place at the Testing Center which would eliminate individuals who were not symptomatic so that only people showing signs of COVID-19 would be tested.
Alderman Durkee expressed his appreciation to Chief Bergsten for the informative report and for the incredible job he was doing. He then asked Chief Bergsten for clarification and asked if he implied that local hospitals are not equipped with enough tests for patients that are showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus to be tested. He commented it was his understanding that we had the testing capabilities to test all symptomatic patients in this area.
Chief Bergsten clarified that if a patient calls their primary physician and indicates they have symptoms of the COVID virus in some cases, the primary physicians are choosing to just treat them as presumptive COVID positive rather than having the patient go into the office or hospital for a test and possibly spread the virus. He stated this was a tiered system as laid out by the CDC and the IDPH as a way to conserve tests. He shared they are trying to be conservative and manage all supplies well during this outbreak because it’s possible that FEMA could intercept shipments of supplies.
Mayor McNamara stated Chief Bergsten has done a phenomenal job with the Emergency Operations Center and he thanked him and his entire team for their tremendous efforts.
IV. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the extension of an agreement between the City of Rockford and the Winnebago Homes Association for the continued use of 1007 15th Street for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
2. Memorandum from Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, regarding an extension of an Intergovernmental Agreement with Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) for the continued use of 2221 N. Winnebago Street for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda for the meeting to be held on April 21, 2020 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on April 27, 2020. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board Agenda for the meeting to be held on April 21, 2020 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on April 27, 2020. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
3. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding an upcoming special event for Polishfest. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
4. Memorandum of Michael Hakanson, Land Transaction Officer, regarding the proposed lease of a city-owned parcel located at 7301 Auburn Street 10-36-300-003. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding the updated 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
2. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an application for the 2020 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Zone Investment Program Grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
3. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding the consideration of an Illinois Water and Wastewater Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement (ILWARN). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
V. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. John Tac Brantley submitted a statement which was read by Legal Director Nicholas Meyer regarding helping others in need. The statement was also distributed to Mayor McNamara, the council members and Department Heads.
VI. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a convenience store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2209 North Main Street (Mohammed Abdulrap/North Main Convenience Store Inc./Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, requested this item be held out.
RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 5/4/2020 5:35 PM
2. 2020-123-CR - Committee recommends approval of the proposed amendment to Section 117-5 of the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances – “Posting handbills, other advertising,” to allow advertising on RMTD bus shelters. 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, McNeely, Chiarelli
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2020-124-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $3,167,328.38 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on April 13, 2020.
Alderman Frost, 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, McNeely, Chiarelli
2. 2020-125-CR - Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Dispatching Emergency Services between Rock Valley Community College District 511 and the City of Rockford E-911 Center. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Frost, 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, McNeely, Chiarelli
3. 2020-126-CR - Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Police Services between the City of Rockford and the Rockford Housing Authority. This proposed Intergovernmental Agreement is effective through December 31, 2020, with optional extensions of one-year terms to total four years. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Frost, 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, McNeely, Chiarelli
4. 2020-127-CR - Committee recommends approval of authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Sales Tax Alternate Revenue Source) of the City in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $11,300,000 (said bonds being general obligation bonds for which real property taxes, unlimited as to rate or amount, may be levied, but which are expected to be paid from sales taxes), for the purpose of paying amounts due by the City related to settlements of litigation against the City. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Frost, 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, McNeely, Chiarelli
5. 2020-128-CR - Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Rockford Human Services and Rockford Township to provide emergency rental assistance funding.
Alderman Frost, 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, McNeely, Chiarelli
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2020-129-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish “No Parking Any Time” on the east side of Kilburn Avenue from 125 feet south of Parkside Avenue to 350 feet south of Parkside Avenue, thus repealing the existing restriction “No Parking Any Time” on the east side of Kilburn Avenue from 160 feet south of Parkside Avenue to 240 feet south of Parkside Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance. (LAID OVER 4/6/20)
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, McNeely, Chiarelli
C. Finance and Personnel Committee VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2020-84-R - Acceptance of Supplemental funding in the amount of $636,693 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant, through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)
Alderman Rose, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
B. Code and Regulation Committee
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2020-85-R - Award of Bid: Tree Planting Services to Marco Tree Service, of Rockford, Illinois and Acres Group, of Wauconda, Illinois for an estimated value of $25,500 based on unit pricing. The contract duration is thru December 31, 2020 with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding source is Sales Tax.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
2. 2020-86-R - Award of Bid: Electrical Services to Engel Electric, of Sterling, Illinois and Fritz Electric, of Monroe Center, Illinois for an estimated contract value of $25,000 annually based on unit pricing. The contract duration is thru February 28, 2021 with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
3. 2020-87-R - Award of Bid: HVAC Services to Mechanical Inc., of Freeport, Illinois, Geostar Mechanical, of Rockford, Illinois, and Complete Mechanical Solutions, of Rockton, Illinois for an estimated contract value of $100,000 based on unit pricing (2019 expenditures were $96,502). The contract duration is thru February 28, 2021 with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
4. 2020-88-R - Award of Bid: Plumbing Services to Mechanical Inc., of Freeport, Illinois, Midwest Mechanical, of Byron, Illinois, and Five Star Plumbing, of Loves Park, Illinois for an estimated contract value of $65,000 annually, based on unit pricing (2019 expenditures were $63,172). The contract duration is thru February 28, 2021 with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
5. 2020-89-R - Award of Bid: Roofing Services to HC Anderson Roofing, of Rockford, Illinois, Distinctive Roofing, of Rockford, Illinois, and Weatherguard Roofing, of Elgin, Illinois for an estimated contract value of $25,000 based on unit pricing (2019 expenditures were $24,432). The contract duration is thru February 28, 2021 with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
6. 2020-90-R - Award of Bid: Low Voltage Electrical Services to Engel Electric, of Sterling, Illinois and Kellenberger Technologies, of Elgin, Illinois for an estimated contract value of $30,000 based on unit pricing. The contract duration is thru February 28, 2021 with four (4) possible one- year extensions. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
7. 2020-91-R - Award of Bid: Fire Sprinkler System Repair and Inspection Services to Automatic Fire Systems, of Machesney Park, Illinois and SJ Fire Protection, of Rockford, Illinois for an estimated annual contract value of $25,000 based on unit pricing. The contract duration is thru February 28, 2021 with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
8. 2020-92-R - Award of Bid: Shepherd Trail Facility to Rockford Structures Construction Company, of Machesney Park, Illinois in the amount of $5,999,000. The contract duration is eight months. The funding source is Bond Proceeds.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
9. 2020-93-R - Award of Bid: City-Wide Street Repairs Group 2-2020 to William Charles Construction of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $2,073,340.68. The funding source is Sales Tax.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
10. 2020-94-R - Award of RFP: Bond Underwriting Services to Robert W. Baird, of Naperville, Illinois. The fee for services with Baird is $4.35 per $1,000 of par value or approximately $48,000. The funding source is Bond Proceeds.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 0]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
ABSTAIN: Chad Tuneberg
IX. NEW BUSINESS (ORDINANCES)
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a convenience store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2209 North Main Street (Mohammed Abdulrap/North Main Convenience Store Inc./Applicant).
RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 5/4/2020 5:35 PM
2. 2020-116-O - An ordinance establishing a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the east side of Kilburn Avenue from 125 feet south of Parkside Avenue to 350 feet south of Parkside Avenue, thus repealing the existing restriction “No Parking Any Time” on the east side of Kilburn Avenue from 160 feet south of Parkside Avenue to 240 feet south of Parkside Avenue.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
3. 2020-117-O - An ordinance approving the amendment to Section 117-5 of the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances – “Posting handbills, other advertising,” to allow advertising on RMTD bus shelters.
Alderman Chiarelli, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2020-118-O - An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for Dispatching Emergency Services between Rock Valley Community College District 511 and the City of Rockford E-911 Center.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson- Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
2. 2020-119-O - An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for Police Services between the City of Rockford and the Rockford Housing Authority. This proposed Intergovernmental Agreement is effective through December 31, 2020, with optional extensions of one- year terms to total four years.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 0]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson- Kelly, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
ABSTAIN: Karen Hoffman
3. 2020-120-O - An ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Sales Tax Alternate Revenue Source) of the City in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $11,300,000 (said bonds being general obligation bonds for which real property taxes, unlimited as to rate or amount, may be levied, but which are expected to be paid from sales taxes), for the purpose of paying amounts due by the City related to settlements of litigation against the City.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
4. 2020-121-O - An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Rockford Human Services and Rockford Township to provide emergency rental assistance funding.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Gasparini, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, McNeely, Chiarelli
X. OFFICERS REPORTS
A. Alderman Rose
Alderman Rose announced Top Box Foods would begin offering food delivery service to the Rockford region. He encouraged residents to visit their online store for more information. He also encouraged residents to support local businesses as much as possible.
B. Alderman Durkee
Alderman Durkee expressed his feelings about how remarkable it has been for the City of Rockford, the three local health systems and Winnebago County Health Department to come together and work closely to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. He thanked Chief Bergsten and the talented team that is leading this initiative for their impressive professionalism and organizational skills.
Alderman Durkee extended his appreciation to Mayor McNamara for this efforts working with Governor Pritzker’s office and trying to move forward and have businesses in Rockford reopened.
Alderman Durkee thanked the citizens of the City of Rockford for cooperating with the Stay at Home restrictions that were put in place by Governor Pritzker and city staff for their efforts during these unprecedented times.
C. Alderman Tuneberg
Alderman Tuneberg voiced his concerns regarding the struggles small businesses are facing because of the Stay at Home restriction. He spoke about the negative impact an extension of the current restrictions would have on these business and shared he feels a strategic, calculated approach should be taken to reopen businesses as soon as possible.
Mayor McNamara shared there are some heartbreaking stories of local business owners who have spent their lives building their own businesses and the devastating affect this pandemic is having on them.
Alderman Tuneberg inquired as to why there wasn’t a mandatory mask policy in place for when residents are in public places and if the task force had discussed such a policy.
Mayor McNamara replied and indicated that he has communicated he would like all essential workers to be masked and that Governor Pritzker has suggested that all citizens wear masks when they are out in public. He stated the local Policy Group has discussed this issue but they have not deemed it mandatory at this time.
D. Alderman Gasparini
Alderman Gasparini indicated he has assisted approximately 13 families who have lost loved ones due to the coronavirus and he urged everyone to take this seriously and to be careful.
E. Alderman Hervey
Alderman Hervey expressed her concerns about when local businesses reopen if the public would trust the health of the employees enough to patronize businesses such as restaurants and hair salons.
F. Mayor McNamara
Mayor McNamara advised the aldermen he was finalizing the working groups and he would be getting information out to them. He shared he hopes these groups can work quickly to approve policies that would help our community move forward as efficiently as possible.
Mayor McNamara expressed his appreciation to the council members for working so closely with citizens in the community and keeping them informed during this COVID- 19 outbreak.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
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