Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met June 1.

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

Also present: Jodi May

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of May 19, 2020. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. May commented about the swimming pool closure in the Village. Ms. May stated that this is an opportunity for the Village to do something different than other communities by staying open. Ms. May added that this would send a positive message to our community.

THE MAYOR – DALE ADAMS

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Winters stated that Ordinance 2020-12: An Ordinance of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Setting Forth Guidelines and Expectations Associated with the Reopening of Bars and Restaurants Which Have Been Closed or Partially Closed as a Result of the Covid-19 Pandemic is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on June 2, 2020. The Committee was okay with this.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & BUDGET – JOHN PETERSON

Mr. Peterson discussed the 2020-2021 budget with the Committee. Mr. Peterson stated that Chief Dickson was able to make more cuts to the police department budget. Chief Dickson said that they weren’t going to fill the vacant sergeant position which would save approximately $87,000 plus the cost of insurance and benefits. Chief Dickson added that their training budget was decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Adams stated that it will cost approximately $2,700/month for the new treasurer. Mr. Winters commented that if the Village decides not to close the pool that funds need to be added back into the budget. Mr. Peterson stated that every other pool isn’t opening for the season and wanted to know what makes the Village any different. Mr. Peterson said that he doesn’t think that it’s safe for the pool to open. Mr. Peterson added that the swimming pool closure is on the Village Board agenda for further discussion as well. Mr. Peterson also inquired if the Public Works Department was going to try and make more cuts to the budget. Ms. May stated that many cuts were already made, but that she would mention this in the Public Works Committee meeting later in the evening.

Mr. Peterson advised the Committee that the purchase of new garbage cans was also up for approval at the Village Board meeting on June 2, 2020. Ms. Diduch stated that the money to pay for the garbage cans would come out of the restricted business district funds. Ms. Diduch added that she spoke with Mr. Barber, Public Works Director, and that he was also in favor of purchasing new garbage cans. Ms. Diduch stated that she is asking for 25 new garbage cans and that this would allow her to have some backup cans as well. Ms. Diduch said that she anticipates to use 18-22 of them immediately and that the total cost would be approximately $15,300. The Committee was okay with this.

ADMINISTRATION – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

THE CHIEF– STEVE DICKSON

Chief Dickson stated that the downtown bars/restaurants served outdoors over the weekend and that there were no issues thus far.

Chief Dickson addressed the Committee in reference to the civil unrest that is happening across the country right now in reference to the death of George Floyd while he was in police custody. Chief Dickson stated that due to the protests/looting incidents the Rockton Walmart conducted a soft lockdown and decided to close the store. Chief Dickson added that once Walmart closed, the Rockton Aldi decided to close even though there was no activity at that point. Chief Dickson said that the police department is prepared and on call if needed to respond. Chief Dickson commented that the death of Mr. Floyd was terrible to watch. Chief Dickson said that every use of force that is used by the police department is reviewed every night. Chief Dickson stated that he is confident that what the Rockton Police Department is doing is correct and that they treat every person with dignity and respect.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that some of the bars/restaurants were offering outdoor seating and that she was at a few of the businesses on Friday evening and Sunday. Ms. Diduch said that she thought that this went pretty well, but that the bars/restaurants weren’t overwhelmingly packed either.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp to adjourn at 5:56 pm.

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