Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Oct. 19.

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

Staff present: Chief Dickson, Tricia Diduch, Scott Fridly, Cory Magnus and Jodi May

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of October 5, 2020. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Leanne Wright, member of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) spoke to the Committee in reference to highlighting the National Historic District in the Village by purchasing signage. Ms. Wright inquired if the Village was able to help financially with purchasing the signs for the HPC. Ms. Wright stated that she obtained a quote five months ago and that the cost shouldn’t exceed $1,500. Ms. Wright said that the HPC believes that this will be well-liked in the Village because there is a lot of history in Rockton. Ms. Wright added that the HPC doesn’t have any type of budget to work with at all. The Committee stated that they would like this placed on the agendas for approval for the second set of meetings in January 2021. Ms. Wright stated that if they ordered the signs in January that they would have them ready to be installed in the spring.

THE MAYOR – DALE ADAMS

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Winters discussed purchasing Village logo facial masks with the Committee. The Village clerk provided samples and pricing for various masks. The Village clerk added that the Local CURES Program that is providing $317,000 to the Village for covid related expenses is now accepting police salaries to be covered under the program. The Committee also discussed having the front doors to Village Hall made handicap accessible and installing touchless faucets and toilets in the restrooms. Mr. Peterson stated that the Village needs to be smart on how they spend this money and that he would rather use these funds for improvements at Village Hall and for police salaries. Mr. Winters added that it would be nice to set aside the reimbursable funds and have a reserve. The Committee decided to hold off on ordering facial masks at this time.

Mr. Winters also discussed the special events application for the “Halloween Neighborhood Stay Safe Event” to be held Saturday, October 31st from 4-9 pm in the 500-600 block of Pin Oak Road. Chief Dickson stated that he looked over the application and had Ms. Hughes, administrative assistant, follow up with the applicant. Chief Dickson said that they want the road blocked off for trick or treating and that the residents will be in their own garages, but not all of the neighbors have been notified about this. Chief Dickson added that there has to be an option for people who don’t live in the area to be able to turn around safely. Chief Dickson said that the police department has staff to patrol while kids are out trick or treating and that he isn’t going to sign off for approval of the event. Mr. Winters added that this is a long time to block off traffic in that area. Mr. Peterson stated that he will contact the applicant and see if there are other options available for them. This is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on October 20, 2020.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & BUDGET – JOHN PETERSON

Mr. Peterson stated that he received an email from Neely Erickson with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in reference to possible grant funds for the Village. Mr. Peterson said that the grant would cover up to ten percent or $5,000 of the total cost of the project and that the grant would apply to gardens, parks or recreational paths. Mr. Peterson said that if the Village looks into an air pump station for the ITEP Old River Road recreational path project that this might be worth looking into further. Mr. Peterson advised that the Village must apply for the grant by November 15, 2020 and that he will send additional information out to everyone about this.

Mr. Peterson stated that Ordinance 2020-19: An Ordinance of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Temporarily Prohibiting Open Burning within the Village is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on October 20, 2020. Mr. Peterson said that the Village Board can discuss this further before they decide what the Village should do. The Committee was okay with this.

ADMINISTRATION – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

THE CHIEF– STEVE DICKSON

None.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that the drive-in movie night will be held on Friday, October 30th at the Rockton Athletic Fields and that she could use a few more volunteers for the event. Ms. Diduch stated that First National Bank is using their movie from Beloit International Film Fest (BIFF) for the event, but they will be taking donations that evening.

Ms. Diduch added that the “Main Street Rock or Treat” event will be held Saturday, October 31st from 10 am until 2 pm in downtown Rockton. Ms. Diduch said that there are approximately 20 businesses participating in the event and that she will make sure that safety guidelines are being followed.

Ms. Diduch also spoke to the Committee in reference to the Rockton Christmas Walk event and stated that she is working on modifying most things so that they are covid friendly. Ms. Diduch stated that she is looking into different options for the parade and requested input from the Committee. Ms. Diduch said that they can cancel the parade, have floats that are stationary in Village Green Park or block off Main Street and have floats parked in those spaces for spectators to view. Mr. Peterson suggested using Settler’s Park as a location as well, but wanted to put more thought into this before making a decision. Ms. Diduch said that she needs to have an idea relatively soon so that a plan is in place. Ms. Diduch said that there are logistical issue that need to be figured out and that since the Village is hosting the event we need to make sure that guidelines are being followed and that it’s safe for everyone to attend.

Ms. Diduch discussed “Small Business Saturday” with the Committee as well. Ms. Diduch said that she would like to have a commercial made and participate in a “Good Day Stateline” show to highlight the Rockton businesses for the holiday season and encourage people to shop local. Ms. Diduch said that this would cost approximately $9,000 and would include a 40 or 45 minute video to use as a marketing piece. Mr. Peterson stated that he will ask for a consensus for this at the Village Board meeting on October 20, 2020.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

The Village Clerk stated that the Village needed to make a formal decision as to whether or not they were going to be closed for the November 3rd election. She advised the Committee that she received an email from the Village Attorney’s office and that is up to the Village whether they will remain open or close for the day. The Committee agreed that Village Hall will be open for business that day.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Peterson, second by Mrs. Honkamp to adjourn at 6:30 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/10-19-20__Administration_Minutes.pdf