Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council Met Jan. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. This meeting was held via teleconference.

A. Roll Call

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Tim Durkee	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Jonathan Logemann	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
Ginger Hanley	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Linda McNeely	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

II. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

Generated 2/12/2021 3:13 PM

Special Meeting Monday, January 25, 2021 5:45 PM B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. 2021-17-CR - 4628 South Main Street

Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board recommends approval for:

a. The Sale of Packaged Beer and Wine in conjunction with a gasoline station and convenience store with video gaming terminals; and

b. The Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gasoline station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4628 South Main Street (Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. dba Love’s Travel Stop #775)

Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

D. Legislative and Lobbying Committee

1. 2021-18-CR - Committee recommends approving the renewal of the Professional Services Contract with McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC for the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per month for 2021 Lobbying Services. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Legislative and Lobbying Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 1] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley NAYS: Linda McNeely

III. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER

1. Appointment of Ingrid A. Hargrove to the Rockford Fire & Police Board of Commissioners to replace Jessica Jones. She will serve a three-year term.

(Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after February 18, 2021).

RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 2/1/2021 5:30 PM

IV. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

D. Legislative and Lobbying Committee

1. 2021-12-R - Committee recommends approval and confirmation of items for City of Rockford's Legislative and Lobbying efforts in the Illinois General Assembly.

Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Legislative and Lobbying Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 1] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley NAYS: Linda McNeely

V. NEW BUSINESS (ORDINANCES)

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. 2021-17-O - An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Beer and Wine in conjunction with a gasoline station and convenience store with video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4628 South Main Street (Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. dba Love’s Travel Stop #775).

Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely

2. 2021-18-O - An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gasoline station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4628 South Main Street (Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. dba Love’s Travel Stop #775).

Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

D. Legislative and Lobbying Committee

1. 2021-19-O - An ordinance approving the renewal of the Professional Services Contract with McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC for the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per month for 2021 Lobbying Services.

Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Legislative and Lobbying Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 1] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley NAYS: Linda McNeely

VI. OFFICERS REPORTS

A. Alderman Durkee

Alderman Durkee announced the IceHogs' first game was scheduled for February 5, 2021.

Alderman Durkee reported Dr. Sandra Martell from the Winnebago County Health Department was scheduled to address the council members at the committee meetings on February 22, 2021. He informed the council members he was compiling a list of questions for Dr. Martell and he encouraged the council members to forward him any questions they would like included. He mentioned once the list was complete he would provide it to Mayor McNamara and Chief of Staff Wester Wuori.

B. Alderman Logemann

Alderman Logemann congratulated Chief Bergsten on receiving the 2020 Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

C. Alderman Tuneberg

Alderman Tuneberg congratulated Chief Bergsten on his award.

Alderman Tuneberg shared his safety concerns regarding panhandling in our community. He mentioned the City of Rockford has services in place to help residents that are in need.

D. Alderman Frost

Alderman Frost agreed with Alderman Tuneberg's remarks regarding panhandling and he voiced his concerns about panhandling being a safety hazard. He asked Legal Director Nicholas Meyer to look into this issue.

Alderman Frost congratulated Chief Bergsten on winning such a prestigious award as the Fire Chief of the Year Award. He then thanked Chief Bergsten for his service to this community.

Alderman Frost encouraged the Public Works staff and residents to stay safe during the impending snow storm.

E. Alderman Hervey

Alderman Hervey expressed her appreciation for Chief Bergsten and she congratulated him on his award.

F. Alderman Ervins

Alderman Ervins agreed with Alderman Tuneberg's safety concerns relating to panhandling. He stated the Sixth Ward has been dealing with panhandling issues and he would like city staff to look for a solution to this matter.

Alderman Ervins encouraged residents to stay safe and warm during the upcoming severe weather.

G. Alderman Thompson-Kelly

Alderman Thompson-Kelly agreed with the comments that had been made regarding the safety concerns related to panhandling. She mentioned several nonprofit organizations fundraise at intersections and she asked the Legal Department to look into a solution to this issue that would not restrict nonprofit organizations from continuing to do it.

H. Alderman Hoffman

Alderman Hoffman congratulated Chief Bergsten on receiving his award.

I. Alderman Rose

Alderman Rose expressed his appreciation to Chief Bergsten for his service and he congratulated him on his award. He mentioned the Rockford Fire Department is highly respected by other fire departments throughout the State of Illinois.

Alderman Rose encouraged residents to withhold judgment from people that are less fortunate, especially during these difficult times. He shared his personal experience and feelings about panhandling and he encouraged residents to refer individuals in need to the City of Rockford Human Services Department.

J. Alderman Beach

Alderman Beach congratulated Chief Bergsten on receiving the 2020 Fire Chief of the Year Award.

Alderman Beach voiced his safety concerns regarding panhandling and he spoke about how dangerous it is for individuals to be in the streets at busy intersections.

K. Alderman Quinonez

Alderman Quinonez congratulated Chief Bergsten on being selected as the Fire Chief of the Year. He stated the City of Rockford was blessed to have Chief Bergsten.

Alderman Quinonez voiced his concerns regarding the dangers of panhandling and he mentioned one individual that was panhandling recently in the Eleventh Ward was hit by a car.

L. Alderman Hanley

Alderman Hanley congratulated Chief Bergsten and thanked him for his service to the City of Rockford.

M. Alderman McNeely

Alderman McNeely congratulated Chief Bergsten on his award.

Alderman McNeely encouraged citizens to stay safe during the inclement weather.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

1. Motion to Adjourn

Alderman Hervey moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Thompson-Kelly. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely

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