City of Rockford City Council Met Feb, 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. This meeting was held via teleconference.
A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Legal Director Nicholas Meyer read an Invocation from Judy Moe of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor
McNamara.
B. 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 |
1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on January 4, 2021
Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on January 4, 2021, seconded by Alderman Hervey. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous roll call vote.
II. PROCLAMATIONS
There were no proclamations presented at this meeting.
III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an Application and Award Acceptance for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) (9th Street Two-Way Conversion). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
2. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an Application and Award Acceptance for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) (Harrison Avenue Improvements). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
3. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding the renewal of a Development Agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (RACVB) for the Forest City Beautiful Initiative. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Memorandum from Lafakeria Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the proposed Hookah Ordinance - Chapter 3, Article V of the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Traffic Commission Agenda for the meeting to be held on February 10, 2021 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on February 22, 2021. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. John Tac Brantley did not provide a statement to be read.
V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2021-19-CR - Committee recommends approval of the 2021 Annual Action Plan - HUD Grant Programs, Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grants Programs. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Planning and Development 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 |
1. 2021-20-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to repeal the 20 mph School Zone Speed Limit on Church Street from Salem Street to Summer Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely NAYS: Venita Hervey |
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 |
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 |
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 |
1. 2021-28-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $8,257,598.36 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on January 25, 2021.
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel 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 |
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel 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 |
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: 2/16/2021 5:35 PM |
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2021-13-R - Committee recommends approval of a Resolution Designating a Deputy Clerk, ex officio, Keeper of the Records and Seal for the City of Rockford.
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely |
1. 2021-14-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid:
Water Production Supplies & Materials to Core 7 Main, of Belvidere, Illinois and Dorner Company, of Sussex, Wisconsin for an estimated annual contract value of $100,000.00, based on unit pricing. The contract duration is through December 31, 2021 with one (1) possible annual extension. Annual price adjustment for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is Water Fund Operating Budget.
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [11 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley NAYS: Linda McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
Order: Water Systems Improvement (Design & Inspection Services) to Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois.
Original contract amount: $650,000
Additional amount: $300,000
Total Amended amount: $950,000
In 2021 the City of Rockford Water Division was approved for a third forgivable loan in the amount of $4,000,000.00 by the IEPA, which is double the amount received for each of the past two loans. However, due to the loan increase, which will allow for additional lead service line replacements, staff recommends authorizing an increase of $300,000.00 to the existing contract to cover the additional work that will be needed to continue to implement and manage the program water system improvements. The funding source is Water Fund Operating Budget.
Mayor McNamara, 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, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
Mayor McNamara, 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, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
Mayor McNamara, 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, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
Mayor McNamara, 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, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
Mayor McNamara, 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, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
Mayor McNamara, 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, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson Kelly, Hoffman, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Bill Rose |
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2021-20-O - An ordinance approving the 2021 Annual Action Plan - HUD Grant Programs, Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grants Programs.
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Planning and Development 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 |
1. 2021-21-O - An ordinance approving the repeal of the 20 mph School Zone Speed Limit on Church Street from Salem Street to Summer Street.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
1. 2021-26-O - An ordinance approving the Supplemental Appropriations for the City of Rockford, a Municipal Corporation, to finance those functions pertaining to its government and affairs including the Library Fund, for the Fiscal Year 2021.
Mayor McNamara, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel 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 |
A. Mayor McNamara
Mayor McNamara announced City Hall would reopen to the public on Monday, February 8, 2021 and the City Council meetings would resume being held in-person. He explained the safety measures that would be in place at City Hall and he informed citizens that only the public speakers would be allowed in Council Chambers during the City Council meetings.
Mayor McNamara mentioned he would contact John Tac Brantley about his public comments for the meeting tonight. He stated if Mr. Brantley provided him with a statement he would distribute it to the council members.
B. Alderman Durkee
Alderman Durkee complimented Director Kyle Saunders and the Public Works staff for their efforts getting the streets cleared after the recent snow storm.
Alderman Durkee reported the First Ward has been having issues with abandoned vehicles and he thanked Director Saunders and Matthew Flores for their help with addressing this problem.
C. Alderman Logemann
Alderman Logemann expressed his appreciation to Director Saunders and city staff for the wonderful job of cleaning up after the snow storm and he thanked Director Saunders for the amount of communication he provides to the aldermen.
D. Alderman Tuneberg
Alderman Tuneberg thanked the Public Works Department for their efforts clearing the streets.
Alderman Tuneberg mentioned he was working with Laura Maher on a process that would keep residents informed of the odd/even emergency parking restriction.
E. Alderman Frost
Alderman Frost thanked Director Saunders and the snow plowing crew for the great road conditions after the recent snow fall. He mentioned this was the first time he hadn't received any complaints regarding snow covered streets or calls about damage to mail boxes from residents in the Fourth Ward after a snow storm.
Alderman Frost shared he has received several calls recently concerning coyotes being a significant problem and he cautioned residents to keep a watch on their small animals when they are outside. He inquired if the City of Rockford could inform residents of what they can and cannot do with regard to coyotes. He then asked if the City of Rockford or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources had the ability to track these animals.
Chief of Staff Wester Wuori replied and indicated that approximately a year ago Alderman Chiarelli held a presentation for citizens experiencing problems with coyotes. He stated the presentation was very informative and it included a lot of valuable information. Mr. Wuori stated he believed he still had the information and if so, he would forward it to Alderman Frost.
Alderman Frost then requested to have the information posted on the city's website.
F. Alderman Hervey
Alderman Hervey complimented city staff for their snow removal efforts after the recent storm.
Alderman Hervey reported the Fifth Ward was having issues with residents that would not comply with the emergency parking restrictions on secondary streets where parking is allowed. She expressed her concerns about the hazards this causes for drivers. She inquired if an ordinance could be adopted that would not allow parking on Winnebago Street from November 1st through April 1st.
G. Alderman Ervins
Alderman Ervins thanked Director Saunders for going above and beyond to assist him with several issues in the Sixth Ward recently. He then expressed his gratitude to the snow removal crews in the Sixth Ward for doing an exceptional job.
Alderman Ervins shared his concerns regarding the large coyotes and wolves that have been spotted in residential areas recently.
H. Alderman Thompson-Kelly
Alderman Thompson-Kelly asked the Council Clerk if the committee reports would be available for the council members to sign at the City Council meeting on February 8, 2021.
Council Clerk Chasity Bailey replied and confirmed the committee reports would be available for signature at that meeting.
I. Alderman Hoffman
Alderman Hoffman expressed her appreciation to Director Saunders and the Public Works staff for the excellent job of clearing the streets after the snow storm. She mentioned some residents in the Eighth Ward were not complying with the odd/even emergency parking restriction and they were not obeying the "No Parking" signs that are posted She commended the officers who addressed this issue and had numerous cars towed from the Rolling Green area.
J. Alderman Rose
Alderman Rose expressed his concern regarding the coyote activity throughout the City of Rockford and he encouraged residents to be mindful when their small pets are outdoors.
Alderman Rose thanked Director Saunders, Mitch Leatherby and the snow removal crews for their efforts removing the snow.
Alderman Rose spoke about the new Roof Repair Program that was available for owner occupied homes and he indicated the application deadline was February 12, 2021. He inquired if that deadline could be extended by a few weeks.
Community and Economic Development Director Karl Franzen replied and stated they are expecting a significant number of applications and due to the limited capacity, the deadline would not be extended. He informed the council members that additional funds would be available soon through the CDBG Rehab Program for home owners that meet the income and program guidelines.
K. Alderman Beach
Alderman Beach thanked Officer Watton for assisting him with several abandoned cars recently.
Alderman Beach expressed his concerns about school children that are standing in the streets to wait for their bus because they are unable to stand at the curb due to the snow being piled up. He asked if there was anything that could be done to clear the snow at school bus stops.
L. Alderman Quinonez
Alderman Quinonez thanked Director Saunders for having the streets cleared in the Eleventh Ward.
Alderman Quinonez expressed his gratitude to the Rockford Fire Department for their efforts extinguishing the recent fire at a property located near 10th Avenue and 6th Street.
M. Alderman Hanley
Alderman Hanley thanked Director Saunders and the snow removal crews for their hard work clearing the streets in the Twelfth Ward after the snow storm. She reported she only received one complaint and by the time she returned the resident's call, the issue had already been resolved.
Alderman Hanley shared her father experienced a fire at his warehouse this week and she expressed her appreciation to the Rockford Fire Department for the exceptional job they did extinguishing the fire.
N. Alderman McNeely
Alderman McNeely thanked Director Saunders for his diligent efforts with clearing the streets after the snow storm.
Alderman McNeely reported she was also experiencing problems in the Thirteenth Ward with residents not complying with the odd/even emergency parking restriction and she requested that police ticket those vehicles.
X. ADJOURNMENT
1. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Rose moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Durkee.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous roll call vote (Alderman Hoffman was away). The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [12 TO 0]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Hervey, Ervins, Thompson-Kelly, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Hanley, McNeely AWAY: Karen Hoffman |