Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee Met July 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:42 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Scott Danielson, Tyler Seever and Justin York

Staff present: Tricia Diduch, Deputy Chief Hollinger and Arianne Honkamp (6:03 pm) Absent: Chief Dickson

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Seever, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of July 6, 2021. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that there will be an executive session at the Village Board meeting on July 20, 2021.

Mayor Peterson stated that the IEPA and other agencies will be at Chemtool this week investigating the fire. Mayor Peterson said that they were able to find the server intact at the fire and this could provide additional information. Mayor Peterson added that the Village will be getting a modified version of the “WARN Act” (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act) which helps ensure advance notice in cases of qualified plant closings in reference to Chemtool.

Mayor Peterson discussed “Bacon Fest” with the Committee and stated that they are in the beginning stages of planning the event. Mayor Peterson said that he would like the downtown businesses to participate and that there will be live music and possibly a “Baconator” contest at the event.

Mayor Peterson added that the Village has one (or possibly two) openings on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and two openings for the Planning Commission that they need to fill.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Danielson requested a schedule of upcoming events in the Village from Ms. Diduch. The Committee discussed events in the Village and the process of the special events application. Ms. Diduch explained that the special events application was created a few years ago and helps determine what resources are needed when special events are held in the Village. Ms. Diduch added that this application helps the organizer as they plan their special event and present it to the Village Board for approval. Mayor Peterson stated that the Village needs to figure out a way to organize these events in the long-term.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – TYLER SEEVER

Mr. Seever stated that Deputy Chief Hollinger provided him with a copy of an activity summary (July 1st-15th) for the Rockton Police Department. Mayor Peterson stated that he and Deputy Chief Hollinger discussed the information provided in the reports and Mayor Peterson said that he would like this read by Mr. Seever at the Village Board meetings as well. Deputy Chief Hollinger stated that he will provide an activity summary sheet every two weeks so that the Village Board and the general public can see their calls of service.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York discussed the IML conference (September 23rd-25th) with the Committee. The Village Clerk stated that the Village Board can approve the number of staff that will be attending. Mayor Peterson said that is sounds like around eight staff members will attend. This is up for approval that the Village Board meeting on July 20, 2021. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. York added that he and Mayor Peterson have been talking a lot about communication. Mr. York created a matrix on his tablet and shared that with the Committee. Mr. York explained that the matrix consisted of different types of communication and means of communication. Mr. York said that he will be emailing his out to everyone for their input. Mr. York stated that the purpose of the matrix is to establish a process so that everyone understands the different types of communication and where they should be used. Mr. York stated that he wasn’t sure if the Village was looking to go in the direction of an app to use with residents. Mayor Peterson added that there will be vendors at the IML conference for those attending and that we should be visiting their booths for more information. Mayor Peterson said that this wouldn’t be in this year’s budget, but it’s something that can be looked into for the future.

THE CHIEF– STEVE DICKSON

Deputy Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that Officer John Eau Claire will be resigning from his part time position after the first week of August. Deputy Chief Hollinger said that the department is very grateful for his service and that he has a replacement in mind for the position.

Deputy Chief Hollinger added that they have 25 applicants for testing for the police department and that they would like to get a new hire list put together soon even though there are no current positions available.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that she has information that she will be handing out tomorrow as far as how the Village can control or play more of a role in reference to what happens on a property. Ms. Diduch stated that the copies are of the zoning schedule and what is permitted in those locations. Ms. Diduch said that if she is invited into the executive session she can discuss this further with the Village Board and explain the alternatives.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Danielson, second by Mr. Seever to adjourn at 6:28 pm.

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