Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee Met Aug. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Tim Durkee	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Bill Rose	City of Rockford	Alderman	Absent
Tuffy Quinonez	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Gabrielle Torina	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Mark Bonne	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

II. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. 2021-194-CR - Final Plat of Highcrest Centre Subdivision

Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Rockford explained that the developer is proposing to create a two (2) lot final plat at Highcrest Shopping Centre. One (1) lot will be for the former Sturtevant's clothing store that will be remodeled into a Beef-a-Roo Restaurant, and the second lot will be for the existing shopping center. He further explained that approval of the plat would also establish a lot of easements, and would put some restrictions on lot two (2), which will control the access into the Beef-a-Roo parking lot. Also, a right-of-way dedication on the north side of the property will be dedicated, and the north sidewalk will be extended. Staff recommends approval.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Variation to increase the maximum allowed square footage of a freestanding sign for a nonresidential use in a Residential District from 48 square feet to 57.5 square feet along North Alpine Road in an R-1, Single-family Residential Zoning District at 4405 Highcrest Road (Anthony Perna for Provena St. Anne Center/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item. A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN THE ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Quinonez.

Approval is subject to the following conditions:

1. Meet all Building and Fire Codes

2. Submittal of a Building Permit with sign foundation detail for the new sign foundation

3. Submittal of permanent Sign Application for staff’s review and approval 4. The freestanding sign must be in accordance with Exhibit E

RESULT: SUSTAINED

3. 2315 South Main Street

Zoning Board of Appeals recommends denial for a:

a. Zoning Map Amendment from C-1, Limited Office Zoning District to C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District; and

b. Special Use Permit for tire repair and sales in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2315 South Main Street (Avilene Hernandez Lopez/Applicant)

Co-Chairman Torina announced that this item will be held out.

RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 8/23/2021 5:30 PM

4. 2021-196-CR - Committee recommends approval of the 2021-2022 Contract between the City of Rockford and the Winnebago County Health Department for a Tobacco Enforcement Program to conduct compliance monitoring checks. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

5. 2021-195-CR - Amendments to Chapter 3 of the City of Rockford Liquor Ordinance to add a new liquor license classification

Nicholas Meyer, Legal Director for the City of Rockford explained that this license classification, if approved will be for temporary and permanent casinos. The temporary casino is presently being constructed. Director Meyer further explained that staff was recently made aware that the Illinois Gaming Board requires casino operators to be locally licensed. Staff was under the impression that the State of Illinois would be issuing the casino license. However, staff was contacted by Counsel for the casino indicating that that is not the case. Currently, the City of Rockford has no such license in place. Director Meyer noted that the current restrictions on the 50% rule would not fit for this type of business. He further stated that staff took a look at other municipalities and the only one that seemed to be applicable was Des Plaines, Illinois. The proposed license would be classified as an "O" license, and would only be issued to an operator of a temporary, or a permanent casino. The hours of operation would be expanded beyond normal hours of operation for bars and restaurants. Director Meyer expressed urgency in approving this license because the casino operator must have a liquor license issued before the projected October opening, which means that they will have to apply by August 19th to be able to appear on the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board agenda in September.

Ald. Quinonez asked about the hours of liquor sales. Director Meyer responded that the hours of operation could be up to 24-hours a day. However, the hours for liquor sales in a casino are regulated by State Statute. He further indicated that liquor cannot be sold in casinos between the hours of 4 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Ald. Beach asked if fees had been established for the casino license. Director Meyer stated that the cost of the liquor license will be $10,000, and that an annual renewal fee would be assessed during renewal season. Ald. Beach asked Director Meyer if he considered the license fee to be a reasonable amount. Director Meyer stated that the fee amount is consistent with what other liquor applicants pay. However, if Council believed that the fee should be more, they could vote for an increase. Ald. Beach commented that in his opinion, the license fee amount is too low.

Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator for the City of Rockford stated that staff is willing to review modifications to the liquor license fees, if it is the will of the Council. He suggested that a way to do that, would be to evaluate the annual renewal fees as an option.

Ald. Torina asked about Des Plaines' fees. Director Meyer responded that he didn't have information regarding renewal fees for Des Plaines but that staff is willing to investigate other municipalities.

Ald. McNeely stated that she agrees with Ald. Beach that the fees should be revisited. However, she also agrees that the vote on this item should not be slowed down.

Ald. Quinonez asked if a liquor holder paid more for a license that included Sunday sales. Director Meyer, stated that they had a higher renewal fee.

Ald. Meeks asked if what is being presented tonight a model of the State of Illinois' fee structure. Director Meyer explained that the fee structure is from the City of Rockford's ordinance. Ald. Meeks asked what fee does the State of Illinois require for a liquor license. Director Meyer responded that he is not sure what the State requires for a liquor license deposit, or annual renewals.

Mr. Cagnoni indicated that staff has found that the City of Rockford's liquor license fee is a bit higher than other municipalities but the renewals fees are less. He stated that staff would be happy to review fees to address some of the concerns that are being raised.

Ald. Quinonez asked if the casino license would allow for the sale of packaged goods. Director Meyer indicated that it would not.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 1] MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne NAYS: Tuffy Quinonez ABSENT: Bill Rose

6. 2021-197-CR - Committee recommends approval for the authorization to execute Easements on 15 city-owned properties to Four Rivers Sanitation. City staff is seeking authorization for these grant easements so Four Rivers Sanitation may continue its project to the benefit of the City of Rockford. The properties are as follows:

∙ 111 N. Day 11-21-139-009

∙ 2611 W. State 11-21-139-012

∙ 2607 W. State 11-21-139-014

∙ 106 N. Henrietta 11-21-139-016

∙ 2523 W. State 11-21-140-008

∙ 2511 W. State 11-21-140-009

∙ 2507 W. State 11-21-140-010

∙ 2505 W. State 11-21-140-011

∙ 112 N. Johnston 11-21-140-012

∙ 2205 W. State 11-21-251-044

∙ 2201 W. State 11-21-251-045

∙ 2123 W. State 11-21-252-005

∙ 2117 W. State 11-21-252-006

∙ 2111 W. State 11-21-252-007

∙ 2105 W. State 11-21-252-012

The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

III. RESOLUTIONS

1. Authorization for the Proposed Sale of 82 City-Owned Surplus Properties

Pursuant to state law, 65 ILCS 5/11-76-4.1, the city will publish the properties for sale in the local newspaper and/or commercial exchange for a minimum bid to be determined upon appraisal receipt. City staff is recommending approval to place for sale the eighty-two (82) city-owned surplus properties attached to the agenda Ald. McNeely commented that seventy-one (71) of the properties that are up for sale are in her ward. She indicated that she would like to speak with staff before moving forward with a vote.

A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to have this item lay over. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Durkee, and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 8/23/2021 5:30 PM

2. 2021-177-R - Committee recommends approval of the Rock River Food Truck Fest

This event is scheduled for August 28th from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. The event location will be at Davis Park, 320 South Wyman Street.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

3. 2021-178-R - Committee recommends approval of the Screw City Beer Festival

This event is scheduled for September 11th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. The event location will be 324 North Madison Street (parking lot of Riverview Ice house and Trolley Car 36).

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

4. 2021-179-R - Committee recommends approval of the Churchill Grove Annual Garage Sale

This event is scheduled for September 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event location will be 1526 Harlem Boulevard, Churchill Grove Neighborhood Association.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

5. 2021-180-R - Committee recommends approval of the Tour de North End

This event is scheduled for September 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event location will be Olympic Tavern Parking Lot, 2327 North Main Street. There was no discussion on this item.

With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Bill Rose

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