City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met Oct. 12.
Here are 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 | Present | |
| Tuffy Quinonez | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. Amendments to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances Section 16-149 (Trucks parking in certain designated areas).
Chairman Rose announced that this item is will be held out.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 11/8/2021 5:30 PM |
Ald. Durkee asked about the amount of consumption that will be allowed. Nicholas Meyer, Legal Director for the City of Rockford answered that numbers given in the proposal are standard.
Ald. Torina asked if other permitting will be required, such as from the Health Department. Assistant City Attorney Megan McNeill responded that the proposed license will not allow food sales. The license would allow the holder to offer liquor for on-premise consumption as an incidental part of a business with a primary function either as a retail establishment for the sale of non-food goods or personal care services, such as hair salons, nail salons or barbershops, to the public. Director Meyer added that anyone who obtained the Sip and Shop license would have to comply with all of City of Rockford ordinances and any
Winnebago County ordinances.
Ald. Bonne asked about the exemptions listed in the proposed ordinance. Director Meyer explained that this particular license is an ancillary license to a primary business. For instance, if someone wants to have live entertainment, the Sip and Shop license would no longer be considered an ancillary liquor license it would be considered a license for a primary purpose. Ald. Bonne asked about the operating hours. Director Meyer stated that the hours are more in line with an ancillary use. Ald. Bonne referenced the Staff Memorandum, which noted that this proposed license is being brought forth because Toad Hall Books & Records, a business located at 1206 Broadway is interested in obtaining a license that would allow their customers to have a drink while browsing the store. Ald. Bonne asked if this was the only business that had expressed interest in a license of this kind. Director Meyer responded "yes." He also noted that the idea also came about through conversations with Ald. Logemann and Ald. Beach. Ald. Bonne wanted to know if any Staff had reached out to the Bar Association regarding this proposed ordinance. Director Meyer answered that he had not. Ald. Bonne wanted to know the purpose of the proposed license. Director Meyer explained that during the conversations that have taken place, the main goal of the proposed license is to enhance business, which would thereby increase sales to some degree.
Ald. Quinonez asked if a person will be able to go into an establishment that holds one of these licenses without purchasing anything or, receiving any type of service. Director Meyer answered that the ordinance does not require that any services be purchased. Again, he noted that this type of license will be or, should be secondary to the main purpose of a business. Ald. Quinonez asked if a business will have a designated area for alcohol use. Attorney McNeill explained that there is no language in the ordinance requiring that a designated area be used. However, no one will be allowed to leave the business with an open container. Ald. Quinonez asked about convenience stores. Director Meyer explained that to qualify for the license, food sales will not be allowed and convenience stores sell food. Attorney McNeill noted that tobacco stores are not excluded. Ald. Quinonez voiced his concerns about a license of this nature possibly putting more strain on the police department. Director Meyer indicated that because there should not be a bar like setting, he does not anticipate a huge rise in criminal activity. He reiterated that Sip and Shop license holder would have to follow all the rules set forth in the Liquor Ordinance.
Ald. Torina asked if there are any other surrounding municipalities that have this ordinance. Director Meyer responded "No." Ald. Torina asked about the cost of the license. Attorney McNeill noted that there is a $3,000 non-refundable deposit, which is included in the ordinance language. Also, there would be a renewal fee which will mirror the wine and beer renewal fees.
Ald. Wilkins voiced her dissatisfaction with this proposed ordinance. She noted that in her opinion, this proposed ordinance does not provide any positives for the community, and stated that she will not be supporting this request.
Ald. Frost commented that a number of good points had been raised, and in his opinion more discussion needed to be had.
Ald. Beach voiced his frustration with this ordinance, and asked that this item lay over tonight.
Ald. Tuneberg commented that he could think of a few businesses along E. State Street that would benefit from taking advantage of the proposed ordinance. He asked if Basset training will be required, owner's liability for over serving, and if the liquor will come from a wholesaler. Director Meyer stated that Sip and Shop license holders will have to abide by the City of Rockford Liquor Ordinance in its totality.
Ald. Durkee suggested hours of operation be extended during the Christmas Holiday, should this ordinance pass.
Ald. Rose noted that all applications will have to be approved by City Council, and he voiced his support for the proposed ordinance.
Ald. Bonne asked who or what was the proposed ordinance modeled after. Attorney McNeill explained that the ordinance was modeled after some of the complimentary ordinances in Park Ridge, Illinois and Richton Park, Illinois but with modifications.
Ald. Logemann explained that the owners of Toad Hall Books & Records reached out to him regarding the service of alcohol in their establishment. He noted that Toad Hall is a small business that is trying to expand their footprint, and the owner has been a very responsible business owner for several years. Ald. Logemann voiced is support for the small business owners and for this ordinance.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to have this item LAY OVER. There was no SECOND, and the motion FAILED.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Durkee to AMEND the hours of service to noon - 9 p.m. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Rose, and CARRIED by a vote of 2-3. Ald. Torina, Ald. Bonne and Ald. Quinonez voted "No." The amendment FAILED.
Ald. Beach asked for a meeting with Staff before a vote is taken, which was granted.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 2]
MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Bill Rose, Mark Bonne NAYS: Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina |
1. Stroll on State
This event is scheduled for Saturday, November 27, 2021 from Noon – 9 p.m. in downtown Rockford bordered by Jefferson Street, Church Street, Chestnut Street and 3rd Street. Event Perimeter will begin at 6:00 a.m. The parade step-off time is 1:55 p.m. Other festivities include tree lighting and fireworks.
Ald. Wilkins wanted to know what the total overall budget is for this event.
Martin Bloom, Project Manager- Permits and Special Events stated that he did not have that information but would provide it.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
This event will take place on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., at 333 East State Street.
There were no questions or, comments concerning this event.
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
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