Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council met Nov. 1.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

B. Roll Call

C. Acceptance of the Journal

1. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on September 13, 2021.

II. PROCLAMATIONS

1. Proclamation proclaiming November 2021 to be "Epilepsy Awareness Month" in Rockford, Illinois.

2. Proclamation proclaiming November 7th - 13th, 2021 to be "Veterans Appreciation Week" in Rockford, Illinois.

III. PRESENTATIONS

1. Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Presentation

IV. PUBLIC HEARING

1. Public Hearing on the Pre-Annexation of 4130 Blackhawk Road and 5845 35th Street.

V. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Memorandum from Ifeanyi Mogbana, City Attorney, regarding an extension of an agreement between the City of Rockford and Winnebago Homes Association for the continued use of 1007 15th Street and 1233 Revell Avenue for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding the upcoming special event for the Festival of Lights. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on November 10, 2021 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on November 22, 2021. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Memorandum from Karl Franzen, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding 16xx N. Lyford Road Lease. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Memorandum from Karl Franzen, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding the release of a Findings, Decision and Order on the property located at 1226 Kent Street. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

VI. PUBLIC SPEAKERS

1. Sylvia Coton

2. Patty Quinn

3. Rev. Earl Dotson, Sr.

4. Ethan Turner

5. Kenneth Dickens

VII. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval prohibiting commercial vehicles on Spring Brook Road from 635’ east of McFarland Road to Bell School Road. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish a “2-Hour Parking” restriction on the east side of South 6th Street from 110’ north of 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish a “2-Hour Parking” parking restriction on the west side of South 6th Street from 180’ north of 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue, thus repealing the existing restriction of “No Parking Any Time” on the west side of South 6th Street ½ block north of 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval requiring that traffic on 16th Street be required to yield prior to entering the intersection of 8th Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

5. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's recommendation of “No Action” be taken on the request to establish an all-way stop at the intersection of Esmond Drive and Arnold Avenue, thus repealing the existing traffic control of Esmond Drive stopping for Arnold Avenue.

6. Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat of Rockford Peaches PUD Subdivision.

7. Committee recommends approval of the Pre-Annexation of 4130 Blackhawk Road and 5845 35th Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

8. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Amendments to the City of Rockford Liquor Code Section 3-54 Persons and premises not to be licensed, paragraph (13). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

9. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' denial for a Variation to reduce the required parking spaces from 77 spaces to 64 spaces; and a Variation to eliminate interior landscape islands and open green areas between a parking lot; and Variation to eliminate the required shade tree requirement in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3707 Auburn Street (Mahmoud Odeh/Applicant).

10. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for a Crematory in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 215 North 6th Street (Lance Bifulk/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

11. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for a mural on the west wall of building in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 1631 Rural Street (Jennifer Kuroda/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

12. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a restaurant with outdoor seating in a C-3, General Commercial District at 6280 East State Street (Old Chicago Taproom II, LLC dba Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room/Applicant). Subject to amended conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

13. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a restaurant in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4415 Harrison Avenue (Spider Sushi @ Harrison LLC dba Spider Sushi/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

14. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a tobacco shop in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3707 Auburn Street (West Side Smokes/Mahmoud Sami Odeh dba West Side Smokes/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

15. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for:

a. The Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in an I-1, Light Industrial District and I-2, General Industrial Zoning District; and

b. The Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station, and convenience store in an I-1, Light Industrial District and I-2, General Industrial Zoning District at 2233 Kishwaukee Street (Clean Fuel, Inc., dba Clean Fuel/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

16. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for:

a. The Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station, convenience store and auto mechanic shop in a C-2 Limited Commercial District; and

b. The Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station, convenience store and auto mechanic shop in a C-2, Limited Commercial District at 3135 North Rockton Avenue (Daniall Corporation/Bader Islam dba Conoco/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $9,129,078.26 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on October 25, 2021.

2. Committee recommends approval of the release of liens to facilitate the auction of Winnebago County Trustee properties to the highest bidders for the following properties: 814 Lapp Court, 824 Lapp Court, 812 Haskell Avenue, 707 N. Sunset, 439 Underwood Street, 1009 Willard Avenue, 1316 12th Avenue, 914 N. Day Avenue, 620 Soper Avenue and 929 Harding Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

VIII. OFFICERS REPORTS

IX. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER

1. Reappointment of Jurea Crudup to the Community Relations Commission for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

2. Reappointment of Victoria De La Rosa to the Community Relations Commission for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

3. Reappointment of William Martin to the Community Relations Commission for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

4. Reappointment of Matt Knott to the Electrical Commission for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

5. Reappointment of Brad Williams to the Electrical Commission for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

6. Reappointment of Carrie Hagerty to the Fire Pension Board for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

7. Appointment of Maureen Kirschmann to the Historical Preservation Commission for a three-year term, expiring October 2024. This appointment is replacing George Bathje. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment is up for passage.)

8. Appointment of Dennis Horton to the Library Board for a three-year term, expiring June 2024. This appointment is replacing Rick Zumwalt. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment is up for passage.)

9. Reappointment of Molly Brauns to the Library Board for a three-year term, expiring June 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

10. Reappointment of Jamie Getchius to the Library Board for a three-year term, expiring June 2024. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

11. Reappointment of Mark Buckner to the Mechanical Board for a five-year term, expiring October 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

12. Reappointment of James Zweep to the Mechanical Board for a five-year term, expiring October 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

13. Reappointment of Marcia Mueller to the Police Pension Fund Board for a two year term, expiring October 2023. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

14. Reappointment of David Sidney to the Rockford Mass Transit District Board for a four-year term, expiring October 2025. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

15. Appointment of K. Patrick Yarbrough to the Traffic Commission for a five-year term, expiring October 2026. This appointment is replacing Todd Fagen. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment is up for passage.)

16. Reappointment of Don Bissell to the Traffic Commission for a five-year term, expiring October 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

17. Reappointment of Maurice Redd to LTAB & ZBA for a five-year term, expiring October 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment is up for passage.)

X. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations

Commission's approval of the $10,000 Rockford REGROW Grant Award to Awaken Foundation L3C, Facts to Hard Hats.

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations Commission's approval of the $10,000 Rockford REGROW Grant Award to African-American Resource Center at Booker, Flourish: Start Strong Finish Strong.

3. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations Commission's approval of the $10,000 Rockford REGROW Grant Award to Discovery Center Museum of Rockford/National Society of Black Engineers-Rockford Chapter, STEM on the Rock.

4. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations Commission's approval of the $10,000 Rockford REGROW Grant Award to Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, La Semilla del Cambio (The Seed of Change).

5. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations Commission's approval of the $10,000 Rockford REGROW Grant Award to Christian Union Church/Concerned Citizens United for Self Improvement, Community Kitchen.

6. Committee recommends approval of the $10,000 Rockford REGROW Grant Award to Acclimated - Conscious Coaching.

7. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations Commission's recommendation for the following $50,000 REGROW Grant applicants for Tier 2 evaluation:

A. New Genres Art Space, Fair Grounds Boys & Girls Club - Digital Fairgrounds: An Innovative Art & Technology After School Program

B. Torito Arts NFP - Social Equity and Civic Engagement Through the Performing Arts

C. 815ALIVE, INC, 815Alive Toolbox/815 Alive Renegade Football Team

D. Beacon of Enlightenment and Lantern Therapy - Addressing wounds of trauma caused by cannabis policy and violence

E. KEA Publishing-The Empower Couple - Project C.L.A.S.S. F. Comprehensive Community Solutions - Alpha Project

If approved, the six finalists will be invited to submit a Tier 2 application providing additional details, documentation and will give a full presentation of their proposed project to the Community Relations Commission.

8. Committee recommends sustaining the Community Relations Commission's recommendation for the following $150,000 REGROW Grant applicants for Tier 2 evaluation:

A. South West Ideas for Today and Tomorrow (SWIFTT), T.A.B.S. Property Investors Inc.: Petro Family Community Center for At- Risk Youth

B. Synergy Production Group, LLC (dba Luxe Academy of Barbering and Beauty and Luxe on Alpine Salon and Barber Lounge) and Stateline Barber Association: Regrow Synergy

C. YMCA of Rock River Valley: Youth Education and Equity Center

If approved, the three finalists will be invited to submit a Tier 2 application providing additional details, documentation and will give a full presentation of their proposed project to the Community Relations Commission.

9. Committee recommends approval of the proposed request to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the defederalization of the City's Revolving Loan Fund.

10. Committee recommends approval of deferment and forgiveness of the CBDG-CV Microenterprise Loans. Subject to conditions.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the 2022 City Council and Committees Calendar Schedule.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Dasher Dash

This event is scheduled for Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Step-off time is at noon. The race will be contained within the footprint of Stroll on State Festival. The festival is being held in downtown Rockford, bordered by Jefferson Street, Church Street, Chestnut Street, Green Street and 3rd Street.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Sno Market

This event is scheduled for Friday, December 17th, Saturday, December 18th and Sunday, December 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be held in Municipal Lot 31 behind The Norwegian located at 1402 North Main Street.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Demolition of 1126 10th Street to Dales Plumbing, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $85,903.00. The funding source is Construction Services Division Operating Budget.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: HUD Emergency Solutions Grant to Youth Services Network - $30,000.00 for Emergency Shelter Operations, to Remedies Shelter - $5,000.00 for Emergency Shelter Operations, to Inst. for Community Alliances - $30,000.00 for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and Shelter Care Ministries - $39,790.00 for Emergency Shelter Operations and Services. The contract duration is two (2) years. The funding source is HUD Emergency Solutions Grant.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non-Competitive Contract for Phone System Hardware Replacement and Software Upgrade to Sentinel Technologies, of Downers Grove, Illinois in the amount of $258,921.00. The contract duration is two (2) years. The funding source is Information Technology Operating Budget.

4. Committee recommends approval of the Change Order: Fiber Installation and enhanced Radio System Equipment to TC Communications, of Irving, California.

Original amount: $ 288,397 over 5 years

Change order amount: $ 77,495 one-time

Total Amended amount: $ 365,892 over 5 years

During project implementation, it was determined that adding equipment at non-City owned locations (such as Jefferson High School and IDOT property along I-90) would give the Department the ability to remotely manage radio locations. This addition will provide higher availability for the critical radio system used by the Fire Department. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget.

5. Committee recommends approval of the Carryover Request for CARES Act Funding for Head Start/Early Head Start Grant in the amount of $327,071.00.

6. Committee recommends approval of the Acceptance of Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot Grant in the amount of $112,500.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from signature date to June 30, 2022.

7. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Resolution to Rebate Fifty Percent (50%) of Liquor License fee for bars and restaurants as a business assistance program for those bars and restaurants with a liquor license for the sale of liquor by the drink including beer and wine by the drink.

XI. NEW BUSINESS (ORDINANCES)

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. An ordinance prohibiting commercial vehicles on Spring Brook Road from 635’ east of McFarland Road to Bell School Road.

2. An ordinance establishing a “2-Hour Parking” restriction on the east side of South 6th Street from 110’ north of 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue.

3. An ordinance establishing a “2-Hour Parking” parking restriction on the west side of South 6th Street from 180’ north of 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue, thus repealing the existing restriction of “No Parking Any Time” on the west side of South 6th Street ½ block north of 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue.

4. An ordinance approving that traffic on 16th Street be required to yield prior to entering the intersection of 8th Avenue.

5. An ordinance approving the Pre-Annexation of 4130 Blackhawk Road and 5845 35th Street.

6. An ordinance approving the Amendments to the City of Rockford Liquor Code Section 3-54 Persons and premises not to be licensed, paragraph (13).

7. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Crematory in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 215 North 6th Street (Lance Bifulk/Applicant).

8. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a mural on the west wall of building in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 1631 Rural Street (Jennifer Kuroda/Applicant).

9. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a restaurant with outdoor seating in a C-3, General Commercial District at 6280 East State Street (Old Chicago Taproom II, LLC dba Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room/Applicant).

10. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a restaurant in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4415 Harrison Avenue (Spider Sushi @ Harrison LLC dba Spider Sushi/Applicant).

11. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a tobacco shop in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3707 Auburn Street (West Side Smokes/Mahmoud Sami Odeh dba West Side Smokes/Applicant).

12. An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in an I-1, Light Industrial District and I-2, General Industrial Zoning District at 2233 Kishwaukee Street (Clean Fuel, Inc., dba Clean Fuel/Applicant).

13. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station, and convenience store in an I-1, Light Industrial District and I-2, General Industrial Zoning District at 2233 Kishwaukee Street (Clean Fuel, Inc., dba Clean Fuel/Applicant).

14. An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station, convenience store and auto mechanic shop in a C-2 Limited Commercial District at 3135 North Rockton Avenue (Daniall Corporation/Bader Islam dba Conoco/Applicant).

15. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station, convenience store and auto mechanic shop in a C-2, Limited Commercial District at 3135 North Rockton Avenue (Daniall Corporation/Bader Islam dba Conoco/Applicant).

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. An ordinance approving the release of liens to facilitate the auction of Winnebago County Trustee properties to the highest bidders for the following properties: 814 Lapp Court, 824 Lapp Court, 812 Haskell Avenue, 707 N. Sunset, 439 Underwood Street, 1009 Willard Avenue, 1316 12th Avenue, 914 N. Day Avenue, 620 Soper Avenue and 929 Harding Street.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

https://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=3167&Inline=True