City of Rockford City Council met Nov. 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The invocation was given by Chaplain Kenneth Hendley 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 | Late | 6:23 PM |
| Jonathan Logemann | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Kevin Frost | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Aprel Prunty | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Janessa Wilkins | 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 | |
| Gina Meeks | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Linda McNeely | City of Rockford | Alderman | Late | 5:44 PM |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on September 20, 2021.
Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on September 20, 2021, seconded by Alderman Rose. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee and McNeely were absent).
II. PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation proclaiming November 15, 2021 to be "Respiratory Care Day" in Rockford, Illinois.
III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Legal Director Nicholas Meyer announced receipt of the Comcast Quarterly Franchise Fee payment in the amount of $415,436.23.
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the revised Rockford Historic Preservation Plan. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on November 16, 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.
2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on November 16, 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.
3. Memorandum from Megan McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the proposed Amendments to the City of Rockford Liquor Code Section 3- 142 Video gaming permit and terminal stickers required, Section 3-143 Issuance, and Section 3-144 Display. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Memorandum from Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, regarding the acceptance of a grant award for the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women’s 2021 Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program Grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
2. Memorandum from Deb Dorsey, Housing and Program Manager, regarding the acceptance of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME-ARP (American Rescue Plan) Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
3. Memorandum from Shurice Hunter, Human Resources Director, regarding the General Wage Increase for Non-represented employees. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. John Tac Brantley shared his personal feelings regarding racism and the lack of opportunity for African Americans in this community. He also spoke about the REGROW Program and ways he has been helping residents.
2. Kenneth Dickens was not present.
3. Rev. Earl Dotson, Sr. recited scripture and voiced his concerns regarding the lack of economic development on the west side of Rockford, Illinois. He requested the City of Rockford invested $15 million to revitalize the west side communities. Mr. Dotson also quoted a portion of the Negro National Anthem.
4. Brendalyn Langdon voiced her frustrations regarding a code violation she received. She also expressed her support and appreciation for the Rockford Fire Department.
5. Joe Canova informed the council members the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) was hosting a fundraising event for local charities on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Country Club. He invited Mayor McNamara and the council members to attend the event.
V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2021-260-CR - Committee recommends approval of renewing the Agreement between the City of Rockford and Winnebago Homes Association for the ROCK House located at 1007 15th Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Meeks, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
Alderman Meeks, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2021-262-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $4,977,309.09 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on November 8, 2021.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 0]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSTAIN: Gabrielle Torina ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report. Alderman Frost then made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Beach. The item was laid over.
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 12/6/2021 5:30 PM |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Amendments to the City of Rockford Liquor Code for a new Sip and Shop Liquor License Classification (Class SS). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Rose, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: FAILED [0 TO 13]
NAYS: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
Alderman Rose, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage. Alderman Beach made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Torina. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Durkee was absent). The item was laid over.
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 12/6/2021 5:30 PM |
Alderman Rose, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage. Alderman Tuneberg made a motion to lay this item over, seconded by Alderman Frost.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Durkee was absent). The item was laid over.
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 12/6/2021 5:30 PM |
Alderman Rose, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
Alderman Rose, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee |
VII. OFFICERS REPORTS
A. Alderman Logemann
Alderman Logemann recognized and welcomed the Auburn High School students that were in attendance at the meeting. He mentioned they were participating in a civic responsibilities assignment that was promoting engaged young citizenry.
Mayor McNamara welcomed the Auburn High School students to the City Council meeting.
B. Alderman Torina
Alderman Torina thanked Pastor Martin and the city staff members that participated in the recent Fifth Ward meeting. She stated this was her first ward meeting and she reported they had a great turnout.
Alderman Torina announced the next Fifth Ward meeting would be held on January 20, 2022 at the Ethnic Heritage Museum at 5:30 p.m.
C. Alderman Hoffman
Alderman Hoffman thanked the organizers and everyone who participated in the GreenTown Conference. She shared the conference was very interesting and she expressed her desire for follow up meetings to discuss the information presented during the conference.
Mayor McNamara indicated there was a follow up meeting already scheduled in January 2022.
Alderman Hoffman encouraged her constituents to attend all future meetings regarding GreenTown.
D. Alderman Rose
Alderman Rose congratulated the owners of LoCost Foods Grocery Store that would be opening soon at 3118 North Rockton Avenue. He commented customers would be surprised to find that it's a real grocery store with a wide variety of items and not just a small convenience store. He wished the owners great success and he encouraged residents to support small businesses located on northwest side of town.
E. Alderman Meeks
Alderman Meeks thanked the Rockford Police Department for their assistance with several recent issues in the Twelfth Ward.
Alderman Quinonez thanked the Rockford Police Officers for their efforts to reduce speeding throughout this community. He mentioned he hopes they continue their traffic stops until drivers slow down. He urged all citizens to drive safe and to stop speeding.
G. Mayor McNamara
Mayor McNamara expressed his appreciation to Director Kyle Saunders and the Public Works staff for the tremendous amount of work that went into preparing the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2021-259-R - Committee recommends approval of the Festival of Lights
This event is scheduled for the following dates:
November 26th– November 28th 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
December 2nd– December 5th 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
December 9th– December 12th 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
December 16th– December 19th 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
December 20th– December 23rd 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
December 24th 24 Hours
December 25th 24 Hours
December 26th 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
December 31st 5 p.m. – Midnight
The event will take place in Sinnissippi Park located at 1401 North 2nd Street
Alderman Rose, 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, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
1. 2021-260-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Rock Salt/Bulk Road Salt to Compass Minerals America, Inc., of Overland Park, Kansas for an estimated purchase of $1,150,416.00 (based on unit pricing 21,600.00 tons @ $53.26/ton). The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is Street Division Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [13 TO 0]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSTAIN: Chad Tuneberg |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [13 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, Bonne NAYS: Linda McNeely |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [13 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, Bonne NAYS: Linda McNeely |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, Bonne NAYS: Linda McNeely ABSTAIN: Gabrielle Torina |
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2021-234-O - An ordinance approving the renewal of an Agreement between the City of Rockford and Winnebago Homes Association for the ROCK House located at 1007 15th Street.
Alderman Meeks, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
Alderman Meeks, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
1. An ordinance approving the Amendments to the City of Rockford Liquor Code for a new Sip and Shop Liquor License Classification (Class SS).
| RESULT: HELD OUT |
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 12/6/2021 5:30 PM |
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 12/6/2021 5:30 PM |
Alderman Rose, 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, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
1. An ordinance approving the Lease Agreement between the City of Rockford and Bee Money Apiaries, LLC for the property located at 16xx North Lyford Road.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 12/6/2021 5:30 PM |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [13 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, Bonne NAYS: Linda McNeely |
1. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Rose moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Durkee.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Quinonez, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne |
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