Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met April 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:35 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Scott Danielson, Jodi May and Justin York

Staff present: Tricia Diduch, Scott Fridly and Deputy Chief Hollinger

Absent: Chief Dickson

Motion by Ms. May, second by Mr. York, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of March 14, 2022. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Fridly spoke to the Committee about using sewer funds to pay for the sewer projects instead of using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Mr. Fridly said that this was discussed at the special Village Board meeting on March 16th and that he spoke with Ms. Hughes, Village Collector, and was advised that there is currently $400,000 in sewer fund. Mr. Fridly added that the general fund owes the sewer fund approximately $500,000. Mr. Fridly stated that he is going to talk to Ms. Quimby, Village Treasurer, to even see if this is feasible.

Mr. Fridly added that they also discussed the possibility of hiring a grant writer for the Village at the special Village Board meeting and that he spoke to Mr. Bunge, Village Engineer, in regards to this. Mr. Fridly said that Mr. Bunge is able to write grants, but that it would be more cost effective to hire someone because it would cost less than having Mr. Bunge’s staff write the grants.

Mr. Fridly also discussed hiring staff to help Ms. Diduch with events. Mr. Fridly said that Mr. Self, Parks & Rec Director, also needs help and that he thought that hiring someone that could help both of them could be an idea to think about. Mr. Fridly said that this person would be full-time and also have some handyman type skills to help with building maintenance, but could also jump in and help Ms. Diduch when needed. Mr. York stated that he agrees that Ms. Diduch needs help, but that we need more than one person for Ms. Diduch at times for events like the Rockton Christmas Walk. Mr. Danielson commented that he likes this idea and it’s a great start, but that this isn’t a one size fits all situation.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he reached out to several mayors in the area in regards to grant writers with disappointing news, but that he needs to reach out to R1, Region 1 Planning Council. Mr. York stated that he would like to go on public record stating that he has a conflict of interest with R1.

Mayor Peterson also discussed the Chemtool cleanup since it’s been almost one year since the fire. Mayor Peterson said that some of the liquids were moved offsite in the Fall, but that the IEPA and Chemtool are still working on an agreement to clean up the site. Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that there is a potential company interested in the Chemtool site once it’s cleaned up.

Mayor Peterson said that someone from Hendricks Company is going to walk the Sonoco property to see if they have any interest in the property.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Danielson stated that he has a meeting this Thursday with a group regarding marketing for the downtown businesses.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – JODI MAY

None.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York stated that he was approached by the SOS (Save Our Subdivision) group in regards to the possibility of 4-unit complexes being developed at Old River and Roscoe Roads. Mr. York said that they came to his residence looking for his support.

THE CHIEF– STEVE DICKSON

Deputy Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that the trial for the license plate readers is working well and that it would cost approximately $4,100/year to continue this service for seven squad cars.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that the rezoning of the Sonoco property will be up for approval at the next Village Board meeting.

Ms. Diduch said that the event that After the Vine held on April 1st was successful. Ms. Diduch suggested that we may want to plan now for any special Village Board meetings.

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that if anyone would like to help hide Easter eggs for the Easter egg hunt on April 16th that she will be doing this at 8:30 am.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. York, second by Ms. May to adjourn at 6:08 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/4-4-22__Administration_Minutes.pdf