Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council met Sept. 6.

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 May 31, 2022.

2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on June 21, 2022.

II. PROCLAMATIONS

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Memorandum from Jeremy Carter, Traffic and Development Engineer, regarding an application and acceptance for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant for Riverwalk Design Engineering. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

2. Memorandum from Jeremy Carter, Traffic and Development Engineer, regarding an application and acceptance for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant for Highcrest Road Multi-Use Path. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

3. Memorandum from Mitch Leatherby, Street and Transportation Superintendent, regarding an application and acceptance of the Urban and Community Forestry Grant. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Memorandum from Megan McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the 2nd Quarter Report from April – June 2022 on Liquor License Establishments with Video Gaming, subject to the 50% requirement. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Memorandum from Mike Hakanson, Land Transaction Officer, regarding the request for authorization to place for sale the city-owned parcel located at 5798 Logistics Parkway. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

3. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: Tour de North End, Bourbon, Brisket and Blues, Rockford Public Library 150th Anniversary Celebration, Festival of Lights and Stroll on State. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

4. Traffic Commission Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 14, 2022 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on September 26, 2022. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

5. Memorandum from Megan McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a request for Modification to Existing Liquor License for additional Video Gaming Terminal at 4412 Manchester Drive. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement with Village of Davis Junction for snowplowing services. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Jamie Rott, Water Superintendent, regarding an Agreement between the City of Rockford and the Illinois Railway, LLC for a Railroad Pipe Crossing License to put a water main under an Illinois Railway track on 15th Avenue near the intersection of Kishwaukee Street. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, City Attorney, regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Exchange of Services with Rockford Public School District for Rockford Five-0 Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

4. Memorandum from John Wuich, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a Fine Reduction Request for 1803 S. 8th Street. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

5. Memorandum from John Wuich, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a Fine Reduction Request for 1726 15th Avenue. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS

1. Prophet Yusef

2. Rev. Earl Dotson, Sr.

3. John Tac Brantley

V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District to I-2, General Industrial Zoning District at 402-528 Martin Road, 3331 and 3333 Foley Street, 4xx-517 Barry Road, 4xx-440 Barry Road, 3213, 32xx and 3215 Blair Street, 3306 and 3312 Blair Street, 315 Kennon Road, and 3319 Lyle Street (Four Rivers Sanitation Authority/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2. Committee recommends denial for a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development for a pet grooming facility, dog bar, new vehicle storage building, new parking lot, and a bar building in an R-3, Multi Family Residential Zoning District at 6588 Spring Brook Road (William Caldwell/Applicant), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation of approval.

3. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals approval for:

a. A Special Use Permit for religious assembly and associated activities; and

b. A Variation to reduce the required front yard setback along Preston Street from twenty-five (25) feet to fifteen (15) feet; and

c. A Variation to reduce the required front yard setback along Waveland Avenue from twenty-five (25) feet to fifteen (15) feet in a R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 602 South Pierpont Avenue and 7xx Waveland Avenue. Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board approval of a license for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class E) in conjunction with a restaurant, and outdoor seating area in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 5494 East State Street (Jose A. Chavez/Mexico Classico Grill, LLC dba Chavez Mexican Restaurant/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

5. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board approval of the continued operation under a Class A license for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a restaurant and outdoor seating area under new ownership pursuant to an 80% stock purchase in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 6860 Spring Creek Road (Laura Renner/Josef’s of Barbados/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

6. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board approval of a license for the Sale of Beer & Wine by the drink (Class NG-WB) in conjunction with a restaurant and an outdoor seating area in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 1710 Rural Street #3 (Stacey Knight/Kevin Knight/Feed the Pozitive, LLC dba Lydia’s Café/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

7. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board approval for:

a. The continued operation under a Class A license for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a bar, video gaming terminals, outdoor seating area; and

b. The continued Sale of Packaged Liquor under a Class PKG in conjunction with a bar, video gaming terminals and outdoor seating area pursuant to a 100% stock purchase in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2401 and 2402 Latham Street (Colleen Therese Kowalski/Latham Tap Inc. dba Latham Tap, Inc./Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinances.

8. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board approval for:

a. A license for the Sale of Tobacco Products with a gas station and convenience store; and

b. A license for the Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG) in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 320 North Mulford Road (Girishkumar B. Patel/Circle G LLC dba BP Gas Station/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinances.

9. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Amendments to the City of Rockford Annexation Policy. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

10. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Amendments to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances Section 17-1 (Weed Control) and Section 17-2 (Weed Cutting; Liens). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $6,985,596.25 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on August 22, 2022.

2. Committee recommends approval of the First Addendum to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Lease of Fair Grounds Park Day Care Center between Head Start and the Rockford Park District. The addendum provides the City some protection of federal interests and gives the Park District the right to review and approve any major projects at the Pace Center at Fair Grounds. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement: City-State Railroad Agreement for Railway - Highway Grade Crossing Improvements (Sandy Hollow Road and Illinois Railway Railroad Tracks). This Agreement outlines the funding of this estimated $533,264.22 project. The funding of the project shall be 90% Federal, 0% Railroad, and 10% City ($53,326.45). The City's portion will be paid for using Motor Fuel Tax funds. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

VI. OFFICERS REPORTS

VII. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER

1. Appointment of Sam Castree to the Human Resources Appeals Board for a three year term expiring August 2025. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment is up for passage.)

2. Appointment of Ginnie Weckerly to the Human Resources Appeals Board for a three-year term expiring August 2025. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment is up for passage.)

3. Appointment of Rhashonda Williams to the Human Resources Appeals Board for a three-year term expiring August 2025. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment is up for passage.)

VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Grant Application Authorization and Award Acceptance - Bridge Investment Program (BIP) - 15th Avenue Bridge Reconstruction in the amount of $2,500,000.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Application and Award Acceptance for the DCEO Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program: Davis Park Master Plan Phase 1 Implementation in the amount of $500,000.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Colorado Avenue Drainage Ditch Repairs to DPI Construction, Inc., of Pecatonica, Illinois in the amount of $44,712.00. The project is estimated to be completed by September 16, 2022. The funding source is CIP General Fund.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Saratoga Storm Sewer Repair Stenstrom Co., Ltd., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $30,753.35. The project is estimated to be completed by October 14, 2022. The funding source is CIP General Fund.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Central Garage Backup Generator to Miller Engineering Company, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $294,500.00. The funding source is American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds - Phase 1.

4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Website Design to CivicPlus, of Manhattan, Kansas for an initial implementation cost of $90,900.00 in year 1, and $27,200.00 annually starting in year 2. The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) additional one-year extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at renewal only. The funding source is Information Technology Fund Operating Budget.

5. Committee recommends approval of the Supplement Resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code for City-Wide Asset Management Capital Planning. Council authorization is required for use of Motor Fuel Tax funds for an additional amount of $15,000.00 and a total amended amount of $315,000.00.

6. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) Department of Human Services (DHS) Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot Grant Award in the amount of $123,750.00 and does not require a cost match. The grant term is from signature date to June 30, 2023.

7. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Rosecrance Consolidated - This grant is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $774,560.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $193,640.00. The funds will pay Rosecrance for approved client's housing and supportive services. The City would retain $43,040.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023.

8. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Rosecrance 2003 - This grant is a renewal of an existing Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program in the amount of $145,219.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $36,304.75. The funds will pay Rosecrance for approved client's housing and supportive services. The City would retain $8,059.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

9. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Shelter Care Ministry Consolidated Rapid Rehousing - This grant is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $147,290.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $36,822.50. The funds will pay Shelter Care Ministries (SCM) for approved client's housing and supportive services. The City would retain $10,175.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

10. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Shelter Care Ministry Consolidated Permanent Support Housing - This grant is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $181,054.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $45,263.50. The funds will pay Shelter Care Ministries (SCM) for approved client's housing and supportive services. The City would retain $14,000.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023.

11. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Carpenter's Place (CP) PH1 - This grant is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $116,920.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $29,230.00. The funds will pay Carpenter's Place for approved client's housing and supportive services. The City would retain $6,735.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

12. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Carpenter's Place (CP) PH2 - This grant is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $33,392.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $8,348.00. The funds will pay Carpenter's Place for approved client's housing and supportive services. The City of Rockford would retain $2,171.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023.

13. Committee recommends approval of the Continuum of Care - Youth Rapid Rehousing grant is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program - This grant is in the amount of $95,989.00. The grant does require a 25% cost match in the amount of $23,997.25.

The funds will pay for approved client's deposit, rent, client's budget education, staff training, payroll, and administration. The City of Rockford would retain $8,197.00 for administrative costs. The grant does not require the City to bear any additional costs. The grant term is from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023.

14. Committee recommends denial of Oxford House, Inc.'s request to waive zoning application fees. Oxford House, Inc. has submitted zoning applications for the following properties:

3522 Applewood Lane

6274 Brigantine Lane

5383 Pepper Drive

1234 National Avenue

Each zoning application seeks a variance to approve a reasonable accommodation to allow more than six (6) unrelated individuals to reside in a R-1 zoning district.

Counsel for Oxford House, Inc. requests a waiver of the zoning application fees at these properties.

City Council, by adoption of a Resolution may waive the zoning application fee. The filing fee for each property is $444.40.

15. Award of Bid: Charles Street Rehabilitation to William Charles Construction, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $5,537,238.84. The project is estimated to be completed by October 15, 2023. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

16. Award of Bid: City-Wide Sidewalk & ADA Repair 2022 Package 3 to Campos Construction, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $81,230.50. The project is estimated to be completed by October 31, 2022. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

17. Award of Bid: Demolition of Lorden Building at Davis Park to N-TRAK Group, of Loves Park, Illinois in the amount of $1,144,400.00. The project is estimated to be completed by May of 2023. The funding source is Redevelopment Funds.

IX. NEW BUSINESS (ORDINANCES)

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. An ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District to I-2, General Industrial Zoning District at 402-528 Martin Road, 3331 and 3333 Foley Street, 4xx-517 Barry Road, 4xx-440 Barry Road, 3213, 32xx and 3215 Blair Street, 3306 and 3312 Blair Street, 315 Kennon Road, and 3319 Lyle Street (Four Rivers Sanitation Authority/Applicants).

2. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for religious assembly and associated activities, a Variation to reduce the required front yard setback along Preston Street from twenty-five (25) feet to fifteen (15) feet and a Variation to reduce the required front yard setback along Waveland Avenue from twenty-five (25) feet to fifteen (15) feet in a R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 602 South Pierpont Avenue and 7xx Waveland Avenue.

3. An ordinance approving a license for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class E) in conjunction with a restaurant, and outdoor seating area in a C 2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 5494 East State Street (Jose A. Chavez/Mexico Classico Grill, LLC dba Chavez Mexican Restaurant/Applicant).

4. An ordinance approving the continued operation under a Class A license for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a restaurant and outdoor seating area under new ownership pursuant to an 80% stock purchase in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 6860 Spring Creek Road (Laura Renner/Josef’s of Barbados/Applicant).

5. An ordinance approving a license for the Sale of Beer & Wine by the drink (Class NG-WB) in conjunction with a restaurant and an outdoor seating area in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 1710 Rural Street #3 (Stacey Knight/Kevin Knight/Feed the Pozitive, LLC dba Lydia’s Café/Applicant).

6. An ordinance approving the continued operation under a Class A license for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a bar, video gaming terminals, outdoor seating area and the continued Sale of Packaged Liquor under a Class PKG in conjunction with a bar, video gaming terminals and outdoor seating area pursuant to a 100% stock purchase in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2401 and 2402 Latham Street (Colleen Therese Kowalski/Latham Tap Inc. dba Latham Tap, Inc./Applicant).

7. An ordinance approving a license for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 320 North Mulford Road (Girishkumar B. Patel/Circle G LLC dba BP Gas Station/Applicant).

8. An ordinance approving a license for the Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG) in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 320 North Mulford Road (Girishkumar B. Patel/Circle G LLC dba BP Gas Station/Applicant).

9. An ordinance approving the Amendments to the City of Rockford Annexation Policy.

10. An ordinance approving the Amendments to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances Section 17-1 (Weed Control) and Section 17-2 (Weed Cutting; Liens).

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. An ordinance approving the First Addendum to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Lease of Fair Grounds Park Day Care Center between Head Start and the Rockford Park District. The addendum provides the City some protection of federal interests and gives the Park District the right to review and approve any major projects at the Pace Center at Fair Grounds.

2. An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement: City-State Railroad Agreement for Railway - Highway Grade Crossing Improvements (Sandy Hollow Road & Illinois Railway Railroad Tracks). This Agreement outlines the funding of this estimated $533,264.22 project. The funding of the project shall be 90% Federal, 0% Railroad, and 10% City ($53,326.45). The City's portion will be paid for using Motor Fuel Tax funds.

X. ADJOURNMENT

http://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=3400&Inline=True