Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Dec. 5

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Seever called the regular meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Barber, Kevin Bunge, Arianne Honkamp, Jodi May, Tyler Seever and Don Self

Staff present: Adam Bunge

Also present: Dave Winters

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Ms. May, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of November 14, 2022. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Jarrett Larkin, resident of 624 W. Union Street spoke to the Committee in reference to having to move his fence for the construction project along Race Street. Mr. Larkin stated that he received a notice that his fence is beyond the property line and is in the Village right of way. Mr. Larkin said that he replaced the fence approximately 20 months ago and that when he called the Village he was told to just run the new fence along the old fence line if he was just replacing it. Mr. Larkin doesn’t feel that he should have to pay to have the fence moved since this is what he was told. Mayor Peterson asked Mr. Barber to look into pricing to reset the posts on Mr. Larkin’s property along with pricing to move the two other fences that are in the right of way.

Robin Crouch, resident of 778 Loomis Drive, addressed the Committee in reference to her utility bill once again. Ms. Crouch addressed the Committee two weeks ago and stated that she paid her water bill on time, therefore, she shouldn’t have any late fees. Ms. Crouch stated that she didn’t feel that the Committee listened to her two weeks ago and that she will file a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission if this doesn’t get resolved. Ms. May advised Ms. Crouch that this issue has been discussed several times with the Committee and that they are done discussing it any further.

VILLAGE ENGINEER – KEVIN BUNGE 

Village Engineers Kevin Bunge and Adam Bunge gave their report. A copy of the engineering status report is on file with the Village Clerk’s office.

Mr. Bunge (Kevin) discussed the Safe Route to Schools (SRTS) grant with the Committee and advised that the east entrance of the school is out of ADA compliance. Mr. Bunge said that using the west entrance was discussed, but that this isn’t an option, in his opinion, because it would increase the cost of the project. Mr. Barber said that the Village needs to come up with $48,000 for design engineering this fiscal year and he doesn’t know where that’s going to come from in the budget.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON 

Mayor Peterson stated that the Rockton Christmas Walk went very well and that the Public Works Department did a great job.

STREETS AND WALKS – TYLER SEEVER 

None.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY 

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP 

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER 

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that there are two conferences that he and other Public Works Department employees will be attending in February and March.

Mr. Barber stated that he was able to get a free trial for financial planning for municipalities that he is going to check out. Mr. Barber said that after the free trial is over it would cost approximately $13,000/year for the software program.

Mr. Barber added that there was much better communication this year for the Rockton Christmas Walk.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF 

Mr. Self advised the Committee that he is working with four individuals in reference to maintaining the hockey rink by the boat launch.

Mr. Self stated that he would like to go out to bid for lawn maintenance soon. Mr. Self said that the Village has been using Nason’s Landscaping and that he has been very happy with their work. Mr. Self said that he will be adding mulch for the Farm & Fleet berm into the bid as well.

Mr. Self added that he is getting quotes for water heaters at the pool and sealcoating for the basketball court.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW 

Mayor Peterson said that he has a meeting at the Paperchine building on Tuesday in reference to them connecting to Village water for a fire suppression system. Mr. Barber commented that Mr. Bunge has been very helpful with this process.

ADJOURN 

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Ms. May to adjourn at 7:25 pm.

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