Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Jan. 3

By Philip Gonzales

Mar 3, 2023

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Jan. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:00 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Baumgartner, Scott Danielson and Justin York Staff present: Dan Barber, Tricia Diduch and Atty. Aaron Szeto (by phone)

Also present: Atty. Greg Cox, Alberto Pipitone, Jennifer Pipitone and Dave Winters Absent: Chief Hollinger

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of December 19, 2022. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson stated that all of the bands are scheduled for the upcoming Rockton River Market (RRM). Mayor Peterson added that he and Ms. Diduch are looking at revising the RRM vendor application and figuring out liquor licenses for the event.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Danielson discussed the outdoor patio for Al’s Main Street Tap with the Committee. Atty. Greg Cox, who represents Alberto Pipitone, addressed the Committee in reference to the outdoor patio and stated that Mr. Pipitone would like to get started on the project and that he is requesting basic outdoor design approval. Mr. Pipitone provided the Committee with basic drawings/photos of what he would like the expansion to look like in regards to the cement patio, decking, railing and overhang. Atty. Szeto stated that he had concerns about the phases of the project and said that the Village doesn’t exactly know what they’re getting in exchange for selling the land (parking spots). Atty. Szeto said that everything is very “loose” at this point. Atty. Cox said that they would put a five year time limit on the phases of the project. Mr. Danielson agreed that Phase I is open ended and that Phase II would include the kitchen expansion. Atty. Szeto questioned what the Village Board would deem as fair in regards to selling the land and how would we get to Phase II. Atty. Szeto stated that he felt there was room to work on this. Mr. York questioned what would happen if Phase II wasn’t completed within five years. Atty. Szeto explained that Phase II would be out the window and Mr. Pipitone would have to come back to the Village Board for approval. Mayor Peterson questioned if there should be concerns about this being a five year plan for Phase II since there could be a different Village Board and mayor down the road. Atty. Szeto explained that this would be binding a future Village Board and mayor into what the current Village Board is okay with doing. Atty. Szeto stated that there would be a little gray area concerning the five year issue. Atty. Cox added that Mr. Pipitone would prefer to abandon the sidewalk on the west side of the property, but is open to discussing how a sidewalk would work if they needed to have one. Mr. Barber stated that the Village would need five feet for the sidewalk to be ADA compliant and that we would need an area for snow removal as well. Mr. Barber advised that he and the Mr. Bunge, Village Engineer, could look at this to determine what is necessary. Mr. York stated that he was in favor of the outdoor patio and that he feels that this would benefit the Village, but realizes the sidewalk may be a problem. Mr. Barber stated that he and Mr. Bunge will meet with Mr. Pipitone and go over this further. Atty. Cox stated that Mr. Pipitone would like to know what the cost of the property would be as well. Mr. Danielson stated that due to time constraints, he would like this placed on the next agenda for further discussion.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – JUSTIN YORK

None.

ADMINISTRATION – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

None.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that Yeti Fest planning is underway.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.