Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Feb. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:34 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Baumgartner, Scott Danielson and Justin York Staff present: Dan Barber, Tricia Diduch, Chief Hollinger and Corine Hughes

Also present: Atty. Greg Cox, Alberto Pipitone, Jen Pipitone and Dave Winters

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of January 16, 2023. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Winters congratulated Michael Johnson on his promotion to sergeant. Mr. Winters added that he looked at the water/sewer rates on the Village website and confirmed the current rates. Mr. Winters urged the Village not to increase garbage rates and stated that Village of Roscoe residents are paying $26/month and have less services provided to them.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

The Village Clerk swore in Micheal Johnson as sergeant.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Danielson discussed the outdoor patio at Al’s Main Street Tap with the Committee. Mr. Barber stated that he and Mr. Bunge, Village Engineer, met with Alberto and Tony Pipitone and discussed the project. Mr. Barber said that there aren’t any issues with vision at the corner where the outdoor patio would be located. Mr. Barber added that the Village would have to approve an ordinance in reference to the sidewalk and awning on the building. Atty. Greg Cox (who represents Mr. Pipitone) presented updated drawings of the outdoor patio to the Committee. Atty. Cox stated that Phase I would have tables with umbrellas outside along with aluminum railing and brushed concrete. Atty. Cox added that they would like to install a metal awning when they get to Phase II of the project. Atty. Cox advised the Committee that he spoke with Atty. Szeto from the Village and that Atty. Szeto is looking for some guidance if the Village would like to move forward with approving this. Mr. York stated that the plan that was presented to the Committee tells the story that he needed to hear. Mr. York said that it looks like any issues or concerns that the Village had have been resolved and that he thinks it will be a beautiful addition to the Village. Mr. Baumgartner also agreed with Mr. York.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York stated that Ordinance 2023-4: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 137 (Weapons) of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Rockton, Winnebago County, Illinois Regarding Air Rifles, Blow/Dart Guns, Paintball Guns/Marker, Bows and Arrows, and Sling Shots is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on February 7, 2023. Chief Hollinger stated that when the Illinois state statutes were updated approximately 10 years ago, the company that codifies the Village’s code book removed this section. Chief Hollinger said that he and Atty. Szeto reviewed several ordinances from other municipalities to create the Village’s ordinance. Mr. York stated that he initially had a few concerns in regards to this. Chief Hollinger explained the changes and the age requirements to the Committee. Mr. Danielson said that this makes sense to him. The Committee was okay with this.

ADMINISTRATION – DAN BAUMGARTNER

Mr. Baumgartner discussed administration duties with the Committee. Ms. Hughes explained that she will be leaving her position at the end of March and that there are some random administrative duties that she has been taking care of. Ms. Hughes inquired who should be responsible for some of these duties when she leaves. Mr. York stated that it would be beneficial for Ms. Hughes to create an itemized list of those duties and Mayor Peterson can determine who should be responsible for those items moving forward. The Committee had a brief discussion about a need for an Office Manager or Village Administrator in the future. Mr. Danielson stated that whoever the jobs get delegated to for now is temporary until the Village gets this figured out. Mr. York added that whatever route the Village decides to go, that they need to have a clear plan and be able to justify spending money on this. Mayor Peterson stated that the Village needs to think things through before a final decision is made. Mayor Peterson agreed that we currently need to delegate the duties on a short term basis for right now.

Mr. Baumgartner also discussed the water/sewer rates with the Committee. Mayor Peterson said that there was some confusion after the last meeting as far as the numbers. Mayor Peterson said that the current base rate for water is $7/month and that the water system maintenance fee is $13/month. Mayor Peterson said that he came up with some numbers and that water is currently functioning in the red, but that he feels that this can be corrected with the base rate. Mayor Peterson added that the current base rate for sewer is $5/month. Mayor Peterson stated that the first step is to figure out how to accurately operate the department. Mr. Barber commented that there are projects that need to be addressed or they are going to fail. Mr. York suggested that the Village look into charging fees according to low/high usage and use a tier system. Mr. Barber said that we should be able to generate a report on specific usage. Mr. York added that he doesn’t want this Village Board to budget losses. Mr. Winters commented that utility bills have increased over the last three years and that the former mayor didn’t want to increase the Village’s rates. Mr. Barber stated that he has provided all of the information to the Village Board and that he will do whatever the Village Board so chooses.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

None.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that the Yeti Fest is this weekend and encouraged everyone to purchase Hot Cocoa Crawl and Snow Ball tickets.

Ms. Diduch added that she should be receiving information in the next two weeks to edit for the downtown website.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:41 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/2-6-23_Administration_Minutes.pdf