City of Rockford City Council met Feb. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The invocation was given by Chaplain Norma Borrero and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
B. Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Jonathan Logemann | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Kevin Frost | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Aprel Prunty | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Janessa Wilkins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Karen Hoffman | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Franklin C. Beach | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Tuffy Quinonez | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Gina Meeks | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Linda McNeely | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
II. PROCLAMATIONS
There were no proclamations presented at this meeting.
III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Ifeanyi Mogbana, City Attorney, regarding the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB) Quarterly Report FY23 (Q1 July –September 2022) and (Q2 October-December 2022). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
2. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an Agreement between the City of Rockford and LT Construction for the Workforce Development Initiative. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
3. Memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding the second update report for 2022 from the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC). Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
4. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding the award acceptance of the Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) for Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) grant funds. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
5. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding the 2023 Forward for Fun Initiative. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda for the meeting to be held on February 22, 2023 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on February 27, 2023. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board Agenda for the meeting to be held on February 22, 2023 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on February 27, 2023. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
3. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding a Recreational Lease Agreement between the City of Rockford and
Commonwealth Edison for the Fordham property. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
4. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events for St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Memorial Day Parade. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
5. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the Final Plat of No. 3 of Aspling Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
6. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the Final Plat No. 2 of Fairway Greens Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
Legal Director Nicholas Meyer announced receipt of the Comcast Quarterly Franchise Fee payment in the amount of $387,780.68.
1. Memorandum from Sarah Brinkmann, Housing and Program Manager, regarding the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Home Repair and Accessibility Grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
2. Memorandum from Karl Franzen, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding release of liens on certain Winnebago County Trustee parcels. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. Kylee Haggard was not present.
2. Prophet Yusef recited scripture and spoke about the African American men who served in the US armed forces during World War II.
3. John Tac Brantley shared a passage of scripture and thanked the community for donating funds for his vehicle repairs so he could continue to provide transportation for elementary students to Lewis Lemon School.
4. Rev. Earl Dotson, Sr. recited scripture and shared his personal feelings regarding effectively addressing systematic racism.
V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2023-21-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Annexation of 2162 Lamar Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
The owner of the subject property has requested connection to city water
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
2. 2023-22-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Plat of QuikTrip
Store No. 7206 Subdivision.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
3. 2023-23-CR - Committee recommends approval of the proposed text amendments to Sections 17-41 and 17-42 in the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2023-24-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $12,340,430.21 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on February 13, 2023.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
2. 2023-25-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Letter of Understanding (City-State Project Reconciliation) between the City of Rockford and State of Illinois (IDOT) finalizing each party's participation and financial responsibilities throughout various projects. The Letter of Understanding (LOU) represents the culmination of an exchange of costs for agreed items between the following projects:
∙ North Main & Auburn Roundabout
∙ South Main Street (Pond Street to Cedar Street)
∙ South Main Street (Beltline Road to Harrison Avenue)
∙ North Main Street (Auburn Street to Riverside Boulevard)
∙ South Main Street Two-Way Conversion (Cedar Street to Chestnut Street)
Approving this LOU effectively commits the City to providing a final project reconciliation payment of $1,248,769.29 to the State.
The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
VI. OFFICERS REPORTS
A. Alderman Rose
Alderman Rose expressed his appreciation to the Blackhawk's organization for their Pride Night.
B. Alderman Torina
Alderman Torina announced there would be an Open House for the Jenkins Community Resource Center on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 10:00 am to noon at 911 Michigan Avenue.
C. Alderman Meeks
Alderman Meeks thanked Public Works Director Kyle Saunders and the Public Works staff for their efforts and hard work after the recent winter storm.
Alderman Meeks expressed her gratitude to the Rockford Park District for honoring her father, Tommy Meeks, during Black History Month. She also thanked Mayor McNamara, Austin Taylor, Tim Dimke and Jay Sandine for their participation in the event.
Alderman Meeks thanked Vickie Fogal, President of the North End Square Neighborhood Association, for coordinating the recent vigil to honor Peggy Anderson. She expressed her appreciation to Mayor McNamara and Alderman Rose for speaking at the vigil. Alderman Meeks shared it was beautiful to see the community come together and show their respect and support for Peggy Anderson, her family and Pinnons.
D. Alderman Wilkins
Alderman Wilkins announced the West Gateway Coalition was hosting Bingo for residents 55 years of age and older. She indicated the event was free and was held on the second Fridays of each month at Police District 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
E. Alderman McNeely
Alderman McNeely thanked Mr. Brantley for bringing the children to the City Council meeting and for his efforts to transport students daily to Lewis Lemon School.
F. Alderman Tuneberg
Alderman Tuneberg expressed his appreciation to the Rockford Park District for hosting the Illinois State Ice Sculpture Competition. He mentioned it was a great event and he thanked Laura Gibbs Green for her efforts to coordinate the competition and festivities.
Alderman Tuneberg mentioned that he and Alderman Beach serve on the Rockford Area Venue and Entertainment (RAVE) Board and he expressed his excitement that they have turned their first profit.
City Administrator Todd Cagnoni confirmed and indicated a presentation from the RAVE Board would be presented to the council member in the coming weeks.
Alderman Tuneberg shared he attended the Old Dominion concert recently at the BMO Center. He reported the downtown area was electric and the promoter for Old Dominion was impressed. He stated he was hopeful the downtown Rockford area would attract additional popular bands. Alderman Tuneberg thanked the RAVE Board for their diligent efforts to line up entertainment for the Rockford venues.
Mayor McNamara stated the promoter that Alderman Tuneberg mentioned is one of the biggest in the industry so it was exciting to know that he was impressed with the BMO Center and the downtown area.
Mayor McNamara shared he took a preview tour of the Riverview Ice House and he commented the renovations were coming along nicely. He stated the Rockford Park District was investing over $8 million dollars in the facility which brings in approximately 350,000 visitors annually. Mayor McNamara commended the Rockford Park District for their investment in the Ice House.
Mayor McNamara reported that he and Alderman Wilkins attended the Think Big Graduation on Saturday. He mentioned there were 37 graduates and some of those graduates have already opened local brick and mortar businesses.
VII. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER
1. Appointment of Brett Owens to the Community Relations Commission to fill the seat vacated by Jeff Pettera. The term will expire August 2025. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after March 9, 2023.)
RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 3/6/2023 6:00 PM
VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2023-23-R - Committee recommends approval of the Rockford City Market
Rockford City Market will be held every Friday beginning on May 19th, and ending on September 29th from 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The event location will be on Water Street between East State Street, and Short Jefferson Street; Market Street between Water Street, and the railroad tracks; and the City Market Pavilion
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
2. 2023-24-R - Resolution approving a Claim Settlement for Anderson Japanese Gardens. (Suspend Rule 9)
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the resolution.
Alderman Beach then made a motion to suspend Rule 9, seconded by
Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty and Quinonez were absent).
The resolution was then placed up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2023-25-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Tires and Tire Repair to Pomp's Tire Service, of Machesney Park, Illinois and Goodyear Tires, of Rockford, Illinois for an estimated annual value of $160,000.00 (Pomp's Tire Service : $90,000.00 annually and Goodyear Tires: $70,000.00 annually). The contract duration is through March 31, 2024 with four (4) possible one-year annual extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is Equipment Fund Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 0]
AYES: Logemann, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSTAIN: Chad Tuneberg ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
2. 2023-26-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Liability Claims Administration to Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania for a contract amount of $55,000.00 for the first 2 years, extension years 2, 3, and 4 are subject to a 3% rate increase. The contract duration is one-year with four optional one-year extensions. The funding source is Risk Management Fund.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
3. 2023-27-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Turnout Gear Advanced Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair to Gear Wash of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the amount of $76,551.00. The contract duration is one-year. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
4. 2023-28-R - Committee recommends approval of the Contract Renewal Program Enhancement: Specialty Drug Prior Authorization review for prescription drug coverage for the City of Rockford PPO Health Insurance
Plan to ELMC, of East Norriton, Pennsylvania for contract amount/rates:
There is no administrative fixed fee. Expenses are 25% of recovered savings which could exceed $25,000.00 annually. The contract duration is one (1) year with the ability to renew annually for two (2) additional years.
The funding source is Health Insurance Fund.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
5. 2023-29-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Stormwater Master Plan & Ordinance Review & Update to H.R. Green, Inc., of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $332,848.00. The project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2023. The funding source CIP General Fund.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
6. 2023-30-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Parkview Sidewalk Phase 3 Construction Engineering to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $62,129.00. The project is estimated to be completed in 2023. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
7. 2023-31-R - Committee recommends approval of the Supplemental Resolution approving the appropriation of an additional $1,534,175.38 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) for South Main Street (IL-2) from Pond Street to Cedar Street. The total amended Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) authorization is $1,841,093.38.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
9. 2023-33-R - Committee recommends approval of the Children's Home and Aid Subaward Agreement Fiscal Year 2023. The City of Rockford was selected to receive a third award from ICJIA Restore, Reinvest, and
Renew (R3) Grant in the amount of $520,790.00 that extended the term date by 12 months, through January 31, 2024. The third designation will bring the total amount awarded to the City of Rockford under this project to $1,562,370.00 through January 31, 2024. Children's Home and Aid has submitted an amendment to the agreement in the amount of $218,862.00 for the 12-month project term. The amendment and extension do not require a match and are budget neutral.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 0]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSTAIN: Janessa Wilkins ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
IX. NEW BUSINESS (ORDINANCES)
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2023-22-O - An ordinance approving the Annexation of 2162 Lamar Avenue.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
2. 2023-23-O - An ordinance approving the text amendments to Sections 17-41 and 17-42 in the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2023-24-O - An ordinance approving the Letter of Understanding (City State Project Reconciliation) between the City of Rockford and State of Illinois (IDOT) finalizing each party's participation and financial responsibilities throughout various projects. The Letter of Understanding (LOU) represents the culmination of an exchange of costs for agreed items between the following projects:
∙ North Main & Auburn Roundabout
∙ South Main Street (Pond Street to Cedar Street)
∙ South Main Street (Beltline Road to Harrison Avenue)
∙ North Main Street (Auburn Street to Riverside Boulevard)
∙ South Main Street Two-Way Conversion (Cedar Street to Chestnut Street)
Approving this LOU effectively commits the City to providing a final project reconciliation payment of $1,248,769.29 to the State.
Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
1. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Wilkins moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Torina.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty and Quinonez were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Hoffman, Rose, Beach, Meeks, McNeely, Bonne ABSENT: Tim Durkee, Aprel Prunty, Tuffy Quinonez |
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