Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council met April 3.

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 City Council meeting held on March 20, 2023.

II. PROCLAMATIONS

1. Proclamation proclaiming April 3rd through April 7th, 2023 to be "Better Business Bureau 35th Anniversary" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Memorandum from Sarah Brinkmann, Housing and Program Manager, regarding an Agreement with Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity for the 2023 Critical Home Repair Program. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

2. Memorandum from Sarah Brinkmann, Housing and Program Manager, regarding an Amendment to the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2022 Annual Action Plan. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

3. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Boys and Girls Club of Rockford for Capital Improvements in partnership with Winnebago County. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Memorandum from Kelly Nokes, Engineering Operations Manager, regarding a request to vacate Right-of-Way/Alley at 1515 9th Street. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Memorandum from Michele Pankow, Fire Chief, regarding the acceptance of the City of Rockford Congressionally Direct Spending EOC Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Program Operations-Community Services, regarding a Case for Community Investment (Built for Zero) from Community Solutions Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Memorandum from Lisa Warren, Head Start Director, regarding an application and acceptance of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Head Start/AFSCME C, Quality Improvement Funds and Non-Federal Share Waiver for COLA. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

4. Memorandum from Anne Wilkerson, Central Services Manager, regarding a resolution authorizing the Central Services Manager to execute a contract for natural gas supply. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS

1. Ken Dickens

2. Prophet Yusef

3. John Tac Brantley

4. Rev. Earl Dotson, Sr.

V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the extension of Agreement with Zion Development Corporation for the continued use of the property at 312 Irving Avenue as a STRONG House. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2. Committee recommends approval of the extension of Agreement with Winnebago Homes Association for the continued use of the property at 1233 Revell Avenue for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends approval of the extension of Agreement with Winnebago Homes Association for the continued use of the property at 1007 15th Street for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends approval to establish an all-way stop at the intersection of 23rd Street and 10th Avenue, thus repealing the existing 2- way stop at the intersection of 23rd Street and 10th Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the east side of Indian Terrace from Mound Avenue to 45 feet north of Mound Avenue, thus repealing the “2-Hour Parking” and “Residential Permit Parking” restrictions Mound Avenue to 45 feet north of Mound Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Annexation of 3733 South Main Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. Committee recommends approval of the Plat of GRAA Industrial Subdivision.

5. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District to I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 4970 and 49xx Linden Road (Holden Linden Road LLC/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

6. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Variation to increase the maximum allowable fence height in the front yard along Fieldcrest Drive from 4 feet to 6 feet in an R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 1003 Fieldcrest Drive (Erik and Tiffany Czerwin/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

7. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for a mural in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 317 Mulberry Street (Jennifer Kuroda for the Sinnissippi Audubon/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

8. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval of a license for the sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with restaurant, outdoor seating area and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3870 North Perryville Road (David Prochnicki/Toby Prochnicki/TR Restaurant Group, Inc. dba RBI Brunch Bar/Applicants). Subject to amended conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

9. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval of a license for the sale of beer and wine by the drink (Class NG-WB) in conjunction with a coffee shop, café restaurant and outdoor seating in a C-4, Urban Mixed Use Zoning District at 303 and 307 Mulberry Street (Joyce Krumm/CTAM, Inc. dba Mo’s Coffee and Café/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

10. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for:

a. The Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L); and

b. The Sale of Packaged Beer & Wine (Class PKG) in conjunction with a restaurant, bar and outdoor seating in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 6860 and 6824 Spring Creek Road (David E. Stern, M.D./SALT Barbados, LLC dba SALT/Applicant).

Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

11. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Modification of an Existing Liquor License for a 4% stock purchase in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2327 and 23xx Kishwaukee Street (Bernadette Conroy/TNT’s Securities, Inc. dba TNT’s Bar and Grill/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $8,329,870.57 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on March 27, 2023.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Professional Service Agreement with Region 1 Planning Council and the City of Rockford to continue work building a Domestic and Community Violence Data Infrastructure for assessment of strategy development and deployment. The total amount charged for work performed under this Agreement shall not exceed $39,520.00. Execution of this Agreement will require no additional funding and will use funds contained in the existing budget approved by City Council. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends approval of an Agreement between the City of Rockford and the Rockford Area Arts Council for Utility Box Artwork. The proposed agreement will allow the City and Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) to work collaboratively in commissioning, designing, and installing decorative vinyl art installations on traffic signal controller boxes throughout the City. Per the agreement, RAAC will coordinate the design and installation of at least forty-one (41) decorative vinyl wraps at intersections encompassing every Ward of the City. The funding source is the Traffic Division Operating Budget and the total funding amount is not to exceed $25,000.00. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. Committee recommends approval of a Tax-Exempt Lease for thirty-seven (37) 2023 Police Vehicles and Outfitting to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.89%. The annual payments will be $524,820.82 for a term of five (5) years. The total amount financed is $2,624,104.10. The funding source is Police Department Operating Budgets. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

5. Committee recommends approval of a Tax-Exempt Lease for four (4) 2023 Fire Ambulances to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.89%. The annual payments will be $326,900.08 for a term of five (5) years. The total amount financed is $1,634,500.40. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

6. Committee recommends approval of a Tax-Exempt Lease for seventeen (17) 2023 Vehicles and Outfitting to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.89%. The vehicles purchased are SUV's, medium-duty trucks, and vans for multiple departments. The annual payments will be $151,377.66 for a term of seven (7) years. The total amount financed is $1,059,643.62. The funding sources are from the Street, Engineering, and Traffic Division, Fire Department, Community and Economic Development Department and Water Fund Operating Budgets. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

7. Committee recommends approval of a Tax-Exempt Lease for sixteen (16) 2023 Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Outfitting to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.94%. The annual payments will be $336,802.42 for a term of ten (10) years. The total amount financed is $3,368,024.20. The funding source is Street, and Traffic Divisions, Garage and Water Funds' Operating Budgets. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

8. Approval of an Ordinance of the City of Rockford, Illinois, Authorizing the City to Execute a Loan Agreement and Taxable General Obligation Promissory Note, Series 2018 Fifth Modification Agreement in the amount of $12,000,000.00 with Associated Bank, National Association.

9. Intergovernmental Agreement among the City of Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois, a municipality of the State of Illinois (the "City"), the Rockford Mass Transit District, Winnebago County, Illinois, a unit of local government of the State of Illinois (the "District"), and Rockford Bank & Trust, Co., (the "Bank") Rockford, Illinois, for the Guarantee of a $1,500,000.00 line of credit annually to fund district operations.

VI. OFFICERS REPORTS

VII. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER

1. Appointment of Jennifer Smith as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board, replacing the current Chairman, Dan Roszkowski. This appointment is up for passage.

2. Appointment of Dan McMahon to the RAVE Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mike Dunn, Sr. The term will expire June 2025. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after April 5, 2023.)

3. Appointment of Frank Buchmann to the Fire Pension Board for a three-year term to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Michael White. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after April 5, 2023.)

4. Appointment of Mary Kaull to the Community Relations Commission to replace Erin Hannigan. The term will expire in August 2023. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage on May 3, 2023.)

VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Resolution initiating a proposed text amendment to Section 80-009 of the City of Rockford's Code of Ordinance regarding nonconforming gravel driveways and parking lots.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Rockford Fire 911 Run

This event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 3rd from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The run location will be at 391 North Trainer Road.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Midsommar 2023

This event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 17th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event location will be at 404 South 3rd Street.

4. Committee recommends approval of the Lifescape 4th of July Run

This event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 4th from 6 a.m. - 11 a.m. The run will begin at 7 a.m., and the run will begin and end on North Madison at Lower Jefferson Street, utilizing the Rock River Recreational Path.

5. Committee recommends approval of the 4th of July Celebration and IDOT Resolution

This event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 4th from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. The parade will begin at 5 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. The parade route will begin at 7th Street & 2nd Avenue, and will end at State Street/Church Street. The Fireworks will be launched from the Commonwealth Edison Property adjacent to Fordam Dam in downtown Rockford.

6. Resolution approving the City of Rockford's participation in the New National Opioid Settlement reached with CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Allergan and Teva. (SUSPEND RULE 9)

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Environmental Review and Assessment Services to Anderson Environmental Co., of Rockford, Illinois, GSG Consultants, Inc., of Schaumburg, Illinois, Professional Environmental Engineers, Inc., of St. Louis, Missouri, and Specialty Consulting, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois for an estimated annual value of $50,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) possible one-year extension options. The funding source is Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Administration.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Technology Solution for Management of Life Safety Systems to Brycer, LLC, of Warrenville, Illinois. There is no cost to the City of Rockford. The contract duration is one-year with the option to renew the contract for four (4) additional one-year terms based upon mutual consent of both parties. Brycer's web-based application "The Compliance Engine" is designed to drive electronic submission of fire and life safety system inspection and maintenance reports to the City of Rockford Fire Prevention Bureau, with a goal of facilitating cloud-based data aggregation, tracking, and analytics. Brycer will collect all fees from the third parties submitting inspection and maintenance reports.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non-Competitive Contract: Mechanical Repair Aerial Ladder to MacQueen Emergency Equipment Group, of Aurora, Illinois in the amount of $62,938.30. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget.

4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Mason Avenue Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements to Willett Hofmann & Associates, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $42,274.19. The project is estimated to be completed in June 2023. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

5. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Health & Human Services Supplemental Grant award in the amount of $2,236,000.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from March 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 and will be extended to the upcoming PY 23-24 grant. The grant award will provide funds for approved client's electric and/or heating bills, client's energy usage education, staff training, payroll, and administration.

6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Microsoft Office Suite and Security Applications to CDW Government, of Vernon Hills, Illinois for an annual contract amount of $435,538.00, with a one-time annual evaluation cost of $48,722.00. The contract duration is three (3) years. The funding source is Information Technology Operating Budget.

7. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non-Competitive Contract: GIS/Rhythm for Civics Interface to Infor, of New York, New York in the amount of $53,160.00. The funding source is Information Technology Fund Operating Budget.

8. Approval of a Resolution authorizing a Letter of Support and Commitment of funds for City of Rockford Megasites Development Program Grant Application, which shall provide $1,250,000.00 in matching funds towards the project.

IX. NEW BUSINESS (ORDINANCES)

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. An ordinance approving the extension of Agreement with Zion Development Corporation for the continued use of the property at 312 Irving Avenue as a STRONG House.

2. An ordinance approving an extension of Agreement with Winnebago Homes Association for the continued use of the property at 1233 Revell Avenue for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House).

3. An ordinance approving an extension of Agreement with Winnebago Homes Association for the continued use of the property at 1007 15th Street for the Resident Officer Program (ROCK House).

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. An ordinance establishing “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the east side of Indian Terrace from Mound Avenue to 45 feet north of Mound Avenue, thus repealing the “2-Hour Parking” and “Residential Permit Parking” restrictions Mound Avenue to 45 feet north of Mound Avenue.

2. An ordinance approving the Annexation of 3733 South Main Street.

3. An ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District to I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 4970 and 49xx Linden Road (Holden Linden Road LLC/Applicants).

4. An ordinance approving a Variation to increase the maximum allowable fence height in the front yard along Fieldcrest Drive from 4 feet to 6 feet in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 1003 Fieldcrest Drive (Erik and Tiffany Czerwin/Applicants).

5. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a mural in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 317 Mulberry Street (Jennifer Kuroda for the Sinnissippi Audubon/Applicants).

6. An ordinance approving a license for the sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with restaurant, outdoor seating area and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3870 North Perryville Road (David Prochnicki/Toby Prochnicki/TR Restaurant Group, Inc. dba RBI Brunch Bar/Applicants).

7. An ordinance approving a license for the sale of beer and wine by the drink (Class NG-WB) in conjunction with a coffee shop, café restaurant and outdoor seating in a C-4, Urban Mixed Use Zoning District at 303 and 307 Mulberry Street (Joyce Krumm/CTAM, Inc. dba Mo’s Coffee and Café/Applicant).

8. An ordinance approving the sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L) and the sale of Packaged Beer & Wine (Class PKG) in conjunction with a restaurant, bar and outdoor seating in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 6860 and 6824 Spring Creek Road (David E. Stern, M.D./SALT Barbados, LLC dba SALT/Applicant).

9. An ordinance approving the Modification of an Existing Liquor License for a 4% stock purchase in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2327 and 23xx Kishwaukee Street (Bernadette Conroy/TNT’s Securities, Inc. dba TNT’s Bar and Grill/Applicants).

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. An ordinance approving the Professional Service Agreement with Region 1 Planning Council and the City of Rockford to continue work building a Domestic and Community Violence Data Infrastructure for assessment of strategy development and deployment. The total amount charged for work performed under this Agreement shall not exceed $39,520.00. Execution of this Agreement will require no additional funding and will use funds contained in the existing budget approved by City Council.

2. An ordinance approving an Agreement between the City of Rockford and the Rockford Area Arts Council for Utility Box Artwork. The proposed agreement will allow the City and Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) to work collaboratively in commissioning, designing, and installing decorative vinyl art installations on traffic signal controller boxes throughout the City. Per the agreement, RAAC will coordinate the design and installation of at least forty-one (41) decorative vinyl wraps at intersections encompassing every Ward of the City. The funding source is the Traffic Division Operating Budget and the total funding amount is not to exceed $25,000.00.

3. An ordinance approving a Tax-Exempt Lease for thirty-seven (37) 2023 Police Vehicles and Outfitting to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.89%. The annual payments will be $524,820.82 for a term of five (5) years. The total amount financed is $2,624,104.10. The funding source is Police Department Operating Budgets. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. An ordinance approving a Tax-Exempt Lease for four (4) 2023 Fire Ambulances to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.89%. The annual payments will be $326,900.08 for a term of five (5) years. The total amount financed is $1,634,500.40. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget.

5. An ordinance approving a Tax-Exempt Lease for seventeen (17) 2023 Vehicles and Outfitting to Huntington Public Capital Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.89%. The vehicles purchased are SUV's, medium-duty trucks, and vans for multiple departments. The annual payments will be $151,377.66 for a term of seven (7) years. The total amount financed is $1,059,643.62. The funding sources are from the Street, Engineering, and Traffic Division, Fire Department, Community and Economic Development Department, and Water Fund Operating Budgets.

6. An ordinance approving a Tax-Exempt Lease for sixteen (16) 2023 Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Outfitting to Huntington Public Capital

Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio for a lease rate of 4.94%. The annual payments will be $336,802.42 for a term of ten (10) years. The total amount financed is $3,368,024.20. The funding source is Street, and Traffic Divisions, Garage and Water Funds' Operating Budgets.

7. An ordinance authorizing the City of Rockford to execute a Loan Agreement and Taxable General Obligation Promissory Note, Series 2018 Fifth Modification Agreement in the amount of $12,000,000.00 with Associated Bank, National Association.

8. An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement among the City of Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois, a municipality of the State of Illinois (the "City"), the Rockford Mass Transit District, Winnebago County, Illinois, a unit of local government of the State of Illinois (the "District"), and Rockford Bank & Trust, Co., (the "Bank") Rockford, Illinois, for the Guarantee of a $1,500,000.00 line of credit annually to fund district operations.

X. ADJOURNMENT

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