City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met June 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gina Meeks | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Isidro Barrios | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
II. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for the installation of a solar farm (freestanding solar panel racks and solar panels) in an R-1 Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 14xx Ogilby Road (FFP IL Community Solar, LLC/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Ald. Prunty wanted to know the distance between the nearest occupied home and the proposed solar farm. Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Rockford responded that the nearest home is approximately 60 ft. west of the proposed solar farm. Ald. Prunty asked will there be any potential health impacts on residents living near the proposed solar farm. Mr. Capovilla explained that studies have been done indicating that there are no impacts on solar itself in terms of health risks to the neighbors. He further explained that currently a church is located on the subject property where the proposed solar farm will be constructed. However, originally a school was located on the site. Mr. Capovilla noted that the School District has owned the property for many years, and currently owns it. They are leasing the property to solar company for this project. Ald. Prunty asked if there are plans to construct more solar farms in other parts of the city. Mr. Capovilla responded that there are plans for additional solar farms throughout the city. Four of those proposed projects will be for the School District, and will help power schools.
Ald. Hoffman wanted to know if there were any concerns from neighbors in the area. Mr. Capovilla stated that Staff received no opposition from any neighbors. Chairman Torina noted that this proposed project is in her ward, and she has not received any communication from anyone opposing the project.
Ald. Durkee voiced his opposition to this project. He stated that in his opinion, a project of this nature is more of an industrial use.
Ald. Wilkins asked about the durability of the solar panels, and more importantly, if the City of Rockford will be responsible for replacing panels, if needed. Mr. Capovilla explained that there will be a decommission plan in place.
Ald. Bonne asked about tax revenue for the proposed property. Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator for the City of Rockford stated that property taxes will have to be paid on the area where the solar panels will be constructed. He further explained that there is a state statute, which has a formula as to how much can be charged.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 1]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios NAYS: Tim Durkee ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
2. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a:
a. Zoning Map Amendment from County AG to I-1, Light Industrial and R-1 Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts; and
b. Special Use Permit for the installation of a solar farm (freestanding solar panel racks and solar panels) in an I-1, Light Industrial and R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning Districts at 4201 O’Connell Street, 26xx Bavarian Lane and 3007 South Alpine Road (Gordon Simanton for SolarStone Partners, LLC/Applicant).
Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Mr. Capovilla informed the Committee that the subject property is owned by the Ekberg family, and that he was approached by a member of the family regarding annexing the property into the City of Rockford specifically for this solar farm project. Mr. Capovilla stated that Staff believes that this proposed project is the best use for this property because it is a brownfield site and nothing can be constructed on it at this time, and would most likely sit vacant for many years.
Ald. Bonne asked if there were any legal ramifications for bringing a superfund site into the city. Mr. Capovilla stated that he did not believe so.
Ald. Hoffman voiced her support for this project.
Ald. Torina asked if there will be any educational programs for the community regarding this solar farm project. Mr. Capovilla stated that once the State approves this project, community education that will occur.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Mark Bonne AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
A request has been made for an honorary name designation on 5th Avenue from East State Street to 1st Avenue to Ronaldo D. Stone Way
Chairman Torina announced that this item is being held out.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 6/26/2023 5:30 PM |
1. Committee recommends approval of a resolution for the Fred VanVleet Block Party
This event will be held on Friday, June 23rd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The roads will close at 3 p.m. The event location will be on State Street between Madison Street and 1st Street.
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
This event will be held on Sunday, September 10th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The roads will close at 7 a.m. The event route will be southbound on North 2nd Street from Auburn Street to Walnut Street.
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
This event will be held on Saturday, August 19th from 6 a.m. to Noon. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. The event location will be at 202 Market Street and Water Street - The City Market Pavilion.
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
This event will be held on Saturday, November 25th from Noon to 9 p.m. The 5k run will begin at noon. The parade will step off at 1:55 p.m. from Main and Green Streets, ending at State Street & 3rd Street. The tree lighting ceremony, and the fireworks show will begin at 6:15 p.m. The roads will begin closing at 5 a.m. on Saturday, and lots 3 and 10 will be closed on Friday, November 24th at 4 p.m. Chairman Torina asked if there will be any changes to the budget this year as it relates to the contribution that the City of Rockford will be making. Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events stated that there are no changes. Chairman Torina asked for a total of the city's costs this year. Mr. Bloom indicated that last year's in-kind total was $62,303.46, and Staff projects it to be approximately the same this year.
With no further questions, the meeting was adjourned
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman AYES: Tim Durkee, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Isidro Barrios ABSENT: Gina Meeks |
http://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=2290&Inline=True
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