Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met July 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Scott Danielson, Dave Winters and Justin York

Staff present: Dan Barber, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of July 5, 2023. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dick Stasica, resident of 1018 Williamson Circle (Summit Condos), along with three other residents of the Summit Condos spoke with the Committee in reference to concerns they have about the Red Barn Golf Course. Mr. Stasica explained that he has lived in his condo for 23 years and that since the new owner took over the Red Barn that he along with several other residents have had issues with flying golf balls hitting their homes and damaging their property. Mr. Stasica said that when the golf course put in the Top Tracer facility, the driving range was moved further to the east and is causing the majority of the issues. Mr. Stasica stated that five windows have been broken this season and that another resident’s glass top table was broken. Mr. Stasica added that he had a golf ball hit the side of his house when he was sitting on his deck and that he was lucky that nobody was hurt. Mr. Stasica said that many residents have spoken to the owner of Red Barn and that he isn’t taking responsibility for the property that has been damaged. Mr. Stasica said that he was told that the residents would have to file claims with their homeowner’s insurance because the golf course doesn’t have insurance to cover this. Mr. Stasica requested that the Village look into this and is hoping that there will be a resolution to the problem. Mayor Peterson advised Mr. Stasica and the other residents that he would look into this further and get back to him.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that there is an opening on the Planning Commission and that he would like to appoint Jamin Unger to that open seat at the Village Board meeting being held on August 1, 2023.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

Motion by Mr. Danielson to approve the Visit Beloit invoice in the amount of $5,000 for the Village’s annual service agreement, second by Mr. Winters. Ms. Diduch stated that this is a budgeted item. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mr. Danielson stated that the lease agreement for Enterprise for a 2023 Chevy Equinox at a cost not to exceed $30,875.70 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on July 18, 2023. Ms. Diduch said that $5,500 was budgeted this year in lease payments and that her current vehicle is starting to need significant repairs. Mr. Barber agreed that the vehicle should be replaced and that her current vehicle should be able to get by until the new one is delivered. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Danielson said that the masonry work for the old well house at 116 S. Prairie Street in the amount of $9,450 is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. Ms. Diduch said that there is substantial reconstruction on a couple of the corners on the building so the quote is a little higher than initially expected. Mr. Barber added that this is also a historical building in the Village and the repairs need to be done to maintain the old well house. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Danielson advised the Committee that he was able to touch base with a potential developer in reference to the Sonoco property. Mr. Danielson is hopeful that things will start moving with the property. Ms. Diduch stated that she emailed the request for proposal (RFP) to everyone for the Sonoco property and that it can be distributed to potential developers if they are interested.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

Mr. Winters stated that Ordinance 2023-18: An Ordinance Amending Section 116.04 Regarding Peddlers, Solicitors, Vendors, Itinerants and Canvassers is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on July 18, 2023. Mr. Winters advised the Committee that this just updates the fees for solicitor’s permits going from $5/day to $25/day and $25/month to $100/month. The Committee was okay with this.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York stated that Garcea is still in the process of completing the IT upgrades and that the department heads are aware of the down time due to switching over to a new server.

Mr. York discussed the Catalis website refresh with the Committee. The Village Clerk stated that she reached out to Catalis in reference to the term of the contract and they advised that it was a 4-year contract. The Village Clerk added that Catalis advised that they would agree to a 3% increase instead of a 6% increase every year. Mr. York said that he thought this was better.

Mr. York stated that there has been a lot of storm chasing companies doing work in the Old River Hills Subdivision and that there are nails everywhere. Mr. York said that there are nails in yards, but that there are nails in the streets and that he has had two flat tires because if this. Mr. York stated that he isn’t sure what contractor is doing this, but asked if using a street sweeper might help. Mr. Barber said that he has a magnet that could be used to try and help pick them up and that he will see what the Village can do in regards to this.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that the Rockton Police Department completed active shooter training at Stephen Mack Middle School with the South Beloit and Roscoe Police Departments.

Chief Hollinger stated that the protest that was held on Friday, July 14th in reference to the drag queen virtual event at the library went well. Chief Hollinger said that there were approximately 200 people that attended the event, but that both sides worked with the police. Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that several hours went into planning the security for the protest and that he is still working on itemizing those expenses. Chief Hollinger stated that there were 16 police officers, 12 ILEAS members that were located at the fire station and 8 people in the command center that included himself, the mayor and the Village Attorney. Chief Hollinger added that the fire department had two staging areas located on both sides of the river in case they had to respond to an emergency call. Chief Hollinger stated that the total cost is going to be very significant, but that the members of ILEAS and MABAS said that it was a perfect template in how the Village was prepared and handled the protest.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that she completed an activity report that includes the months of May, June and part of July.

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that the request for proposal (RFP) has been posted on the Village website and that it can be forwarded to anyone that may be interested as well.

Ms. Diduch also mentioned that there is an issue with the mulch pile at S&H’s property on Wagon Wheel Road. Ms. Diduch stated that the fire department has been out there and has used approximately 46,000 gallons of water thus far on the mulch piles that are catching on fire. Mr. Barber said that the water will start to get metered tomorrow and billed to S&H. Ms. Diduch added that there is property maintenance code that would apply in this case because the mulch piles are pretty big.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:28 pm.

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