City of Rockford City Council met Oct. 2.
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 July 31, 2023.
2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on August 7, 2023.
II. PROCLAMATIONS
1. Proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2023 to be "American Pharmacists Month" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.
2. Proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2023 to be "National Bullying Prevention Month" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.
III. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing for the 2040 City of Rockford Comprehensive Plan
IV. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an application and award acceptance for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program for the Harrison Avenue reconstruction. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
2. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding an application and award acceptance for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program for the 9th Street two-way conversion. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
3. Memorandum from Kyle Saunders, Public Works Director, regarding a City-State Agreement for the Economic Development Program (EDP) for the East State Street widening project. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
4. Memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding a proposed Ordinance for the Termination of the South Rockford Redevelopment Project Area and the Dissolution of the Special Tax Allocation Fund for the South Rockford Tax Increment Financing District. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Annexation of 53xx and 5430 North Main Street. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on October 11, 2023 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on October 23, 2023. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
3. Memorandum from Nicholas Meyer, Legal Director, regarding amendments to Sec. 17-43 (Rental Registry) of the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Memorandum from Michele Pankow, Fire Chief, regarding the Illinois Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems (MABAS) Agreement. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
2. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Program Operations for Head Start, regarding the acceptance of seven grant awards for Continuum of Care (COC) PY23. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
3. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Program Operations for Head Start, regarding the acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Weatherization DOE BIL Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
4. Memorandum from Carl Peterson, Police Financial Manager, regarding the acceptance of the 2021 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
5. Memorandum from Carl Peterson, Police Financial Manager, regarding the acceptance of the 2022 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
6. Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, regarding an extension of the Garbage Collection Contract. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
7. Memorandum from Robert Wilhelmi, Brownfields Redevelopment Specialist, regarding the acceptance of an application and award for USEPA Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment Grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
V. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. Flossie Hoarde
2. John Tac Brantley
3. Jack Curry
4. Prophet Yusef
5. Bob Nieman
VI. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Committee recommends approval of the 2040 City of Rockford Comprehensive Plan. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish yield control on Berkley Street prior to entering the intersection of Foster Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
2. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish yield control on Berkley Street prior to entering the intersection of Webster Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
3. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval requiring traffic on 8th Street to stop prior to entering the intersection with 17th Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
4. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval requiring traffic on 12th Street to stop prior to entering the intersection with 13th Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
5. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's recommendation that No Action be taken on the request to establish yield control at the intersection of Howard Avenue and Berkley Street.
6. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Variation to modify a 50”x 72” reader board to allow for a 41” x 75”electronic graphic display sign on an existing legal non-conforming freestanding sign in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 1601 East Riverside Boulevard (Jeff Jacobs of Smart Signs, Inc./Applicant). 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 gas station, convenience store, and truck stop in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 1509, 1551, 1541, and 15xx Sandy Hollow Road (QuikTrip/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
8. 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 301 North Madison Street (Tony Arbisi/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
9. Committee recommends approval of a Special Use Permit for a solar farm (freestanding solar panel racks and solar panels) in an R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 3225 Halsted Road (3600 Halsted Road) (Rock Valley Solar, LLC/Applicant), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial. Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
10. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted business identification wall signs from two (2) to five (5) in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Residential Zoning District at 300 Elm Street (Rockford Area Venues Entertainment Authority/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
11. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a:
a. Variation to increase the square footage of an existing freestanding monument style sign along I-90 from 257 square feet to 303 square feet; and
b. Variation to increase the height from 20’ 8” to 23’ 10” for an existing freestanding monument style sign along I-90 in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3535 North Bell School Road (Graphic House Custom Signs for UW Health/Applicant).
Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
12. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted six (6) residents to eight (8) residents for community-based housing in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 5946 Weymouth Drive (Oxford House Athelstan/Applicant).
13. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted six (6) residents to nine (9) residents for community-based housing in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 1234 National Avenue (Oxford House Indigo Bird/Applicant).
14. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted six (6) residents to thirteen (13) residents for community-based housing in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 6274 Brigantine Lane (Oxford House Rock River/Applicant).
15. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted six (6) residents to eight (8) residents for community-based housing in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 3522 Applewood Lane (Oxford House Ernest/Applicant).
16. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' denial for a Variation to increase the maximum permitted six (6) residents to nine (9) residents for community-based housing in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 5383 Pepper Drive (Oxford House Waylon/Applicant).
17. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a bar and grill and video gaming terminals in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 501 and 517 15th Avenue (Mr. J’s Blues & Jazz, LLC/James Eason dba Mr. J’s Blues and Jazz/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
18. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Beer and Wine by the Drink (Class NG WB) in conjunction with a restaurant in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 805 East State Street (Jalisco and Tequila, LLC/Claudia I. Rodriguez Santacruz dba Jalisco and Tequila/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
19. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3420 East State Street (Rockford Mini Mart, Inc./Ali Hamood dba BP Gas and Convenience /Applicant). 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 $6,582,029.32 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on September 25, 2023.
2. Committee recommends approval of the City-State Railroad Agreement for Railway-Highway Grade Crossing Improvements (School Street & Canadian Pacific Railroad Tracks (CPRR) using Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Grade Crossing Protection Funds (GCPF). This agreement outlines the funding of this estimated $191,727.00 project. The project shall be 100% covered by Grade Crossing Protection Funds (GCPF), with no cost to the City. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
3. Committee recommends approval of the Purchase Agreement between the City of Rockford and Oliver Emerson Development, LLC for the purchase of the building at 215 South Madison Street (Watch Factory) for
$55,000.00, which is the appraised value of the property. The sale of the property is necessary to provide site control that will allow the private developer to invest in completed market studies, engineering, architectural services and secure redevelopment financing. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
4. Committee recommends approval of the Purchase Agreement between the City of Rockford and Oliver Emerson Development, LLC for the purchase of 134 North Main Street (Trekk Building) for $70,000, which is the appraised value of the property. The sale of the property is necessary to provide site control that will allow the private developer to invest in completed market studies, engineering, architectural services and secure redevelopment financing. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
5. Committee recommends approval of the release of Liens on certain Winnebago County Trustee properties located at 1427 8th Avenue, 601 Acorn Street, 607 Acorn Street, 1132 Andrews Street, 14XX Chestnut Street, 1724 Chestnut Street, 1301 Elm Street, 2005 Green Street, 3034 Lapey Street, Locust Street, 7XX North Rockton Avenue, 727 North Rockton Avenue, 311 Stanley Street, 405 Stanley Street, 609 Woodlawn Avenue, 611 Woodlawn Avenue, 624 Woodlawn Avenue, and 712 Woodlawn Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
6. Committee recommends approval of the release of Lien for 307 North Hinkley Avenue for a total amount of $2,909.00. The owner has now sold the property through a warranty deed, which means she is responsible for resolving all of the liens. The proceeds of the sale have been held in escrow pending a lien release from the City. The liens, however are very old (dating back to 1980) and the City has not incurred any expenses on the property since 1994. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Committee recommends denial of the 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 2701 North Springfield Avenue (North Springfield Solar, LLC/Applicant), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation for approval. (LAID OVER SEPTEMBER 18, 2023)
2. Committee recommends approval of the Pre-Annexation Agreement for 2701 North Springfield Avenue. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance. (LAID OVER SEPTEMBER 18, 2023)
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
VIII. OFFICERS REPORTS
IX. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER
1. Appointment of Nastasia "Staci" Brown to the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment (RAVE) Board for a term expiring June 2025. This appointment will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Martesha Brown. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after October 5, 2023.)
X. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Committee recommends approval of the Resolution of Solidarity with the United Auto Workers (UAW) at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Committee recommends approval of the Parking Fee Waiver request for a term of five years (2024-2028) for the Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses held at the BMO Center.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Snow Removal - Police Parking Lots and Sidewalks to Snow Systems, of Wheeling, Illinois for an estimated annual value of $60,000.00, based on unit pricing. The contract duration is through September 30, 2024 with four (4) possible one-year annual extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is Property Fund Operating Budget (charged back to Police).
2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City-Wide Sidewalk and ADA Repairs Package #3 to DPI Construction, of Pecatonica, Illinois in the amount of $241,153.75. The project is estimated to be completed by November 3, 2023. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.
3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Facility Maintenance, Repair and Operations Supplies and Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment to Grainger Industrial Supply, of Lake Forest, Illinois for an estimated annual value of $60,000.00 based on unit pricing. The contract duration is through December 31, 2024 with four (4) possible one-year extension options. The funding source is Various Departmental Operating Budgets.
XI. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. An ordinance approving the 2040 City of Rockford Comprehensive Plan. B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. An ordinance establishing yield control on Berkley Street prior to entering the intersection of Foster Avenue.
2. An ordinance establishing yield control on Berkley Street prior to entering the intersection of Webster Avenue.
3. An ordinance requiring traffic on 8th Street to stop prior to entering the intersection with 17th Avenue.
4. An ordinance requiring traffic on 12th Street to stop prior to entering the intersection with 13th Avenue.
5. An ordinance approving a Variation to modify a 50”x 72” reader board to allow for a 41” x 75”electronic graphic display sign on an existing legal non-conforming freestanding sign in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 1601 East Riverside Boulevard (Jeff Jacobs of Smart Signs, Inc./Applicant).
6. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a gas station, convenience store, and truck stop in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 1509, 1551, 1541, and 15xx Sandy Hollow Road (QuikTrip/Applicant).
7. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a mural in a C-4, Urban Mixed Use Zoning District at 301 North Madison Street (Tony Arbisi/Applicant).
8. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a solar farm (freestanding solar panel racks and solar panels) in an R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 3225 Halsted Road (3600 Halsted Road) (Rock Valley Solar, LLC/Applicant).
9. An ordinance approving a Variation to increase the maximum permitted business identification wall signs from two (2) to five (5) in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Residential Zoning District at 300 Elm Street (Rockford Area Venues Entertainment Authority/Applicant).
10. An ordinance approving a Variation to increase the square footage of an existing freestanding monument style sign along I-90 from 257 square feet to 303 square feet and a Variation to increase the height from 20’ 8” to 23’ 10” for an existing freestanding monument style sign along I-90 in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3535 North Bell School Road (Graphic House Custom Signs for UW Health/Applicant).
11. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink in conjunction with a bar and grill and video gaming terminals in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 501 and 517 15th Avenue (Mr. J’s Blues & Jazz, LLC/James Eason dba Mr. J’s Blues and Jazz/Applicant).
12. An ordinance approving the Sale of Beer and Wine by the Drink (Class NG-WB) in conjunction with a restaurant in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 805 East State Street (Jalisco and Tequila, LLC/Claudia I. Rodriguez Santacruz dba Jalisco and Tequila/Applicant).
13. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3420 East State Street (Rockford Mini Mart, Inc./Ali Hamood dba BP Gas and Convenience /Applicant).
14. An ordinance approving 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 2701 North Springfield Avenue (North Springfield Solar, LLC/Applicant).
15. An ordinance approving the Pre-Annexation Agreement for 2701 North Springfield Avenue.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. An ordinance approving a City-State Railroad Agreement for Railway Highway Grade Crossing Improvements (School Street & Canadian Pacific Railroad Tracks (CPRR) using Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Grade Crossing Protection Funds (GCPF). This agreement outlines the funding of this estimated $191,727.00 project shall be 100% covered by Grade Crossing Protection Funds (GCPF), with no cost to the City.
2. An ordinance approving the Purchase Agreement between the City of Rockford and Oliver Emerson Development, LLC for the purchase of the building at 215 South Madison Street (Watch Factory) for $55,000.00, which is the appraised value of the property. The sale of the property is necessary to provide site control that will allow the private developer to invest in completed market studies, engineering, architectural services and secure redevelopment financing.
3. An ordinance approving the Purchase Agreement between the City of Rockford and Oliver Emerson Development, LLC for the purchase of 134 North Main Street (Trekk Building) for $70,000.00, which is the appraised value of the property. The sale of the property is necessary to provide site control that will allow the private developer to invest in completed market studies, engineering, architectural services and secure redevelopment financing.
4. An ordinance approving the release of Liens on certain Winnebago County Trustee properties located at 1427 8th Avenue, 601 Acorn Street, 607 Acorn Street, 1132 Andrews Street, 14XX Chestnut Street, 1724 Chestnut Street, 1301 Elm Street, 2005 Green Street, 3034 Lapey Street, Locust Street, 7XX North Rockton Avenue, 727 North Rockton Avenue, 311 Stanley Street, 405 Stanley Street, 609 Woodlawn Avenue, 611 Woodlawn Avenue, 624 Woodlawn Avenue, and 712 Woodlawn Avenue.
5. An ordinance approving the release of Lien for 307 North Hinkley Avenue for a total amount of $2,909.00. The owner has now sold the property through a warranty deed, which means she is responsible for resolving all of the liens. The proceeds of the sale have been held in escrow pending a lien release from the City. The liens, however are very old (dating back to 1980) and the City has not incurred any expenses on the property since 1993.
XII. CLOSED SESSION
A. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to discuss pending Litigation and Labor Negotiation matters.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
http://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=3697&Inline=True
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