Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Sept. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairwoman May called the regular meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 6:33 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Barber, Dan Baumgartner, Arianne Honkamp, Jodi May and Don Self

Staff present: Adam Bunge

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mrs. Honkamp, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of September 5, 2023. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

VILLAGE ENGINEER – KEVIN BUNGE

Village Engineer Adam Bunge gave his report. A copy of the engineering status report is on file with the Village Clerk’s office.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson discussed the status of the Blackhawk Subdivision and connecting them to Village water. Mr. Barber said that Kevin Bunge, Village Engineer, is looking into a $1.5M forgivable loan, but the Village has to have the money upfront and there’s no way this can happen. Mayor Peterson said that he is going to talk to Joe Chiarelli (Winnebago County Chairman), John Cabello (Illinois State Representative) and the IEPA further about this. Mr. Barber asked the Committee if Mr. Bunge could get the Village into the que for the forgivable loan (Phase I) and the Committee was okay with this.

Mayor Peterson stated that he has some concerns with some of the numbers in the budget and that they will talk about this more tomorrow at the Budget & Finance meeting.

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he has a meeting with the Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) on October 3rd in reference to the Goldie Floberg building.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

Ms. May stated that the purchase requisition for N.I.T.E. Equipment for a 28 foot trailer in the amount of $800 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting. Ms. May explained that the Village is trading in a 22 foot trailer and that after the trade-in the Village only has to pay $800. The Committee is okay with this.

Ms. May discussed the utility bill for 697 S. Blackhawk Boulevard with the Committee. Mr. Barber stated that this address has only been charged the maintenance fee and another small fee, but has never paid the base fees for water and sewer. Mr. Barber said that the building is essentially being used for storage and that there is no water/sewer activity. Mr. Barber said that he wanted to bring this up for discussion because he can have the water and sewer shut off at the curb box. The Committee briefly discussed how other properties are being charged by the Village and stated that this property should be paying water/sewer base fees as well.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner to approve the purchase requisition for Kimball Midwest for a hydraulic hose press and assortment of hose fittings in the amount of $4,891.59, second by Ms. May. Mr. Barber said that this will save the Village money because he can train the Public Works Department how to use the equipment and they will have access to this anytime, especially in an emergency. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mr. Baumgartner stated that Ordinance 2023-22: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 74 of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Regarding Traffic Schedules (Two-Way Stop at W. Franklin Street and Cottage Street) is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on September 19, 2023. The Committee was okay with this.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber stated they are completing sewer main cleaning and are going to reline the sewer mains as well.

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that the railroad project is going to start on September 25th or 26th and should be completed by the 28th.

Mr. Barber said that they are restriping around town and that they are pouring a pad for the storage unit at the Public Works Department.

Mr. Barber stated that the IEPA water inspection was completed and that there were no major dings during the inspection. Mr. Barber said that the IEPA went over some recommendations for the Village and that they will be providing a written report to the Village.

Mr. Barber added that hydrant flushing in the Village will begin in October and that the Public Works Department is working on a lot of projects so he anticipates they will be very busy.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that the quote for the boat dock should be coming this week by the end of the week and that they should be able to install it at the beginning of March.

Mr. Self said that there was a broken window at the press box (due to vandalism) at the athletic fields and that he is getting that repaired. Mr. Self stated that a bleacher inspection was also completed at the athletic fields.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner to adjourn at 7:19 pm.

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