Rockford Sun

Winnebago County Board River Bluff Board of Directors met Oct. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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 October 2, 2023. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that the Village received $1,000 donation from the Rockton Lion’s Club for the Christmas tree that the Village recently purchased. Mayor Peterson added that the Rockton Police Department received a $10,000 donation for security cameras in Settlers Park.

Mayor Peterson said that he was going to email everyone the plan for the Goldie Floberg property and stated that the plans were revised for the senior living facility.

Mayor Peterson said that a Jiu-Jitsu business may be interested in purchasing the empty lot on Hawick Street, but that he would like to see some preliminary plans for this.

Mayor Peterson inquired if the Village should be interviewing commercial realtors in reference to the Sonoco property. Ms. Diduch advised that the Sonoco property is currently zoned commercial, but there would be a lot of interest if it was zoned residential. Ms. Diduch said that the Village may be able to get a brownfield grant to do this and that a multi-use project would be wonderful for this sight.

Ms. Diduch added that Winnebago County doesn’t have a grant writer, but would offer their services at the same cost to the Village. Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that she can look into this further.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

Motion by Mr. Winters to approve the purchase requisition for Loyal 9 Manufacturing for two rifles for the police department in the amount of $2,940, second by Mr. Danielson. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mr. Winters stated that there are three purchase requisitions up for approval at the Village Board meeting on October 17, 2023 for the security cameras in Settlers Park (Monarch - $6,321.49, Industrial Network Solution - $2,491.02 and Verizon Wireless - $431.88). Mr. Winters added that the security cameras are being paid for by a donation from the Rockton Lion’s Club. The Committee was okay with this.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York provided information technology (IT) updates and stated that Garcea Technologies will be shutting down the old network system soon and that they are working on a date to do this. Mr. York said that he is working on a governance plan and would like it done within the next 12 months.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that with the police department being a young department that he would like to appoint Sgt. Justin Jobst to the deputy chief position. Chief Hollinger stated that this is a good time to do this and that he would like to appoint Sgt. Jobst at the Village Board meeting on November 21st.

Mr. York commented that he didn’t think that the Village was going to have a deputy chief. Mayor Peterson said that he’s for the police department doing this and that it’s the right path for them to go in. Mr. Danielson stated that this makes sense and that he was happy that Chief Hollinger is promoting within the department.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated she emailed everyone her monthly activity summary and inquired if there were any further comments on the Village website that is currently being updated by Catalis.

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that that the Historic Preservation Commission cemetery tour has been rescheduled for November 3rd.

Ms. Diduch added that there is a lot of special event planning going on right now (Small Business Saturday, Main Street Trick or Treat, Rockton Christmas Walk) and that she anticipates a $10,000-$11,000 profit from the Rockton Christmas Walk this year.

Ms. Diduch stated that she met with Blink in regards to electric vehicle chargers so we have information from a couple different companies when the Village is ready to move forward with this.

Ms. Diduch also discussed social media archiving services with the Committee. Ms. Diduch said that comments that are made on social media are eligible for FOIA and that she can look into companies that provide these services. Mr. York stated that he wants to make sure that the Village is covered in case someone submits a FOIA request, but that he would rather not have social media if this is going to incur additional expenses.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

Mr. York stated that he will have more information regarding the maintenance agreement with Garcea Technologies by the next meeting. Mr. York stated that he spoke with Jeff Garcea and that he is waiting on some information from him.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:06 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/10-16-23_Administration_Minutes.pdf