Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Feb. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairwoman May called the regular meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Barber, Dan Baumgartner, Arianne Honkamp, Jodi May and Don Self

Staff present: Sally Bennett & Adam Bunge

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mrs. Honkamp, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of January 15, 2024. 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 stated that he and Mr. Barber met with Chief Wilson in regards to the water line break and that he plans on attending their Rockton Fire protection District Board of Trustees meeting next Tuesday.

Mayor Peterson stated that he received a clarification letter from the Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) and that “rehab” refers to the building, but that they plan on having disabled (but mostly elderly) residents at their facility.

Mayor Peterson stated that the Rockton Township Supervisor, Paul Williams, initially had told the Village that the Township would like to assist the Village with engineering costs to help resolve the PFAS issue for their residents and that he needs to reach out to a few of their trustees so that everyone is on board.

Mayor Peterson stated that the Village is looking to update the employee handbook in regards to inclement weather and that Mr. Barber is also working with Atty. Sosnowski on several items in the handbook.

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that Sally Bennett, Village Treasurer, will be working the next few Fridays in Winnebago training her replacement.

Mayor Peterson said that there will be a health insurance informational meeting on February 14th at 2 pm for those who would like to attend.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

The Village Clerk advised the Committee that Mayor Peterson would like the approval of the Public Works job descriptions on the Village Board agenda in two weeks.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber stated that he had one Public Works employee quit and that he knows two others are looking for other jobs. Mr. Barber said that it’s a money issue and that the Village keeps training employees and that they are leaving and going to other municipalities where they can make more money.

Mr. Barber stated that he and Jake Costello met with C.E.S. and that they are reviewing the 5-year street plan.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that he is currently in talks with another semi-pro football team to play at the athletic complex.

Mr. Self said that the fire department and the police department would like to have a kickball tournament sometime in June.

Me. Self stated that he has secured several baseball tournaments at the athletic complex and that he is also getting a schedule for Hononegah baseball.

Mr. Self said that he has spread a lot of mulch (from the recycled Christmas trees) at the dog park and that there are lots of trees down at Barwood and the Woodlands that he is working on along with seasonal vehicle maintenance.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mrs. Honkamp to adjourn at 7:06 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/2-5-24_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf