Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met April 1.

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 and Connie Kieffer

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of March 18, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Rachel Lynch and Rachel Bixby spoke to the Committee about installing a labyrinth for the “Fairy Festival” that is being held on May 4th in Settlers Park. Ms. Lynch explained that this would be a permanent labyrinth and that they would like to have it professionally installed by JCM Landscaping. Ms. Lynch added that they would pay for this as well. Mayor Peterson stated that he wanted to make sure the location in the park was okay and that the Village would like to supervise the work when it’s being done. Ms. May said that due to the limited amount of time to complete the project that she would try to get a consensus at the Village Board meeting on April 2, 2024. Both Ms. Lynch and Ms. Bixby stated that they would attend the Village Board meeting in case any of the trustees had questions.

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. Mr. Bunge also provided information that he just received in regards to a boat dock grant and stated that the Village has until May 17th to apply for the grant. Mr. Self inquired what the fees would be from C.E.S. to apply for the grant and stated that the Village could apply for both a dock installation at the boat ramp across from the high school and an additional location in Settlers Park.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson stated that the IEPA water supply loan project (Blackhawk Ave. area) is now going to be over $2M for the forgivable loan.

Mayor Peterson asked the Committee to think about their priorities for the upcoming budget. Mayor Peterson added that the audit is not quite finished, but that it’s getting close to being done.

Mr. Baumgartner inquired about the Red Barn Golf Course and if there’s been any more discussion with the condo residents near the golf course. Mayor Peterson stated that he knew that the residents were meeting with the owner of the Red Barn two weeks ago, but that he hasn’t heard anything further. Mayor Peterson stated that he is going to reach out to them and see if they have agreed on a solution to golf balls entering and damaging their property.

Mayor Peterson said that he will be in Springfield, IL for “Lobby Days” and that it was very productive the last time that he attended.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

Ms. May discussed the employee handbook with the Committee. Mr. Barber stated that the latest version of the employee handbook was emailed out this afternoon and that addressed inclement weather. Mr. Barber said that the employee handbook should be ready for approval at the next meeting, but that he wanted everyone to take a look at it to see if they had any questions, changes or additions.

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that on Friday (March 29th) the bolts broke loose and bent everything on the bottom of the clarifier at the waste water treatment plant. Mr. Barber stated that this is an emergency repair and needs to be done. Mr. Barber said that he doesn’t have a quote yet, but that he

hopes to have a good estimate by tomorrow evening before it gets approved. Mr. Barber added that the Village Board will also need to waive the formal bid process due to it being an emergency repair. The Committee was okay with this.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber updated the Committee in reference to the lead and copper water line replacements. Mr. Barber stated that the Public Works Department is real close to being done in the next week. Mr. Barber said that they are working on a replacement plan and that it looks like they will replace 22-23 services/year.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that Hononegah High School baseball has started at the athletic complex and that he had one of the partitions damaged in the bathroom that he is working on getting fixed.

Mr. Self advised the Committee that he and Mrs. Bennett are working on getting a new point of sale (POS) system for the pool and concession stands. Mr. Self said that Mrs. Bennett is getting more information regarding the machines before they make a final decision.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner to adjourn at 7:11 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/4-1-24_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf