Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Finance & Personnel Committee met April 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Kevin Frost	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Franklin C. Beach	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Jonathan Logemann	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Chad Tuneberg	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Aprel Prunty	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

Other Attendees:

Mayor McNamara

Council Members; T. Durkee, G. Torina, J. Wilkins, K. Hoffman, B. Rose, I. Barrios, G. Meeks, J. Bailey, M. Bonne

Staff; T. Cagnoni, T. Hinkens, Police Chief C. Redd, Fire Chief M. Pankow, N. Meyer, S. Hunter, A. Parham, T. Hughes, A. Wilkerson, D. Powell, K. Mattson, J. Rott, K. Schroeder, I. Mogbana, A. Hammer, J. Rubin, J. Wuich, N. Carter

Media and Interested Parties

II. INFORMATION ONLY

A. Financial Discussion - March 2024

A. Wilkerson discussed receiving first disbursement of sales tax that was above expected numbers. We're still behind on use and replacement tax. Will receive property taxes in June. Still waiting on ambulance collection disbursements. Currently under the expected budget for the General Fund Revenue by about 3 percent. Public Works and Election Commission expenses are slightly over budget. Public Works is mainly due to overtime snow operations. First sales tax disbursement is over expected budget. Motor fuel taxes are slightly under. Total revenues for CIP fund is at 18 percent, Redevelopment fund is about 9 percent over budget.

RESULT: DISCUSSED

III. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Vouchers in the amount of $10,022,197.83.

Tuneberg noticed a voucher for Adopt a Drain logo design and was not aware of the program asked for an explanation.

T. Hinkens informed it's a public engagement campaign we're trying to get residents to understand it's their responsibility to clean the drains in front of their homes.

Tuneberg questioned how we would notify residents.

T. Hinkens stated through educational programs with our storm water team, storm water permit, and master planning.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

B. Amendment to Article II Section 2-26 and Article III Section 2-57 (a); Adjustment of Alderman and Mayor Salary. The Finance Department recommends adjustments effective the next swearing in to increase Mayor pay to $149,000.00 with annual 2% increases on January 1 and increase Aldermanic pay to $16,000.00 per annum. This would not have an impact on current office holders. With Council's approval, this change would be implemented with new Alderman and Mayor term and would be budgeted in 2025.

Logemann stated he didn't like the timing of the proposal. With upcoming elections, we want to make sure we're building public trust. I see this as voting on our own pay raises and that doesn't sit well with me. I'll be voting against it. T. Cagnoni assured this is not in regards to the election cycle as it relates to pay for current elected officials. This does not impact any current elected officials and believes now is the appropriate time. Under Illinois State Constitution elected member cannot change the salary or benefits of their existing pay. Our Finance Department did an evaluation of a number of municipalities that are typically compared against as it relates to our Collective Bargaining Agreement. We felt as it relates to benefits we were in line but felt our pay structure for Alderman and Mayor was falling behind. Further discussion ensued.

Logemann said timing is really important in all this and asked why now and not a couple years ago.

T. Cagnoni expressed a couple years ago we were going through a pandemic. We have not seen the cost of living escalate as much as it has in recent years. We felt it was appropriate as we've seen wage increases across all employment and now is the appropriate time to evaluate it.

Bonne wanted clarification on the proposed two percent annual increase that's to be built into the Mayor salary but not the Alderman salary.

T. Cagnoni referred to the memo. Mayor salary for 2025 would be $149,000 and then a two percent cost of living increase effective January 1st 2026, January 1st 2027, January 1st 2028.

Bonne requested what the rational is for building a two percent increase for the Mayor and not Council.

T. Cagnoni suggested we felt that a two percent increase was more conductive with a full-time position than the aldermanic position. There are some other nuances when we looked at our comparable communities related to the number of constituents represented.

Bonne suggested if Alderman salaries haven't been increased in twenty-one years and the Mayor's salary had been increased eight years ago, if we build the two percent increase for the Mayor that'll make the next Council increase probably forty years out because there's not going to be an incentive to do them in tandem. Two percent should either be built in for the Council or not included for the Mayor.

Frost acknowledged the discussion that's taken place. Twenty-one years without having a pay increase is something that should be considered and I don't think the public is going to think we're doing something egregious because we're here talking about it. We don't get a cell phone or Wi-Fi allowance, we just get a salary.

Meeks proposed if it's possible to separate out the items and vote for the Mayor's salary and Alderman salary.

N. Meyer emphasized the items go into separate sections of the code so they can be separated out.

Durkee noted that people could also make the other argument that twenty years ago the Alderman were overpaid. I don't know that I'm in favor of this, but I think in the matter of transparency for citizenry that not only the salaries but the complete compensation package of elected officials should be published. They should know the perks, health benefits, life insurance, if there's a car available. As it relates to programmed raises, I'm not in favor of that, if you want a raise, then you ask the taxpayers. If anybody wants a two percent build-in they need to come again before council. Further discussion ensued.

Tuneberg brought up Naperville being commonly used as a comparable but would like to know more about Alderman and Mayoral pay in Naperville, Peoria, and Joliet instead of singling out one municipality. Administrator Cagnoni mentioned Illinois Constitution would inhibit us from voting on this in, you have to do it before the next cycle, is that correct.

T. Cagnoni confirmed this to be correct. You cannot vote to change your own elected salaries.

Tuneberg mentioned Illinois Constitution has been changed and rather recently and would feel more comfortable discussing this at a later date. Maybe we can talk to our lobbyist about seeing what could be done on that. The optics of giving ourselves raises when there are struggling households in our community who are trying to make ends meet, what folly could be had when we sit here in our time as politicians decide to give ourselves raises. As far as Alderman, Mayor, every city employee's compensation that is public knowledge. What's not taken in account I believe is things like cell phones, most of our city employees have two cell phones. You can look through and see how much the taxpayers pay to Verizon every month. There's a fair number of administrators that drive city vehicles. All of this is not included in City compensation.

Frost added municipal contemporaries Champaign, Springfield, and Elgin and ones that have a full time Mayor as others to look at.

Bonne expressed not all of us are receiving a pension benefit. The council currently has a two-tiered pension system where seven of us appointed after 2021 are not eligible.

Frost proposed if is it's possible to be voted out of committee and then separate the issue.

N. Meyer concluded yes, we can vote on our committee then have it separated on the Council agenda and reminded Council we have two weeks until the next council meeting.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 2] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Aprel Prunty, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Aprel Prunty NAYS: Jonathan Logemann, Chad Tuneberg

C. Award of Agreement between the City of Rockford and ComEd for 11th Street Improvements. ComEd will perform engineering and construction for utility pole relocations along 11th Street. The estimated cost is $4,460,362.00. Per the Illinois Public Utilities Act, ComEd may charge rate payers through the use of a Local Government Compliance (LGC) RIDER for this work. The LGC RIDER will allow ComEd to recoup these costs by charging Rockford rate payers monthly throughout the duration of the construction.

Logemann questioned why we're not electing to bury as many of utility poles as we can.

T. Hinkens explained this specific request comes from the recommendation of our 11th street corridor study where we went through extensive public engagement and came up with the beautification of this corridor. The charge to the rate payers is the difference between having to relocate facilities and burying them. Logemann inquired what the criteria would be if the City wanted to bury some poles in certain spots.

T. Hinkens stated there's not necessarily any certain criteria. We have the right to ask ComEd if there are any conflicts with Pubic Safety or public improvements to relocate. Their obligation is to relocate at the minimal cost to them which rarely includes burying. As far as asking ComEd to bury certain facilities, we rarely come to council asking for that recommendation without some sort of corridor study.

Durkee added the 11th street improvement is long overdue. I've been an advocate to bury the ComEd lines for some time for both the unsightliness and efficiency. Frost asked what the cost differential between this plan and what it would cost to bury the lines on 11th street.

T. Hinkens informed the relocation of lines would have been $625,976 to bury the lines would be $5,086,338 with the difference being what they're asking for $4,460,362.

Frost asked for clarification that the award of agreement is for burying all of the lines on 11th street.

T. Hinkens informed this is to bury the ComEd lines on 11th street for phase one of the 11th street project. We'll be coming back for phase two and then phase three.

Barrios questioned who would pay for the engineering.

T. Hinkens answered the engineering is included in the price of $4,460,362.

ComEd does the engineering and will be reimbursed through the LGC Rider.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

D. Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and

Rockford Park District for Whitman Street Reconstruction.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

IV. RESOLUTIONS

A. Award of Engineering Agreement: Corrosion Control Study Phase 2 to Cornwell Engineering Group, of Newport News, Virginia in the amount of $541,560.00.

The contract duration is through November 30, 2025. The funding source is Water Replacement Improvement Account (WRIA).

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

B. Rejection of Bids: Coronado Performing Arts Center Exterior Façade Improvements (Bid No. 224-PW-023). Staff determined the bid to be unresponsive. The project will be rebid with additional emphasis placed on need to submit all required grant documents provided in the bid specifications.

Logemann asked what we think is going to change.

K. Mattson answered we believe there will be additional bids. There were some timing issues with some subcontracting prices that were made aware of post-bid and this particular bidder didn't have all the required documentation filled out. We believe that it'll be a more competitive process.

Logemann added this is important work and I imagine very specialized.

K. Mattson concluded that's part of the issue too.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

C. Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 1 - 2024 (Residential) to Rock Road Companies, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $1,923,524.07. The project is estimated to be completed by August 30, 2024. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

D. Award of Bid: City Wide Bridge Preservation 2024 to M & M Concrete, of Stockton, Illinois in the amount of $49,842.28. The contract duration is through September 27, 2024. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

E. Award of Bid: Group 29 Demolition Package (Bid No. 224-CD-031) to Northern Illinois Service Co., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $55,376.00. Properties include 3021 Lapey Street, 610 Brooke Road, 3122 Bildahl Street, and 1229 Ferguson Street. The funding source is IHDA: Strong Communities Program and Community Development Block Grant.

Prunty questioned how did the Brooke Road property change status from being on the land bank to now being up for demolition.

N. Meyer specified a property can be owned by the land bank or the County trustee and still be eligible for demolition. Ownership of the structure itself does not impact whether or not it should be torn down because of the condition it's in.

Barrios brought up if $55,376 is divided by 4, we're paying $13,844 for each house. Is that how we break it down.

A. Wilkerson referenced the bid tab and noticed that you can't see all the locations but it's based on location by location and not exactly $13,844 for each property.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

F. Award of Bid: Emergency and Vacant Property Board Ups to Olivo Properties, LLC, of Rockford, Illinois, CMM & Associates, of Rockford, Illinois, and Evergreen Solutions USA, Inc., of Huntley, Illinois for an estimated annual contract value of $60,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) possible one-year extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is Construction and Development Services Operating Budget.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

G. Award of Bid: 2729 Kishwaukee Street Abatement to Husar Abatement, of Franklin Park, Illinois in the amount of $165,465.00. The funding source is Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

H. Application and Acceptance of the LIHEAP State Supplemental Grant Award from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $3,001,378.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match.

The grant term is from June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. The grant will provide funds for approved client's electric and/or heating bills, client's energy usage education, staff training, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

I. Application and Acceptance of LIHEAP Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant Award from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $2,843,411.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from October 1, 2024 to August 31, 2026. The grant will provide funds for approved client's electric and/or heating bills, client's energy usage education, staff training, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

J. Application and Acceptance of Weatherization State Supplemental Grant Award from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $347,528.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. The grant will provide funds for approved client's weatherization work order, client's energy usage education, contractor(s), staff training, payroll, and administration.

Logemann expressed there not being a good definition of weatherization in the memos and asked what exactly weatherization means.

A. Parham replied the weatherization program is designed to help improve the energy efficiency of homes for low-income homeowners and renters. This can include improvements to doors, insulation, things like that. Ultimately this is to help reduce their energy usage and lower their cost resulting in savings on the LIHEAP end of things with folks needing assistance with the actual cost of utilities.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

K. Application and Acceptance of Weatherization Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant Award from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $790,097.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. The grant will provide funds for approved client's weatherization work order, client's energy usage education, contractor(s), staff training, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM

L. Application and Acceptance of Weatherization Department of Energy (DoE) Grant Award from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $674,098.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The grant will provide funds for approved client's weatherization work order, client's energy usage education, contractor(s), staff training, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

M. Application and Acceptance of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Shelter Diversion Grant Award in the amount of $60,000.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match and the term is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The grant will provide funds for approved client's landlord, housing & stabilization services, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Aprel Prunty, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

N. Application and Acceptance of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Rapid Re-housing (RRH) Grant Award in the amount of $474,169.00, if awarded.

The grant does not require a cost match and the term is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The grant will provide funds for approved client's landlord, housing & stabilization services, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

O. Application and Acceptance of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Homeless Prevention Grant Award in the amount of $836,868.00, if awarded. The grant does not require a cost match and the term is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The grant award will provide funds for approved client's landlord, electric and/or heating bills, client's budget education, staff training, payroll, and administration.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

P. Award of Bid: Police Vehicles Equipment and Installation (Bid No. 324-PD-035) to Dana Safety Supply, Inc., of Greensboro, North Carolina in the amount of $444,216.00. The funding source is Capital Lease Funds / Police Department Capital Budget.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

Q. Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Police Ballistic Equipment to Ray O'Herron Inc., of Danville, Illinois in the amount of $40,200.00. The funding source is Police Department Operating Budget and Drug Asset Forfeiture Funds.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

R. Award of Sole Source Contract: Vehicle Repair Pumper/Engine to MacQueen Emergency Equipment Group, of Aurora, Illinois in the amount of $152,697.00. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget.

Logemann asked what was the event that induced this repair.

Chief Pankow stated it was a crash.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Jonathan Logemann, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

S. Resolution Authorizing Reimbursement to RAVE for Concrete Improvement Expenses at BMO Center in the amount of $3,500,000.00. The funding source is American Rescue Plan Act Funds, round 2.

Prunty identified this showing as a reimbursement and questioned if the improvements have already taken place.

T. Cagnoni emphasized a portion of the improvements have taken place but it's a multi-year project.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Frost, Beach, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty

V. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was closed at 7:01 PM

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