Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council met July 8.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The following represents, in general, the chronological order of proceedings at the City Council/Committee Meetings: Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Public Speaking and City Council/Committee Agendas.

I. CALL TO ORDER

A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

B. Roll Call

C. Acceptance of the Journal

1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on June 3, 2024.

II. PROCLAMATIONS

1. Proclamation declaring the month of July 2024 to be "Disability Pride Month" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a proposed Development Agreement with The Iconic Building LLC for the repair of a retaining wall and installation of a decorative fence for a parking lot on East Jefferson Street. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: Polishfest, R.A.M.P. River Run, Tough Mudder Chicago and Labor Day Parade. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on July 16, 2024 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on July 29, 2024. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

3. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on July 16, 2024 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on July 29, 2024. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

4. Memorandum from Nicholas Meyer, Legal Director, regarding the review of City Council Closed Session Minutes. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

5. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on July 10, 2024 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and

Regulation Committee meeting on July 29, 2024. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a Lease Agreement between the City of Rockford and Tan Wee d/b/a Happy Wok for the property located at 211 Elm Street, Suite D. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Lieutenant Richard Gambini regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Rockford and Winnebago County for Project Safe Neighborhoods Fiscal Year 2023. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the consideration of acceptance of the Grant Award LIHEAP HHS 24-224023 for additional funds. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS

1. Jeremiah Griffin

2. James Gross

3. Denzil Wynter

4. Wally Haas

5. Manuel Salgado

V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of a Funding Agreement with Miracle Mile Rockford to utilize $30,000.00 of TIF funding through the East State and Alpine TIF to support their 2024 Work Plan. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the adoption of the proposed Amusement Tax Ordinance to include the permanent Hard Rock Casino site. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval of a Special Use Permit for a restaurant with a drive-through in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2434 11th Street (Attorney Carl Ecklund for George Poon/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends approval of a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of 240 apartment units, clubhouse and a 3- story assisted living/memory care facility consisting of 136 beds in a C-1, Limited Office Zoning District at 6654 Garrett Lane (Kjell Kaashagen for Rockford Senior Campus, LLC/Applicant), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial. Subject to conditions and the adoption of the amended Findings of Fact. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Sale of Beer and Wine by the Drink (Class NG WB) in conjunction with a restaurant with an outdoor seating area in a C

4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 223 East State Street (Steve Han/Sushi Han, Inc. dba Omakase/Applicant).

Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

5. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for the Modification of an existing Liquor License for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L/Upgrade to a full Liquor License) in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 805 East State Street (Claudia Isabel Rodriguez/Jalisco and Tequila, LLC dba Jalisco and Tequila/Applicant).

Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

6. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval at 7801 East State Street for:

a. The Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class O) in conjunction with a casino, restaurants, and live entertainment/event venue with an outdoor seating area; and

b. The Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a casino, restaurants, and live entertainment/event venue in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District (Daniel Lewis Fischer/815 Entertainment, LLC dba Hard Rock Casino Rockford and manager/operator entity James F. Allen/Jon S. Lucas/HR Rockford, LLC/Applicants).

Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinances.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $7,353,039.30 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on June 24, 2024.

2. Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Public Library for certain cooperation and financial assistance on the demolition of 102 West Jefferson Street in an amount up to $375,000.00. The funding source is ARPA revenue replacement dollars previously designated for demolition efforts. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Collaborative Agreement between City of Rockford Human Services Department and Rosecrance, Inc. The provisions of this agreement are based on services to children and families enrolled in and served through the Head Start program funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Head Start.

The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends renewal of the Private Tree Removal Loan Program. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

(LAID OVER JUNE 17, 2024)

VII. OFFICERS REPORTS

VIII. APPOINTMENTS LAID OVER

1. Reappointment of Sonji Collins to the Civilian Oversight Board for a term expiring December 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

2. Reappointment of Jonathan Medina to the Civilian Oversight Board for a term expiring December 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

3. Reappointment of Norma Borrero to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring June 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

4. Appointment of Scott Garwick to the Community Relations Commission for a term expiring October 2024. This appointment will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Victoria De La Rosa. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

5. Reappointment of Rudy Valdez to the Rockford Fire & Police Board of Commissioners for a term expiring March 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

6. Reappointment of Molly Brauns to the Library Board for a term expiring June 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

7. Reappointment of Jamie Getchius to the Library Board for a term expiring June 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

8. Reappointment of Dennis Horton to the Library Board for a term expiring June 2027. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

9. Reappointment of Simone Cameron to the Rockford Housing Authority for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

10. Reappointment of Jeff DiBenedetto to the Rockford Housing Authority for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

11. Reappointment of Jaime Sanchez to the Rockford Housing Authority for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

12. Appointment of Ashley Sarver to the Rockford Mass Transit District Board for a term expiring June 2028. This appointment will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Steve Ernst. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

13. Appointment of Jeff Nielsen to the Winnebago County Mental Health Board for a term expiring June 2028. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

14. Appointment of Andrell Bragg-Shaw to the Winnebago County Mental Health Board for a term expiring June 2028. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

15. Reappointment of Jennifer Spencer to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board for a term expiring June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 18, 2024.)

IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Resolution approving the City’s participation in the proposed settlement reached with Kroger and its related corporate entities. (SUSPEND RULE 9)

2. Resolution authorizing a settlement of the following lawsuit currently pending in Federal Court, City of Rockford v. Mallinckrodt ARD, Inc., et al., No. 17-CV-50107. (SUSPEND RULE 9)

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Drainage Repair Package 1 to N-TRAK Group, of Loves Park, Illinois in the amount of $73,383.28. The contract duration is through August 16,

2024. The funding source is CIP General Fund.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: School Street and Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPRR) Improvements to N-Trak Group, of

Loves Park, Illinois in the amount of $212,852.76. The contract duration is through August 30, 2024. The funding sources are Grade Crossing Protection Funds (GCPF) ($130,000.00) and Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) ($82,852.76).

3. Committee recommends approval of the Resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code - School Street and Canadian Pacific Railroad Crossing Improvements in the amount of $100,000.00. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).

4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: 2024 Light Duty City-Wide Vehicles to Anderson's Rock River Ford, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $809,444.00 (additional upgrades included). This is a one-time purchase of nine (9) Light Duty vehicles. The funding sources are Capital Lease Funds and various Divisions (Fire, Street, and Water) Capital Budgets.

5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Winnebago Street over Keith Creek and Canadian National (CN) / Canadian Pacific (CP) Railroads Bridge Rehabilitation - Phase 1 Engineering to HR Green, Inc., of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $115,095.00. The contract duration is through April 2025, with an option to renew for the period from May 2025 through January 2026. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Madison Street Improvements (Amendment) to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois for an additional amount of $286,750.00 and an amended total amount of $481,620.00. The contract duration is Fall 2021 to Fall 2024. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

7. Committee recommends approval of the acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Homeless Prevention Grant Award for additional funding in the amount of $244,855.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant 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.

8. Committee recommends approval of the acceptance of the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) Accelerator Grant Award in the amount of $875,000.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026. The grant award will provide funds to pay for costs associated with renovations to the Family Peace Center's new location at 214 North Church Street.

9. Committee recommends approval of the Change Order: Harrison Avenue Reconstruction (Main Street to Kishwaukee Street) (Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering) to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois.

Original Contract Amount: $453,565.00

Previously Approved Change Order: $5,900.00

Current Proposed Change Order: $34,050.00

Amended Contract Total: $493,515.00

This change order is due to the additional work required to prepare an Intersection Design Study (IDS) for IDOT at the intersection of Harrison and Main Street. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).

X. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. An ordinance approving a Funding Agreement with Miracle Mile Rockford to utilize $30,000.00 of TIF funding through the East State and Alpine TIF to support their 2024 Work Plan.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. An ordinance approving the adoption of the Amusement Tax Ordinance to include the permanent Hard Rock Casino site.

2. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a restaurant with a drive through in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2434 11th Street

(Attorney Carl Ecklund for George Poon/Applicant).

3. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of 240 apartment units, clubhouse and a 3-story assisted living/memory care facility consisting of 136 beds in a C-1, Limited Office Zoning District at 6654 Garrett Lane (Kjell Kaashagen for Rockford Senior Campus, LLC/Applicant). (APPROVAL REQUIRES 10 VOTES)

4. An ordinance approving the Sale of Beer and Wine by the Drink (Class NG-WB) in conjunction with a restaurant with an outdoor seating area in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 223 East State Street (Steve Han/Sushi Han, Inc. dba Omakase/Applicant).

5. An ordinance approving a Modification of an existing Liquor License for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L/Upgrade to a full Liquor License) in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 805 East State Street (Claudia Isabel Rodriguez/Jalisco and Tequila, LLC dba Jalisco and Tequila/Applicant).

6. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class O) in conjunction with a casino, restaurants, and live entertainment/event venue with an outdoor seating area in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 7801 East State Street (Daniel Lewis Fischer/815 Entertainment, LLC dba Hard Rock Casino Rockford and manager/operator entity James F. Allen/Jon S. Lucas/HR Rockford, LLC/Applicants).

7. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a casino, restaurants, and live entertainment/event venue in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 7801 East State Street (Daniel Lewis Fischer/815 Entertainment, LLC dba Hard Rock Casino Rockford and manager/operator entity James F. Allen/Jon S. Lucas/HR Rockford, LLC/Applicants).

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Public Library for certain cooperation and financial assistance on the demolition of 102 West Jefferson Street in an amount up to $375,000.00. The funding source is ARPA revenue replacement dollars previously designated for demolition efforts.

2. An ordinance approving a Collaborative Agreement between City of Rockford Human Services Department and Rosecrance, Inc. The provisions of this agreement are based on services to children and families enrolled in and served through the Head Start program funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Head Start.

3. An ordinance approving the renewal of the Private Tree Removal Loan Program.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOU.

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