Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met July 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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 (5:47 pm), Sally Bennett, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger  

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of  June 17, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.  

PUBLIC COMMENT 

None.  

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON 

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he and Atty. Szeto have a meeting on July 11th with Richard  Barnes, owner of the Red Barn Golf Course, and his attorney. Mayor Peterson said that he has a copy of all  the incidents that have occurred with golf balls damaging property at the Summit Condos.  

Mayor Peterson inquired if it would benefit the Village to create a TIF in the Walmart corridor. Ms. Diduch  said that its much more slow commercial there and we would have to see if that would qualify. Ms. Diduch  added that the Village would also have to prove blight.  

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN 

Mr. Danielson discussed the Fehr Graham proposal for grant preparation for the Sonoco site with the  Committee. Ms. Diduch explained that the proposal in the amount of $119,500 is all the work that needs to  happen in order to qualify for a Brownfield grant. Ms. Diduch stated that when she met with Ross Grimes  from Fehr Graham that he explained a minor hiccup was not getting a Phase I done when the Village  purchased the Sonoco property. Mr. Grimes suggested that the Village may want to enter into an  intergovernmental agreement (IGA) in order to get a Phase I completed on the property. Ms. Diduch said that  the Village could reach out to Winnebago County to see if they would be interested in doing this. Ms. Diduch  added that once a Phase I is completed that its good for 12-18 months. Mr. Danielson asked Ms. Diduch to  check into what the cost to the Village would be with the Brownfield grant because this will determine if the  Village will move forward. Mayor Peterson said that selling the property is another option. Ms. Diduch  stated that the property is currently zoned for downtown retail/offices. Ms. Diduch suggested having Mr.  Grimes attend the next Committee meeting so that he can answer any questions they may have. Mr.  Danielson stated that he will table the approval of this at the Village Board meeting on July 2, 2024.  

Mr. Danielson also discussed the proposal from C.E.S. in regards to the downtown streetscape grant  application services in the amount of $8,000. Ms. Diduch stated that she feels solid about this and would like  the Village to proceed. Mayor Peterson asked Ms. Diduch to forward the streetscape plan to everyone so that  they can review it again. The Committee was okay with this. 

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS 

Motion by Mr. Winters to approve the purchase order for Motorola Solutions, Inc. for a Starcom radio in the  amount of $7,081.90, second by Mr. York. Chief Hollinger stated that this was a budgeted item, but that it  came in under budget. Chief Hollinger said that the police department is rotating the replacement radios  because they are expensive. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.  

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK 

Motion by Mr. York to approve the antivirus license renewal with Garcea Technologies in the amount of  $3,600, second by Mr. Winters. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0. 

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER 

Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that police department’s website is almost done and that it will be live  tomorrow. 

Chief Hollinger said that there has been a lot of vandalism since Old Settlers Days weekend. Chief Hollinger  stated that it’s not just pranks and that stop signs are being removed which is very dangerous. Chief Hollinger  said that the suspects are on video and are wearing masks and gloves. Chief Hollinger advised the Committee  that the police department is utilizing other types of patrol in hopes of catching the suspects. 

Chief Hollinger stated that there will be an active shooter drill at Hononegah High School on July 9th & 11th.  Chief Hollinger added that other departments will be taking part in the drill along with the fire department. 

Mayor Peterson asked Chief Hollinger if he’s had any more thoughts on security at Village Hall. Chief  Hollinger stated that there needs to be a barrier by the Water Clerk and Village Clerk’s office. Mayor Peterson  asked if Chief Hollinger could look into the cost of doing this. Chief Hollinger advised that he will look into  this further and that this can be done in phases. 

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH 

Ms. Diduch stated that the state is looking at adopting solar farm language so she will wait and see what they  come up with. 

Ms. Diduch said that the updates to the Village’s zoning map are almost done and that she will be getting  copies of those to replace the old maps. 

Ms. Diduch stated that she is looking into wayfinding signage for the Village. 

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that the Rockton River market (RRM) and Summerpalooza are going  well. The next Summerpalooza event will be held on Saturday, July 13th. 

Ms. Diduch stated that “Rockton Day” at the Beloit Skycarp will be held on Sunday, August 18th at 1:05 pm. 

Ms. Diduch commented that it was a huge accomplishment to get the Ironman triathlon biking portion  through the Village. Ms. Diduch said that the triathlon will be held on June 22, 2025. 

Ms. Diduch said that Mayor Peterson received an email and that the Jack Baumann Memorial is interested in  possibly moving their event to the Village.  

Ms. Diduch commented that the Village had lunch with Chairman Chiarelli and that we are continuing to  build a strong relationship with Winnebago County. 

Ms. Diduch said that she is working on the IT policy for the Village and that she should have a draft by the  next meeting. 

Ms. Diduch said that she is also reaching out to the Canadian Pacific Railroad about the railroad right of way  that runs through the Sonoco property. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

None. 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW 

None. 

ADJOURN 

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:22 pm.

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