Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Sept. 19.

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 Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of August 5, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dr. Andrena Sayles, owner of Positive Changes Chiropractic (202 W. Main Street), spoke to the Committee in reference to her water heater that had to be replaced approximately 10.5 months ago due to the fire hydrant issue in the downtown area. Dr. Sayles said that she hadn’t heard back from anyone at the Village and was requesting to be reimbursed the cost of the water heater replacement ($2,236.88). Mayor Peterson said that he thought Dr. Sayles had turned it into insurance and that it had been taken care of. Ms. May advised Dr. Sayles that she was going to talk to the fire chief about this and see if they would pay for this since the water hammer was believed to be caused by the fire department while they were training. Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that the fire department filed a claim with their insurance company and it was denied. Ms. May requested that this be placed on the next agenda.

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 advised the Committee that he is looking into the Village hosting a walleye fishing tournament sometime next year. Mayor Peterson added that the new boat dock has been installed and that it looks nice.

Mayor Peterson stated that he spoke to Dan Barber and Chief Wilson about having a controlled burn/bonfire at Goldie Floberg because there is a very large pile of brush on the property.

Mayor Peterson said that they had a preliminary discussion at the Administration Committee meeting about hiring a Village Administrator and that they are going to further discuss the job description and responsibilities at their next meeting.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

Motion by Ms. May to approve the purchase requisition for Hobart Services for a PB-9 screw assembly for the sol-mat press at the sewer plant in the amount of $7,558, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Ms. May stated that Ordinance 2024-16: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 53 “Water Service”, Section 53.29 “Public Fire Hydrants” of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Regarding Fire Hydrant Usage is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on August 20, 2024. The Committee was okay with this.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp to approve the purchase requisition for Brian Elmer Company for heating/air conditioning installation for the Parks Department office at Barwood in the amount of $5,945, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mrs. Honkamp stated that the purchase requisition for Enterprise Fleet Management for a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the amount of $56,670.41 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on August 20, 2024. Mr. Self said that this replaces the 2015 and that the price does not reflect the vehicle trade-in. Mr. Self stated that he hopes to get around $10,000 for the trade-in.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber stated that the Public Works Department is still very busy and that they are getting a lot done. Mr. Barber said that they replaced two galvanized water lines and that they are replacing another service line on Mechanic Street.

Mr. Barber stated that the water main relocation project at Hononegah High School is almost done.

Mr. Barber said that the Public Works Department has progressed tremendously with the new Brightly Software.

Mr. Barber added that staff has started online training courses through JJ Keller. Mr. Barber said that there will also be active shooter training coming up at Village Hall.

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that an AED unit is going to be installed in the break room at Village Hall and that the police department will train Administration on how to use it.

Mr. Barber commented that today was the first day that the front doors to Village Hall have been secured and visitors must use the intercom system to get buzzed in.

Mr. Barber stated that he is getting quotes for a generator at Village Hall and that it’s going to cost approximately $43,000.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that the swimming pool is closed for the season. Mr. Self said that the gas line to the heater is going to be replaced and he will clean the heater so its ready for next season.

Mr. Self advised the Committee that football started at the Rockton Athletic Complex and that its very busy between practices and games.

Mr. Self commented that baseball starts tonight for fall and goes through mid-October.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to adjourn at 7:12 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/8-19-24_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf