Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mr. Winters called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dave Winters and Justin York

Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger

Absent: Scott Danielson

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Winters to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of August 5, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he spoke with a couple people last week about holding a walleye fishing tournament in Rockton and utilizing the Rock River that runs through the Village. Mayor Peterson added that the new boat dock was recently installed and looks great.

Mayor Peterson said that he talked to the downtown businesses about the condition of the alley located behind their businesses in the 100 block of W. Main Street. Mayor Peterson said that the alley is in bad shape and needs to be replaced. Mayor Peterson said that Kevin Bunge, Village Engineer, got an estimate for this and it was $155,000. Mr. Winters inquired if the businesses could get SSA financing (Special Service Area) for the improvements. Ms. Diduch said that the Village could help with the SSA for the businesses. Mayor Peterson stated that they could discuss this further with the downtown businesses, but that the current condition of the alley is pretty awful.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

Motion by Mr. Winters to approve the purchase order for American AED for four defibrillator units for the police department in the amount of $3,916, second by Mr. York. Mr. Winters said that the defibrillators and the additional pads are being purchased with a donation to the police department. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

Motion by Mr. Winters to approve the purchase order for American AED for infant/child and adult pads for the defibrillator units for the police department in the amount of $539, second by Mr. York. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

The Committee discussed security at Village Hall. Chief Hollinger said that everything is going well so far with securing the entrance doors to Village Hall and using the intercom system. Chief Holliger added that the signs arrived today and were posted in the entry to Village Hall for the intercom system. Chief Hollinger inquired how the Village wanted to handle the use of Village Hall for meetings because several condo associations hold meetings at Village Hall during the week when the doors are secured. Chief Hollinger added that the library has meeting rooms that the condo associations could use as well. Mayor Peterson said that he would like to talk to the condo associations about this before the Village makes a decision.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York discussed the acceptable use policy (draft) with the Committee. Ms. Diduch stated that she modeled the draft policy after the state of Illinois’ policy and edited it to suit the Village. Ms. Diduch said that the policy needs to be reviewed in order to make appropriate amendments, deletions, etc… Ms. Diduch stated that the Committee probably needs more time to do this and that this can be added to the next agenda. Mr. York said that he also needs to speak to the Village’s IT provider, Jeff Garcea, in regards to this as well.

Mr. York also discussed the Village Administrator position with the Committee. Mayor Peterson stated that he wanted to start having this discussion. Mayor Peterson said that just because other communities have Village Administrators doesn’t mean that the Village needs to have one. Mayor Peterson inquired about what the roles of this person would be. Mr. Winters commented that over the last 20 years the Village has had a strong mayoral and trustee presence and that things have changed over time. Mr. Winters said that the number one role of this person would be full-time administration and making sure that everyone is staying on task with the budget. Mr. Winters stated that he has resisted this position a lot over the years. Mr. York commented that the Village of Rockton’s ambitions and plans have really materialized over the last 3-4 years and that the Village is not set up to have a full-time mayor and trustees because they are working other full time jobs. Mr. York said that he is in favor of hiring a Village Administrator and that this does make the most sense and this person would report to the Administration Committee. Mr. York stated that the Village also needs to empower the person in this role. Mr. Winters added that this person would have to report to the Village Board as well. Ms. Diduch suggested looking at job descriptions of other municipalities that have a Village Administrator position. The Committee agreed that they should look at other communities and the roles their Village Administrator has. Mayor Peterson said that he would like some job descriptions at the next meeting so they can continue the discussion.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that the Police & Fire Commission recently met and that the police department will be starting an eligibility list for officers on October 2nd.

Chief Holliger stated that the video cameras will be installed at the Rockton Athletic Complex on Thursday.

Chief Hollinger added that two officers are graduating from the academy at Sauk Valley College on Thursday and will begin their field training when they return.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that she sent out the July activity report to everyone.

Ms. Diduch said that the last of “Summerpalooza” events is over and that it went very well. Ms. Diduch said that she received a lot of compliments and that there’s something that everyone loves about a street dance in the Village.

Ms. Diduch stated that yesterday was “Rockton Day” at the Beloit Sky Carp game and that she is working on setting a date for next year in June or July to increase attendance.

Ms. Diduch commented that the Rockton River Market (RRM) is coming to a close soon for the season and that the Rockton Christmas Walk planning is already in motion.

Ms. Diduch stated that someone purchased the Chemtool building on Rockton Road and that she is looking into this as an Enterprise Zone, but there are distance requirements.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

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.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Winters to adjourn at 6:11 pm.

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