Rockford Sun

City of Loves Park Codes & Regulations Committee met Sept. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Ald. Little ___ Ald. Owens __ X__ Ald. Schlensker _X_ _ Ald. Thompson _ X__

Staff Present: S. Thompson __ __ N. Bruck __X___ A. Quintanilla _____ Atty. _ ___

Others Present: Ald. Pruitt __ Ald. J. Jacobson __ Ald. Peterson _X _ Ald. Holmes __ Chief McCammond __X _

Motion to Approve Minutes of August 5, 2024 by:_Ald. Owens , Second Ald. Schlensker , Vote: 3-0

Old Business – NONE

New Business - 1) Special Event Permit – Forest Hills Country Club music event, September 29, 2024): Gary Wright appeared on behalf of the applicant to discuss plans for an outdoor music concert on that Saturday (noon – 8 pm). A schematic was provided with the application, showing the stage to the west of the building with attendees filling an open space between the stage and the building. Any food or beverages would be provided by the country club under its current license. The applicant is aware of noise concerns (with the direction of most music toward commercial properties nearby) and noted three bands were expected for the event. The intent is to provide an event similar to Ravinia outdoor concerts (near Chicago). Staff express no concerns, nor were any raised by committee members. 

Motion to approve the application by Ald. Owens , Second by Ald. Schlensker , Vote:_3-0__ 

2) Liquor license application – Dairy Depot, 5423 N. 2nd Street: Robert Witt and Tyler Bell appeared on behalf of the applicant to explain plans to open a year-round restaurant in part of the building that also houses the current Dairy Depot. Plans include gaming at the restaurant location (far north portion of building), with continued availability of standard ice cream fare year-round - expanding the Dairy Depot theme, a Loves Park institution for over four decades. Concerns were raised by both staff and committee members as to the proposed layout, the requirements/ size of the restaurant kitchen, parking requirements to satisfy the multiple tenants at the location, and the overall expansion of the theme that would include both gaming and liquor components. The representatives expressed a willingness to provide further details on their proposal and work with staff to confirm necessary code requirements to complete this expansion without the confines of current requirements. While the members were interested in the proposal that would extend the availability of Dairy Depot products during the year, addressing these concerns early would avoid potential issues in the future and provide more clarity to what the city can expect with the expansion. 

Motion to lay over to October 7, 2024 meeting by Ald. Owens , Second by Ald. Schlensker, Vote:_3-0__ 

Public Participation or Comment ___ NONE_____ / Discussion/staff comments NONE 

Motion to Adjourn by _Ald. Owens , Second _Ald. Schlensker Vote: 3-0 adjourned at 5:50 pm__

https://cityoflovespark.com/minutes-agendas/city-council/