Rockford City Mayor Tom McNamara | City of Rockford Website
Rockford City Mayor Tom McNamara | City of Rockford Website
City of Rockford City Council met Sept. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Legal Director Nicholas Meyer called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
Alderman Wilkins moved to nominate Alderman Rose to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for this meeting. Alderman Torina seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost and Hoffman were absent).
A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The invocation was given by Pastor Violet Johnicker and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Rose.
B. Roll Call
Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Jonathan Logemann | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Kevin Frost | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Aprel Prunty | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Janessa Wilkins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Karen Hoffman | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Franklin C. Beach | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Isidro Barrios | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Gina Meeks | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Jeffrey Bailey | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on July 22, 2024.
Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on July 22, 2024, seconded by Alderman Wilkins.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost and Hoffman were absent).
2. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on August 12, 2024.
Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on August 12, 2024, seconded by Alderman Wilkins.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost and Hoffman were absent).
II. PROCLAMATIONS
1. Mayor Pro Tem Rose presented a Proclamation declaring September 8, 2024 to be "Calvin Park Boulevard Association Day" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.
2. Mayor Pro Tem Rose presented a Proclamation declaring the week of September 8 - 14, 2024 to be "Direct Support Professional Recognition Week" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.
III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Tim Hinkens, Interim Public Works Director, regarding authorization for a grant application and award acceptance for the HUD Community Project Funding for US-20/IL-2 Planning and Environmental Linkage. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Annexation of 1216 North Johnston Avenue. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 11, 2024 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on September 23, 2024. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Memorandum from Police Chief Carla Redd regarding the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Winnebago County for the 2021 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
2. Memorandum from Police Chief Carla Redd regarding the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Winnebago County for the 2022 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
3. Memorandum from Police Chief Carla Redd regarding the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Winnebago County for the 2023 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
4. Memorandum from Police Lieutenant Richard Gambini regarding the consideration of acceptance of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Organized Retail Crime FY25 Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
5. Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, regarding the 2023 Budget Surplus. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
6. Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, regarding a Gaming Tax Revenue Policy. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. John Tac Brantley announced he was forming a coalition with Tommy Meeks to help stop violence in the streets.
2. Kerry Phipps stated she had a petition with over 1,000 signatures requesting for financial transparency for Carly Rice and Miss Carly's and for the immediate closure of Miss Carly's. She reported numerous fraudulent actions that Carly Rice committed and she urged city officials to hold her accountable.
3. Beth Heuer announced DeAndre "Dre" Hemby, a Rockford Native and drummer for the Teddy Swims' Band, would be performing at the Hard Rock Casino on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. She reported Dre was one of her former students at Auburn High School and she requested assistance with a celebration to welcome Dre back to his hometown.
4. Dale Costello was not present.
5. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and shared his concerns regarding the suicide rate for veterans.
V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2024-207-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Funding
Agreement with Southwest Ideas for Today & Tomorrow (SWIFTT) in the amount of $30,000.00 of TIF funding through the Barber Colman TIF District to support their 2024 Work Plan. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2024-209-CR - Committee recommends approval of the request for an honorary street name change on Foster Avenue from Green Street to Elm Street, renaming the street Izer Tilson Way. This request is being made in honor of Izer Tilson, who was a resident of Rockford for 62 years and who lived to be 108 years old. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [11 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne NAYS: Jonathan Logemann ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Appeals' approval for the Modification of Special Use Permits #067-96 and #058-98 to build a new equipment storage facility for the storage of vehicles, tree maintenance equipment, and trailers in a C-2, Limited Commercial and R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts at 2603 Kilburn Avenue (Joe Anderson for Mark’s Tree Care/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2024-215-CR - Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $7,778,677.69 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on August 26, 2024.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2024-217-CR - Committee recommends approval of a Residential Neighborhood Sign Program in the amount of $100,000.00 to assist residential neighborhoods and neighborhood groups in developing signage to create brand identity and pride in their neighborhood. The funding source is the American Rescue Plan budget. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development
Committee, read in the committee report and moved to amend the committee report to reflect the following change:
All Program application submittals and final designs shall be subject to final approval of the alderman of the ward.
Alderman Torina seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous roll call vote (Aldermen Frost and Hoffman were absent).
The committee report, as amended, was then placed up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
1. Committee recommends approval of a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development for 29 Multi-Family Residential Units in an R-3, Multi Family Residential Zoning District at 310 Arnold Avenue (Arnold Isakhanian for MKES Investments, LLC/Applicants), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation of denial. Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: FAILED [5 TO 7]
AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Rose, Meeks, Bailey NAYS: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty, Beach, Barrios, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
VII. OFFICERS REPORTS
A. Alderman Tuneberg
Alderman Tuneberg thanked the organizers of the Jaime Cox Memorial Ride. He shared there were approximately 300 motorcyclists that participated in the event.
Alderman Tuneberg expressed his appreciation to Jessica Anderson and the Neighborhood Standards staff for their assistance with a property in the Third Ward.
B. Alderman Torina
Alderman Torina congratulated the owners of the Hard Rock Casino on the exceptional Grand Opening Celebration. She expressed her excitement about the venue and stated it has a variety of things to offer from gambling to entertainment, dining and art memorabilia. Alderman Torina thanked everyone that worked diligently to bring this world class facility to Rockford, Illinois
C. Alderman Wilkins
Alderman Wilkins reported the 3rd Annual Back to School Bash was held on August 24, 2024 along Kent Street. She stated they had a great turnout and she thanked the event organizers for their hard work.
D. Alderman Bailey
Alderman Bailey indicated that Parkfest was held on Sunday, September 1, 2024 and he reported it was a tremendous event with approximately 2,000 residents in attendance. He expressed his appreciation to the Public Works Department for cleaning up after the event.
E. Alderman Rose
Alderman Rose mentioned it was very unusual for Hard Rock Cafe to open a location in cities the size of Rockford, Illinois. He stated the casino has lots of historic memorabilia displayed and he reminded residents that the Hard Rock Casino was giving back to the community through the Rockford Promise Program.
F. Alderman Meeks
Alderman Meeks voiced her confusion and frustration about the housing shortage in this community and why the council members vote against proposed housing developments when they are up for approval.
VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2024-203-R - Committee recommends approval and authorization for the application and acceptance, if awarded, of the Flood Hazard Mitigation Program Grant by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The application seeks funds to purchase six properties in the Keith Creek Corridor. The project is expected to take 18 months at a cost of $1,590,179. The application seeks 100% grant reimbursement. Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
The Grant provides funding assistance to improve urban forests within disadvantaged areas of communities. The funding source is the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service allocation from the Inflation Reduction Act, administered by The Morton Arboretum. The grant comes as a zero dollar cost match with the grant term expiration of approximately 3 years from the date of award.
Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2024-205-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City-Wide Weed Abatement (Bid Nos: 524-CD-070 & 724-CD-076) to A&A Lawncare, Annely Garcia Medrano, A.P. Sullivans Landscaping, JJ Paris, Inc., Marisella Rodriguez, all of Rockford, Illinois and HR Landscape Services, of Belvidere, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $185,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) possible one-year extension options (annual price adjustments for CPI considered at renewal only). The funding source is the Construction Services Operating Budget.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
The contract includes Flock Safety Professional Services and Electrical Implementation. The funding source is the Project Safe Neighborhood 2022 (PSN22) Grant.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. 2024-182-O - An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement with Southwest Ideas for Today & Tomorrow (SWIFTT) in the amount of $30,000.00 of TIF funding through the Barber Colman TIF District to support their 2024 Work Plan.
Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in the ordinance (amended to conform to 2024-217-CR) and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2024-185-O - An ordinance approving the request for an Honorary Street Name Change on Foster Avenue from Green Street to Elm Street, renaming the street Izer Tilson Way. This request is being made in honor of Izer Tilson, who was a resident of Rockford for 62 years and who lived to be 108 years old.
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 2]
AYES: Durkee, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey NAYS: Jonathan Logemann, Mark Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Torina, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
REQUIRES 10 VOTES)
RESULT: HELD OUT |
1. 2024-191-O - An ordinance approving the wage increases for non-union employees of the Health & Human Services Department that are 100% funded by the Federal Head Start grant effective April 1, 2024 and August 12, 2024.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |
1. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Wilkins moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost and Hoffman were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Karen Hoffman |