Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Sept. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:00 pm. Members present: Scott Danielson, Dave Winters and Justin York

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

Absent: Chief Hollinger & Mayor Peterson

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

None.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

Mr. Winters stated that the purchase requisition for Ray O’Herron for Smith & Wesson M&P pistols and holsters for the police department in the amount of $11,545 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on September 17, 2024. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Winters stated that the liquor license for Cheddar’s (625 N. Blackhawk Boulevard) is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. Deputy Chief Jobst said that the police department is actively working on the background check and that there may be some concerns regarding the applicant. The Village Clerk advised the Committee that Chief Hollinger and Atty. Szeto were okay with approving the liquor license as long as its stated that the approval is pending the background check comes back okay. The Committee was okay with this.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York discussed the Village Administrator position with the Committee. Mr. Winters stated that if the Village moves forward with this position, then we would need to look at reducing some of the mayor’s duties. Mr. Winters said that the Village needs to pass an ordinance regarding elected officials salaries for the next four years by the end of October. Ms. Diduch commented that the Village shouldn’t get too hung up on this portion of it while trying to make decisions regarding the Village Administrator position. Mr. York commented that all department heads would report to this person and that he feels that the Village has a lost a lot of time trying to fill the position. Mr. York suggested that the Village should take an interim approach until we can figure out the long-term in filling this position with the right person. Mr. York said that the interim position would be by someone that currently works for the Village and can execute some of those duties. Mr. York added that the Village needs to get this right and then move forward. Mr. Danielson said that this isn’t a bad idea to have an interim position and that the position has already been included in this year’s budget. Mr. Danielson questioned what this person would do after someone was hired for the position and would they go back to their old position. Mr. Danielson also inquired about who is responsible for putting this position together. Mr. Winters stated that they have four or five different job descriptions from other municipalities and that they have plenty to work off of to come up with a job description that meets the Village’s needs. Mr. York stated that he doesn’t want to wait any longer to move forward with this. Mr. Danielson said that someone needs to talk to Mrs. Honkamp and Mr. Baumgartner and get their opinions as well. Mr. York added that the hiring process for this position needs to be fair and equitable for those who apply.

Mr. York also discussed the acceptable use policy draft with the Committee. Ms. Diduch stated that she had drafted a policy a few weeks back, but later learned that the acceptable use policy that is currently in the employee handbook may be okay the way it is. Ms. Diduch asked Mr. York if he could look at the draft versus what is in the employee handbook and see if there are any tweaks that need to be made and give her direction on what to do.

Mr. York stated that he would like to table the Village wide incident response plan until the next meeting and that he will also table the approval of this at the Village Board meeting.

Motion by Mr. York to approve the purchase requisition for Garcea Technologies for the datto backup appliance and monthly service for one year in the amount of $4,744.91, second by Mr. Winters. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mrs. Bennett advised the Committee that the cradlepoint that was approved at the last meeting will no longer need to be done.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Deputy Chief Jobst stated that he would like to thank the Village for their support in enhancing the website for the police department. Deputy Chief Jobst advised the Committee that they already have 34 applicants for the police officer position that is open.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that there are several zoning ordinances and a resolution up for approval at the Village Board meeting on September 17, 2024. Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that if the Village Board wants to approve the ordinance for 766 Crestview Court that would allow for a 24’ x 36’ pole on their property, that it would need to be republished because the amount of impervious surface has increased from what was originally published. Ms. Diduch said that she would caution the Village Board about approving this.

Ms. Diduch added that the Christmas Walk sponsorship is going very well thus far.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:08 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/9-16-24_Administration_Minutes.pdf