Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Oct. 14.

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 September 30, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

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 the house on the corner of Rockton Road and Aspland Drive is going to be demolished in case we get any inquiries about it.

Mayor Peterson stated that the ribbon cutting for La Croute Bakery Café is this Thursday at 8:30 am if anyone can make it.

Mayor Peterson said that there will also be active shooter training at Village Hall on Thursday morning at 9 am.

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that Thursday, November 7th Senator Chesney will be at the American Legion from 3-7 pm to help residents swap out IPASS transponders.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

None.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

Mr. Baumgartner stated that the purchase requisition for Countryman, Inc. for restriping various roads throughout the Village in the amount of $15,234 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on October 15, 2024. Mr. Barber stated that this is still saving the Village $600 - $700/year and that it will have to be done every two years. The Committee was okay with this.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp to approve the purchase requisition for Brian Elmer Company for a replacement heater at Barwood in the amount of $2,730, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber discussed the utility accounts for 121 Green Street and 523 Moloney Drive with the Committee. Mr. Barber said that he would like to shut off the water at both locations due to both accounts being in arrears. The Committee advised Mr. Barber to shut off the water at 121 Green Street on Friday, October 18th and to give 523 Moloney Drive until Friday, October 18th to pay their bill before they are shut off.

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that they are waiting on a test to come back for the watermain by Hononegah High School and that they are turning in the operation permit to the IEPA.

Mr. Barber stated that the backhoe is going to Westside Tractor on Wednesday to have maintenance done before winter.

Mr. Barber said that he sent out an email on Friday in regards to the condition of Well #10 (by the athletic complex) and that there’s a pump company that’s coming tomorrow to look at it.

Mr. Barber stated that the sewer vactor truck is going back to the factory to have some things replaced and that he will have a quote for this before the work is completed.

Mr. Barber stated that he and Jake Costello (Public Works Superintendent) will be at a conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, but that they will be available by phone.

Mr. Barber said that he received a phone call from the IEPA in regards to the forgivable loan for the lead service lines. Mr. Barber stated that the IEPA told him that the loan will either be forgivable or a low interest loan, but there’s a good chance that a portion of it will be forgivable. Mr. Baber said that he should know more in the next month.

Mr. Barber shared labor information with the Committee for the Public Works Department. Mr. Barber stated that he is able to track this information with the new software program.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated tonight is the last night for baseball at the Rockton Athletic Complex and that tomorrow is the last game for football.

Mr. Self advised the Committee that the Katie’s tree died in Village Green Park and that he is looking into replacing the tree, but inquired if the tree should be moved and who is paying for the tree. Mr. Self said that they would be able to tell once the tree is dug up if the road salt from the winter season killed the tree since it’s located near the road. Mayor Peterson said let’s wait and see why the tree died and see what we need to do. Mr. Self added that a new tree would cost approximately $500.

Mr. Self stated that he will be out of town this coming Thursday and Friday.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to adjourn at 7:07 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/10-14-24_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf