Rockford Sun

City of Loves Park City Council met Oct. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Gregory Jury called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Alderman John Jacobson opened the meeting with an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Aldermen John Jacobson, Clint Little, Dan Jacobson, John Pruitt, Jim Thompson, Mark Peterson, A. Marie Holmes, Robert Schlensker, Doug Allton

Absent: Alderman Mike Owens, City Clerk Bob Burden

Also Present: Deputy City Clerk Sheila Mills

City Attorney Gino Galluzzo

1. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

The Journal of Proceedings for the regular meeting of October 7, 2024, was approved as submitted by the City Clerk on a motion by Alderman Schlensker. Second by Alderman Allton. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

2. COMMUNICATIONS, MAYOR’S REPORT & ANNOUNCEMENTS

3. SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT REQUEST FOR TREE-RIPE FRUIT CO. SALE

Received a Special Event Permit application for Tree-Ripe Fruit Co. to conduct a produce sale from their truck at Blaine’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd. on November 19, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Referred to Alderman Thompson of the Codes and Regulations Committee.

4. Alderman Thompson of the Codes and Regulations Committee moved to approve a Special Event Permit application for Tree-Ripe Fruit Co. to conduct a produce sale from their truck at Blaine’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd. on November 19, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Second by Alderman Schlensker. Motion carried by voice vote.

5. THANK YOU NOTE

Received a thank you note from Stephanie Luna of Kingsley Management/Forest Hills Village thanking the city for waiving the system development fees for the hydrant project. Placed on file.

6. THANK YOU NOTE

Received a thank you note from the 2nd City Chorus thanking the city for the use of the Loves Park City Hall Civic Center for their fall concert. Placed on file

7. MAYOR JURY WELCOMED MIRAD JAHOVIC OF GERMAN DAILY NEWS TO CITY COUNCIL

Mr. Jahovic presented Mayor Jury, Police Chief Mike McCammond, and Fire Chief James Hart with Certificates of Appreciation for the work they do for the City of Loves Park.

8. MAYOR JURY PRESENTED THE NAME OF AL CARUANA FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Alderman Pruitt moved to approve the appointment of AL Caruana to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Second by Alderman Schlensker. Motion carried by voice vote.

9. LEAF-VACUUMING

Mayor Jury announced that leaf-vacuuming has begun, and a second leaf-vacuuming truck has been added to speed up the process.

10. EARLY VOTING

Mayor Jury announced that early voting is taking place at the Harlem-Alpine Shopping Center.

11. CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECORDINGS

Mayor Jury announced that recordings of the City Council meetings can be found on the City’s web page and Facebook page.

12. TRICK OR TREAT

Mayor Jury announced that Trick or Treat will be held in the city on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

13. TOUCH A TRUCK

Mayor Jury announced that the city will be participating in the Touch A Truck event to be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Machesney Park Town Center.

14. JAIME COX MEMORIAL 5K RUN

Mayor Jury commented that the Jaime Cox Memorial 5K Run was held this past weekend and he thanked everyone who participated in the event.

15. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS

16. GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman John Jacobson presented the General Fund and all other bills dated October 21, 2024, in the amount of $739,807.62 and moved that they be paid. Second by Alderman Peterson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

17. WATER FUND BILLS

Alderman John Jacobson presented the Water Department bills dated October 21, 2024, in the amount of $73,658.82, and moved that they be paid. Second by Alderman Peterson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

18. OFFICER’S REPORT

19. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT

Alderman Allton presented the Police Department Report for October 21, 2024; presented the Fire Department Report for October 21, 2024, to be placed on file.

20. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

Alderman Schlensker presented the Street Department Report for October 21, 2024; presented the Water Department Report for October 21, 2024, to be placed on file.

21. COMMITTEE REPORTS

22. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Alderman John Jacobson of the Finance and Administration Committee presented the Treasurer’s Report for May thru July 2024; with an ending balance of $6,647,503.86; presented the minutes from the committee meeting held on October 7, 2024, to be placed on file.

23. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Allton of the Public Safety Committee announced that a committee meeting will be held on Monday November 4, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

24. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Schlensker of the Public Works Committee presented the minutes from the committee meeting held on October 7, 2024, to be placed on file.

25. CODES & REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

Alderman Thompson of the Codes & Regulations Committee presented the minutes from the committee meeting held on October 7, 2024, to be placed on file. Alderman Thompson announced that a committee meeting will be held on November 4, 2024 at 5:25 p.m.

26. RESOLUTIONS & MOTIONS

27. OMNIBUS VOTE

Alderman Thompson moved to bring Resolutions No. 12 thru No. 16 on the Agenda to be acted upon through a single omnibus vote. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

28. RENEWAL OF CITY’S PROPERTY, WORKER’S COMPENSATION, LIABILITY INSURANCE

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLVED, by the adoption of this Resolution, the City of Loves Park shall continue participation with the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association for insurance for city property, workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the year 2025. The City Treasurer is authorized to make one premium payment in the amount of $477,209.38, to be paid in full on or before November 15, 2024, in order to receive the early pay discount of $4,802.62. Payment to be drawn from Account No. 01-01-6310 (Insurance of City Property). Be it further resolved that the City shall participate in the MIN/MAX Program, and the Mayor is authorized to sign the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement for 2025. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens) RESOLUTION NO. 24-082

29. CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WINDSOR-HARLEM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract for Professional Services regarding the proposed Windsor-Harlem Redevelopment Project Area. WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council (the “Corporate Authorities”) of the City of Loves Park, Winnebago County, Illinois (the “City”), in an effort to revitalize the local economy and provide for the redevelopment and reuse of an underutilized and blighted area within the community, are considering a proposed City of Loves Park, Winnebago County, Illinois, Windsor-Harlem Redevelopment Project Area (the “Project Area”) (see Exhibit A, Project Area Boundary) and contemplating the use of tax increment finance (‘TIF”) in accordance with the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et seq., as amended (the “TIF Act”), to pay eligible “redevelopment project costs” as defined in the Act for the benefit of the Project Area; and WHEREAS, in furtherance of the foregoing, the City wishes to retain PGAV Planners, LLC (“PGAV”), to undertake an eligibility study to aid it in the formation of the TIF and Business Development District and in furtherance thereof, PGAV has submitted the Contract for Professional Services attached hereto; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Loves Park, County of Winnebago and County of Boone, Illinois, that by the adoption of this resolution, that the Mayor and the City Council hereby agree as follows:

1. The above recitals are hereby incorporated into this Resolution as if fully stated herein.

2. The Mayor is authorized to sign a Contract for Professional Services in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto and the terms set forth therein are hereby approved.

3. Should any provision of this Resolution be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Resolution.

4. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

RESOLUTION NO. 24-083

30. EXPRESSING AN OFFICIAL INTENT REGARDING WINDSOR-HARLEM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution of the City of Loves Park, Winnebago County and Boone County, Illinois, expressing an official intent regarding the negotiation of one or more redevelopment agreements and the reimbursement of certain expenditures in connection with the Windsor-Harlem Redevelopment Project Area. WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council (the “Corporate Authorities”) of the City of Loves Park, Winnebago County, Illinois (the “City”), in an effort to revitalize the local economy and provide for the redevelopment and reuse of an underutilized and blighted area within the community, are considering a proposed City of Loves Park, Winnebago County, Illinois, Riverside Boulevard Redevelopment Project Area (the “Project”) and contemplating the use of tax increment finance (“TIF”) in accordance with the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et seq., as amended (the “Act”), to pay eligible “redevelopment project costs” as defined in the Act within the Project Area; and WHEREAS, the City acknowledges that the exact boundaries of the Project Area are not precisely determined at this time, but the areas being considered are commonly referred to as the general vicinity of Windsor and Harlem roads with the boundaries thereof to be established in the near future after further study; and WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities have been requested by a business owner within the proposed Project Area to consider the implementation of TIF support for business such as this, without which, at least for this developer, further development would not be economically feasible; and WHEREAS, in response to this request, the Corporate Authorities (i) have determined that in order to encourage private investment within the Project Area and restore and enhance the tax base of the City, certain conditions within the Project Area that cause the areas within the Project Area to be classified as “Blighted” or “conservation” areas must be removed, and (ii) are considering redevelopment of the Project Area utilizing the powers and authority conferred by the Act; and WHEREAS, the removal of conditions that cause the areas within the Project Area to be classified as “blighted” or “conservation” areas, and the redevelopment and reuse of the Project Area, are expected to require the expenditure of funds on such “redevelopment project costs” by both the City and private parties; and WHEREAS, in order to stimulate private investment in the Project Area, it is necessary for the City to provide financial and other assistance to private parties utilizing the powers and authority conferred by the Act; and WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities desire to begin negotiating with private parties in connection with the potential redevelopment of portions of the Project Area; and WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the best interest of the residents of the City to authorize the Mayor and other appropriate officers of the City to begin negotiating with private parties (“Developers”), cause the necessary due diligence to be conducted to determine the feasibility of redevelopment projects proposed by such private parties, and begin drafting one or more redevelopment agreements (the “RDAs”) to be entered into by the City and the Developers governing the redevelopment of the Project Area; and WHEREAS, during the course of those negotiations the City or the Developers intend to make certain expenditures for eligible “redevelopment project costs” in connection with and the redevelopment of the Project Area, which expenditures will be in an amount not exceeding $25,000,000 which will be considered for reimbursement after the date of passage of this Resolution (the “Expenditures”) provided they meet the requirements of reimbursable expenses under the Act; and WHEREAS, the City reasonably expects to reimburse itself or the Developers for the Expenditures by using incremental property tax revenue derived from TIF or issuing obligations pursuant to the Act secured by incremental property tax revenue derived from TIF or otherwise pursuant to law (the “Reimbursement Obligations”); and WHEREAS, the City is not committed to making any such expenditures unless and until a Redevelopment Project Area is created pursuant to the Act, a Redevelopment Agreement is adopted, Expenditures are documented and increment is received sufficient to pay such expenses; NOW THEREFORE BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of Trustees of the City of Loves Park, Winnebago County, Illinois, that:

Section 1. Recitals

The statements set forth in the preambles to this Resolution are found to be true and correct and are incorporated by reference and made a part of this Resolution.

Section 2. Authority

(a) The City is a duly constituted and organized non-home rule municipality as described in Section 7 of Article VII of the 1970 Constitution of the State of Illinois, and as such has specific powers granted to it by law.

(b) This Resolution is adopted in connection with the contemplated implementation of a “redevelopment plan” in accordance with and as defined in the Act.

(c) This Resolution is a declaration of official intent under Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2.

(d) This Resolution shall allow for “redevelopment project costs” to be incurred and subsequently reimbursed from incremental property tax revenue derived from TIF or from the proceeds of Reimbursement Obligations in accordance with the Act.

Section 3. RDA Negotiation

(a) The Corporate Authorities authorize the Mayor and his designees to proceed in good faith with negotiating and preparing one or more RDAs between the City and one or more Developers to encourage industrial and commercial development and the redevelopment and reuse of blighted or conservation areas with the Project Area.

(b) Each RDA shall provide for the use of TIF, as provided in the Act, and may provide for the use of TIF to pay or reimburse the costs of eligible “redevelopment project costs” within the Project Area.

(c) Each RDA shall include the amount and terms of TIF assistance that may be made available to the applicable Developer, and that assistance shall be based on the determination of financial need in order to allow an approved redevelopment project to be feasible, provided that assistance shall be limited to payment or reimbursement of eligible redevelopment project costs.

(d) Each RDA shall provide that zoning, planned unit development, subdivision, and site plan approvals must be approved separately by the Corporate Authorities where otherwise required by law.

Section 4. Estimate of Expenditures

(a) Prior to the execution of the RDAs, the City intends to incur, or cause Developers to incur, Expenditures in connection with the Project Area including, and not limited to, the following:

1. Property acquisition, demolition, grading and site preparation, site improvements that serve as an engineered barrier addressing ground level or below ground level or below ground environmental contamination; including but not limited to parking lots and other concrete or asphalt barriers, and utilities.

2. Professional services including legal, zoning redevelopment consulting, architectural and engineering services, landscape architectural services, design guidelines, appraisals, surveys, market studies, traffic studies, environmental and geotechnical services, and market studies.

(b) A preliminary estimate of Expenditures to be incurred and reimbursed in connection with this Resolution is One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) and is subject to terms of the final executed RDAs.

(c) The final executed RDAs may include eligible redevelopment project costs that are to be incurred after the execution of the RDA, in addition to the Expenditures incurred in connection with this Resolution prior to the execution of the RDAs.

Section 5. Reimbursement of Expenditures

The City intends to reimburse all or a portion of the Expenditures incurred in connection with this Resolution through the use of Reimbursement Obligations in accordance to the Act.

Section 6. Non-Binding Effect

Notwithstanding the foregoing, all negotiations and all agreements (including those with private parties) relating to the redevelopment of portions of the Project Area shall be and shall remain non-binding on the City unless and until they are formally approved by the Corporate Authorities. The City shall not be liable for the payment of any costs, Expenditures, or Reimbursement Obligations unless and until the same are authorized by a duly approved and enacted RDA.

Section 7. Public Inspection

This Resolution shall be immediately available for inspection by the public at the office of the City Clerk.

Section 8. Severability

If any provision of this Resolution shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Resolution, and to that effect all provisions of this Resolution are deemed severable.

Section 9. Effective Date

This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Corporate Authorities, as provided by law.

Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

RESOLUTION NO. 24-084

31. WATER DEPARTMENT TO HIRE LARSON AND LARSON BUILDERS FOR WELL 3 IMPROVEMENTS

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLVED, by the adoption of this Resolution, that the Water Department Manager is authorized to hire Larson and Larson Builders Inc. to perform building improvements and equipment upgrades to Well No. 3 at a cost of $688,000.00. Funds shall be drawn from Account No. 31-00-1929 (Well 3). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

RESOLUTION NO. 24-085

32. AGREEMENT WITH THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT IMPROVEMENTS Alderman John Jacobson presented the following Resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLVED, by the adoption of this Resolution, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to sign an agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad Company, for the Riverside and Material Avenue Traffic light improvements as specified in the agreement. Cost not to exceed $70,000.00. Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-8047 (Engineering Future Projects). Second by Alderman Allton. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

RESOLUTION NO. 24-086

33. ORDINANCES

34. OMNIBUS VOTE

Alderman John Jacobson moved to bring Ordinance No. 17 thru No. 20 on the Agenda to be acted upon through a single omnibus vote. Second by Alderman Peterson.

Alderman Thompson requested that Ordinance No. 20 be voted on separately.

Alderman John Jacobson moved to amend his motion that Ordinances No. 17, 18, 19 on the Agenda be acted upon through a single omnibus vote. Second by Alderman Thompson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

Alderman John Jacobson moved to approve Omnibus Ordinances No. 17, 18, 19 as amended. Second by Alderman Peterson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

35. ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE MAYOR

Alderman John Jacobson presented an ordinance establishing the annual salary for the Mayor of the City of Loves Park for the four-year term beginning May 1, 2025, and moved for approval. Second by Alderman Thompson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

ORDINANCE NO. 4656-24

36. ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE CLERK

Alderman John Jacobson presented an ordinance establishing the annual salary for the Clerk of the City of Loves Park for the four-year term beginning May 1, 2025, and moved for approval. Second by Alderman Thompson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

ORDINANCE NO. 4657-24

37. ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE TREASURER

Alderman John Jacobson presented an ordinance establishing the annual salary for the Treasurer of the City of Loves Park for the four-year term beginning May 1, 2025, and moved for approval. Second by Alderman Thompson. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

ORDINANCE NO. 4658-24

38. ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARIES FOR ALDERMEN

Alderman John Jacobson presented an ordinance establishing the annual salary for the Aldermen of the City of Loves Park for the four-year term beginning May 1, 2025, and moved for approval. Second by Alderman Peterson. Motion carried. 8 Ayes (Aldermen John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Peterson, Holmes, Schlensker, Allton) 1 Nay (Alderman Thompson) 1 Absent (Alderman Owens)

ORDINANCE NO. 4659-24

39. ADJOURNMENT

Alderman John Jacobson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Second by Alderman Schlensker. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

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