Gabrielle Torina, Alderman - Ward 5 | City of Rockford
Gabrielle Torina, Alderman - Ward 5 | City of Rockford
City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met Oct. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Janessa Wilkins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Isidro Barrios | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Jeffrey Bailey | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
Chairwoman Torina called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the invocation was offered by Pastor Chad McKenna of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
SPEAKERS:
1. Giovanni Mikaelson spoke about responding to crisis in a timely manner, more funding for the City of Rockford Police Department, and mental health matters. Mr. Mikaelson also talked about the importance of keeping children in school. Lastly, he noted that he will be running for 13th Ward Alderman.
2. Prophet Yusef quoted scripture, and talked about the health crisis for black women.
3. Cypress Wolf talked about the war in Gaza, segregation, and racism.
II. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Spring Creek Road/Brookview Road/Mulford Road
Traffic Commission recommends approval to establish a 20 mph School Zone Speed Limit on Spring Creek Road from Brookview Road (east intersection) to Mulford Road
Chairwoman Torina asked for some background concerning this item. Timothy Hinkens, Interim Public Works Director explained that additional crossings have been introduced due to the Sidewalk Gap program. These crossings are at stoplights from the Shaw Woods neighborhood, across Spring Creek. He further explained that additional pedestrian usage has increased in the vicinity of the high schools in the area. This resulted in the request that was brought before the Traffic Commission, which they approved.
Ald. Frost indicated that he was taken back at the length of roadway that the 20 mph speed limit restriction will encompass if approved. encompasses. He noted that Guilford High School is situated a great distance away from the roadway. Ald. Frost also noted that no one walks along the shoulder of Spring Creek Road, which is located in front of the school. He suggested that extending the timing of the crosswalk light may be a better solution. Ald. Frost further noted the Rockford First Christian School is located behind the church, again a great distance away from the roadway.
A MOTION was made by Chairwoman Torina to have this item LAYOVER for further review.
The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0.
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM |
Traffic Commission recommends approval to establish a "20 mph School Zone Speed Limit" on Mulford Road from Spring Creek Road to 40 feet north of Brynwood Drive
Ald. Durkee commented that Rockford Police Officers are often onsite to regulate the crossing. He noted that there are not many children walking along this particular section of the road.
A MOTION was made by Chairwoman Torina to have this item LAYOVER. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0.
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM |
Traffic Commission recommends approval to establish a "20 mph School Zone Speed Limit" restriction on Shaw Woods Drive from Spring Creek Road to Northcliffe Lane
Chairwoman Torina announced that this item will be held out.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM |
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman SECONDER: Jeffrey Bailey, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Isidro Barrios, Jeffrey Bailey ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Mark Bonne |
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman SECONDER: Jeffrey Bailey, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Isidro Barrios, Jeffrey Bailey ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Mark Bonne |
Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin explained that there were no changes to the contract. However, salaries have increased some.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman SECONDER: Jeffrey Bailey, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Isidro Barrios, Jeffrey Bailey ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Mark Bonne |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bailey to have this item LAYOVER. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Barrios, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0.
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bailey to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Barrios.
Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Rockford explained that the subject property has been vacant for more than thirty (30) years. Staff worked with the developer on the plans for the proposed project.
Chairwoman Torina asked about affordability for the proposed housing portion of the project. Mr. Capovilla responded that he understands that the housing will be market rate, and every unit will be for sale. There will be no rentals.
Ald. Frost asked if the project will be condos. Mr. Capovilla stated that the styles will vary, which include condos.
Ald. Tuneberg asked if a building will have to come down connecting to the street. Mr. Capovilla responded “No,” and noted that an adjustment was made to the final plans.
Ald. Hoffman noted that Ald. Bonne, who was not present at the meeting had testified at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting speaking in favor of this project.
The motion was CARRIED by a vote of 3-0. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Must meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes
2. Submittal of architectural details and elevations for Staff’s review and approval for the strip center, the community center and the two (2) office buildings. Development of the twenty-eight (28) duplexes, twenty-five, 4-unit buildings, and sixteen (16) 4-unit townhomes must be per the submitted elevations.
3. The building designs shall be consistent with the elevations as approved by Staff
4. Submittal of the landscaping plan with specific plant species and size for Staff’s review and approval for each phase of the project
5. The PUD shall follow and comply with the overall landscape plan approved by Staff
6. Submittal of an overall internal pedestrian circulation plan for the PUD that will connect with all public sidewalks
7. Submittal of a plan for open space provided at a rate equal to 50 square feet per dwelling unit as required
8. Submittal of a Traffic Impact Analysis Study for this proposed development
9. Submittal and approval of a revised Tentative Plat with the newly proposed roadway alignments
10. The initial phase one plat shall include the extension of Fincham Drive south, the curved road around the proposed commercial area on the east and connection with Elaine Drive extended as shown on the plan if the commercial/office area is to develop first
11. This project may be submitted and/or platted in phases per the regulations of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
12. Submittal of photometric plan with fixture details and fixture specifications for Staff’s review and approval as a part of the building plan review for each site where outdoor lighting will be installed
13. Submittal of a Dumpster Enclosure Permit, dumpster detail and rendering for Staff’s review and approval with each building and phase
14. If Phase One is the proposed strip commercial center, additional commercial structures may not be constructed until a minimum of four residential structures are completed in Phase Two
15. Must develop site in accordance with the approved site plan
16. All conditions must be met prior to establishment of use
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Barrios to SUSTAIN ZBA.
Mr. Capovilla explained that the subject property is a gas station, and the property is located on Executive Parkway, and Mulford Road. He went on to explain that there is not enough room at the business for housing truck rentals. Staff did not feel that the request is an appropriate use, and the Zoning Board was concerned about the use as well.
Ald. Beach noted that the subject business is in his ward, and he is also opposed to the requested use.
The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0.
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Barrios to SUSTAIN LTAB. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Must meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes
2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Tobacco Codes
3. Submittal of a revised floor plan highlighting the location of tobacco sales
4. Submittal of a revised landscape plan to replace the dead and missing shrubs for Staff review and approved by November 30, 2024
5. Installation of approved landscaping by May 15, 2025
6. Removal of the two non-conforming freestanding signs by November 30, 2024
7. Any new proposed signage must be in conjunction with the sign ordinance
8. Provide Staff with a plan on what will happen with the vacant car wash building on the site
9. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area
10. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows
11. The sale of tobacco products shall be limited to the location as shown on the revised interior floor plan
12. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles (50 ml (1.7 ounces) or less) and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited
13. The sale water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited 14. Hours of operation would be Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 15. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license
16. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to issuance of the license
17. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of the license and establishment of use
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Barrios to SUSTAIN LTAB. Ald. Barrios noted that the subject business had been there for several years, and is now changing ownership.
The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes
2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Tobacco Codes
3. Submittal of a site and landscaping plan showing only two (2) access points along 11th Street, pavement removal for the installation of perimeter landscaping along 11th Street for Staff’s review and approval
4. Installation of the landscaping by May 15, 2025
5. Installation of site-obscuring fence along the west property line by May 15, 2025
6. Submittal of Dumpster Enclosure Permit Application with dumpster detail for Staff’s review and approval and installation of a new enclosure by December 1, 2024
7. The sale of tobacco products shall be limited to the interior floor plan as shown on submitted interior floor plan Exhibit D
8. The hours of operation will be limited to 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday through Sunday
9. The window signage shall not exceed 20% of window area
10. Removal of the existing freestanding sign by May 15th 2025
11. All new signage must comply with the current ordinance
12. Removal of the exiting pay phone booths and structures on the property
13. Removal of the barbed wire on top of the fencing located behind the building
14. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles (50 ml (1.7 ounces) or less) and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited
15. The sale water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited
16. There shall not be temporary exterior signage
17. That the windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows
18. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license
19. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license
20. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Barrios to SUSTAIN LTAB. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bailey, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes
2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor Codes
3. Must have two (2) staff members on duty and the liquor sales are limited to the lounge areas and the video gaming area
4. Hours are limited Monday to Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area
6. The proposed use shall not have a cover charge, dance floor, live entertainment or any DJs
7. The proposed use shall not operate as a nightclub
8. Submittal of a menu for Staff’s review and approval
9. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows
10. The restaurant and laundry facility shall have no more than five (5) video gaming terminals
11. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license
12. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to issuance of the license
13. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
1. Committee recommends approval of the 2025 City Council and Committee Calendar.
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Isidro Barrios, Jeffrey Bailey ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Mark Bonne |
November 29th– December 1st
December 5th– 8th
December 12th– 15th
December 16th– 31st
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jeffrey Bailey, Alderman SECONDER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Isidro Barrios, Jeffrey Bailey ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Mark Bonne |
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
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