Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Finance & Personnel Committee met Oct. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Kevin Frost	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Franklin C. Beach	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Jonathan Logemann	City of Rockford	Alderman	Absent
Chad Tuneberg	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Aprel Prunty	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

Other Attendees:

Mayor McNamara

Council Members; T. Durkee, G. Torina, K. Hoffman, B. Rose, I. Barrios, G. Meeks, J. Bailey.

Staff; T. Cagnoni, C. Hagerty, T. Hinkens, S. Leys, Police Chief C. Redd, Fire Chief M. Pankow, N. Meyer, S. Hunter, A. Parham, T. Hughes, A. Wilkerson, M. Bloom, C. Bailey, S. Alexander, K. Schroeder, K. Mattson, M. Leatherby, N. Carter. Interested Parties and Media

II. INFORMATION ONLY

1. 2025 Budget.

Chief Pankow provided information regarding plans to add an additional fire station and potentially relocate others, as outlined in the attached document.

Prunty asked if relocating Station 10 would create a gap in coverage. Chief Pankow explained that relocating Station 10 to East State Street would improve access to the East, though a small area Northwest of the current Station 10 might experience a slightly larger gap. The relocation decision considered the benefit of situating the station on a thoroughfare that facilitates quick access both Eastward and back into the City.

Durkee mentioned that Station 4, located on the East side, is one of the busiest and was built before nearby housing developments. Durkee asked if there had been a long-term plan to address Eastward expansion as the City grew. Chief Pankow noted that Station 5 on Trainer Road, built over 30 years ago in what was then a cornfield, quickly became one of the busiest stations. While no long-term plan was in place back then, the department now has a comprehensive long-term plan.

Durkee expressed concerns over response times on the East side due to increased demand, with calls sometimes requiring support from West-side companies.

Durkee questioned how the long-term plan addresses the need to improve response times, which are intended to be 4 minutes for ambulance calls and 4 minutes and 20 seconds for fire calls. Chief Pankow acknowledged that response times can sometimes exceed the target and outlined the standards set based on national guidelines and scientific data for medical response and fire flashover times.

Durkee shared an example of an ambulance arriving 11 minutes after a call for a child experiencing a seizure and questioned whether the current approach of reallocating resources was sustainable. Chief Pankow explained that while meeting response targets consistently is challenging, the department conducts a comprehensive risk analysis every five years, evaluating response times, geography, incident density, and other factors to identify performance gaps. The long-term plan includes recommendations to address these gaps, though implementation requires funding. Currently, the department is working on adding an engine company to the far East side and is considering an additional fire station to improve service.

Durkee inquired whether there is a specific plan to establish a station further East. Chief Pankow confirmed that the recommendations include optimal station placements and apparatus distribution to address performance gaps, focusing not only on station locations but also on adding necessary vehicles.

Further group discussion ensued.

RESULT: DISCUSSED

III. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Approval of the vouchers in the amount of $9,034,574.03 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on October 28, 2024.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Aprel Prunty, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

B. Approval of a Grant of Easement on Madison Street to Commonwealth Edison for the installation of equipment needed to bury overhead power lines as part of the Madison Street Reconstruction Project. The box will be located at 115 North Madison Street (PIN: 11-23-382-026). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Rose asked if the lines are currently buried. K. Mattson responded that they are currently aerial, but the plan is to bury them.

Rose inquired about the decision to bury the lines. K. Mattson explained that this decision was part of a previously conducted corridor study, and now that the study is being implemented, they are following through on that recommendation.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Aprel Prunty, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

C. Approval of the proposed Development Agreement between Rockford University, Rockford Promise and the City of Rockford for a Location-Based Scholarship Program. The proposal would allow eligible students graduating from a private or public high school in the City of Rockford and a student that lives in the City of Rockford that are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant the ability to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Rockford University with all tuition paid. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Durkee thanked Mayor McNamara for including both private and public schools in the scholarship program and for his efforts.

Prunty noted that last year, 90 students applied for the scholarship, but only 4 received it due to limited funds. Prunty asked if, with the new funds, all 90 eligible students could have participated under similar circumstances, confirming there is no cap on eligible recipients. T. Cagnoni affirmed there is no limit.

Prunty further clarified that there were 90 public school applicants and asked if there was an estimate on the number of private school applicants. T. Cagnoni did not have a specific estimate but emphasized the agreement’s overall value for the City, students, and Rockford University.

Prunty asked if the $500,000 funding would still accommodate additional students, such as if there were 10 more private school applicants. T. Cagnoni confirmed that all eligible students, both public and private, would be accommodated, noting that students need to be Rockford residents and attend a public or private school in the City of Rockford. He also clarified that if a student’s family income later exceeds MAP or PELL eligibility requirements, they would still remain eligible for the scholarship, and Rockford University would honor the commitment through the term of the student’s education.

Prunty mentioned documentation noting that students falling below the minimum GPA would have time to improve their grades and asked if this applies to NIU as well. T. Cagnoni confirmed that both programs have the same terms: a 3.0 GPA is required for eligibility, but students who fall below a 2.5 GPA would enter a probation period for one semester.

Prunty inquired about who would be responsible for data tracking, such as the number of students and success rates. T. Cagnoni explained that this is a partnership among the City of Rockford, Rockford University, and Rockford Promise, with Rockford Promise primarily responsible for reporting in cooperation with Rockford University.

Prunty asked when the program would begin if approved. T. Cagnoni confirmed that it would start immediately, with current high school seniors eligible next year.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

IV. RESOLUTIONS

A. Proposed resolution authorizing staff to reimburse Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) in the amount of $125,000.00 for Audio System improvements from Arts and Culture allocation of the Casino Tax Revenue Plan.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

B. Proposed resolution authorizing funding reimbursement for sidewalks and bus stop on Linden Road in conjunction with PCI Pharma Services per approved Budget Surplus Plan in the amount of $50,000.00.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

C. Proposed resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Regional Site Readiness Grant Application Authorization and Award Acceptance in the amount up to $2,500,000.00. The City of Rockford would provide matching funds up to $607,000.00 for this project, if awarded. The funding source would be from the approved 2023 Budget Surplus Plan.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

D. Award of Contract: Private Tree Removal Loan Program, Qualified Vendors (Bid No. 924-PW-098) to Busy Beaver Tree Care, LLC, of Roscoe, Illinois, Sisson's Tree Service, LLC, of Stillman Valley, Illinois, and Tree Care Enterprises, LLC of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $60,000.00 (with an annual $20,000.00 maximum spend). The contract duration is one (1) year with two (2) possible one year extension options. The funding source is the Construction Services Operating Budget.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

E. Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Rock Salt / Bulk Road Salt to Compass Minerals of America, Inc., of Overland Park, Kansas in the amount of $1,413,120.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the Street Division Operating Budget.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

F. Award of Construction Engineering Agreement: 2024 City-Wide Street Repairs Groups 5 and 6 to Willett Hofmann and Associates, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the not-to-exceed amount of $36,375.16. The contract duration is through November 29, 2024. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

G. Approval of Application and Acceptance of Award of the Illinois Medical Respite Capacity Building Initiative (IMRCBI) from Illinois Public Health Institute Grant Award in the amount of $100,000.00. The grant does not require a cost match.

The grant term is from October 28, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The grant will provide funds for the implementation of a medical respite program for homeless individuals with medical needs.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

H. 2024-247-R - Contract Renewal: Third Party Administrator for medical and hospital benefits for the City of Rockford Health Insurance Plan with BlueCross / Blue Shield of Illinois for the contract amount/rates of $56.05 Per Employee Per Month - PPO Plan and $4.89 Per Employee Per Month - HSA Plan ($56.05 less the reduction of $60.94 for prescription rebate). Total estimated annual administration costs - $600,840.00 based on 918 PPO participants and 283 HSA participants. The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the Health Insurance Fund.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman SECONDER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

I. 2024-248-R - Contract Renewal: Change to Self-Funded for the City of Rockford Health Insurance Plan with BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois for the contract amount/rates of $3.50 Per Employee Per Month. Based on an average monthly enrollment of 1,250 employees, the total estimated annual administration costs are $52,500.00. Includes a two-year rate guarantee; $20,000.00 transition credit; $1.00 discount on medical admin rate. The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the Health Insurance Fund.

Frost asked if the change from MetLife to BlueCross was specifically for dental coverage. S. Hunter confirmed that it is.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

J. 2024-249-R - Contract Renewal: Employer-paid group term life insurance for City of Rockford employees with Metropolitan Life Insurance for the contract amount/rates of $0.08 per $1,000.00 of life insurance coverage and $0.25 per $1,000.00 of AD&D coverage. The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the Health Insurance Fund.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/12/2024 5:30 PM MOVER: Franklin C. Beach, Alderman SECONDER: Chad Tuneberg, Alderman AYES: Kevin Frost, Franklin C. Beach, Chad Tuneberg, Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Jonathan Logemann

V. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was closed at 7:16 PM

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