Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Nov. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mr. Baumgartner 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 and Don Self Staff present: Sally Bennett & Adam Bunge

Also present: Spencer Cushing & Dave Bennington

Absent: Jodi May

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of October 14, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

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 Senator Chesney’s office will be at the American Legion on Thursday from 3-7 pm to help residents swap out IPASS transponders.

Mayor Peterson stated that John Phillips, Senior Advisor with the Illinois City/County Management Association (ICMA), spoke to the Administration Committee about implementing a Village Administrator position and that he is going to be a valuable resource for the Village during this process.

Mayor Peterson stated that he and Mr. Winters will be in Tampa next week for the National League of Cities (NLC) conference.

Mayor Peterson reminded the Committee that the Northern Illinois Mayor’s Association (NIMA) meeting is November 21st at the Historic Auto Attraction Museum and to let the Village Clerk know by November 12th if you would like to attend.

Mayor Peterson said that “Dueling Pianos” has 100 tickets left and that he anticipates the Rockton Christmas Walk will be a success.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

None.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber stated that the backhoe repairs are up for approval at the Village Board meeting on November 5, 2024. Mr. Barber added that the volutes and the pipes for the pumps at Hawick Street up for approval as well. Mr. Barber said that the Public Works Department is going to replace these which will save some money. Mr. Barber stated that the blower at the sewer plant blew up and on Saturday and needs to be replaced. Mr. Barber said that he is going to turn this in to the insurance company to see if they will pay for it because it was Rock Energy’s transformer that blew.

Mr. Barber stated that he spoke with Carlos Molina with the Winnebago County Highway Department and that there is a Safe Roads program through R1 with many opportunities for grant money. Mr. Barber said that he is working on this process with the county and it looks very promising.

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that he attended a water conference in Rockford and the IEPA is telling municipalities that they have to have certain issues corrected (without giving any direction) and if it’s not done, they will implement fines. Mr. Barber said that by 2029 PFAS is going to be an issue and the Village may have to drill a couple new wells or build a couple buildings for a treatment process. Mr. Barber added that this also requires a Class B water license (which he currently has), but the Village needs to have another person with this license when Mr. Barber retires. Mr. Barber stated that the IEPA accepted the Village’s lead and copper site plan. Mr. Barber said that there will be a water inspection in two years and that he needs to get three generators at wellhouses, or the Village can start getting fined on a monthly basis. Mr. Barber contacted C.E.S. and they are looking into possible grant money for this. Mr. Barber added that he may be able to have a trailer mounted generator, but he is still looking into this.

Mr. Barber stated that he is using the funds in the budget that were supposed to repair Well #7 to make repairs to Well #10 and that he will see what funds are left to go toward Well #7. Mr. Barber said that the repairs to Well #7 can wait a little bit longer.

Mr. Barber stated that the Village needs to start following their policies in regards to utility billing or that the policies need to be changed.

Mr. Barber stated that they will be discussing one of his employees in executive session at the Village Board meeting on November 5, 2024.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that the Public Works Department finished winterizing the pool and that he needs to do a few more things at the athletic complex before the weather changes.

Mr. Self advised the Committee that he started prepping for the ice rink and he is testing the Christmas decorations.

Mr. Self said that the “Rockton Remembers” bench arrived for Gene Truman.

Mr. Self stated that he will be working on the frisbee golf holes at the Woodlands Park throughout the month.

Mr. Self added that he is going to leave a few picnic tables at Settlers Park.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to adjourn at 7:06 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/11-4-24_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf