Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met Nov. 12.

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	Present
Mark Bonne	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Isidro Barrios	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Jeffrey Bailey	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

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

Chairman Torina noted that this item was laid over at the October 28th meeting. Because this particular stretch of roadway is in Ald. Frost’s ward, Chairman Torina asked him to speak on this request.

Ald. Frost stated that his opinion has not changed since the last meeting, and he is opposed to the 25 mph speed zone.

Ald. Bonne noted that he does not have any 20 mph speed zones in his ward that have similar roadways similar to the subject area.

Timothy Hinkens, Interim Public Works Director stated that this type of speed limitation is typically reserved for elementary schools. He stated that there is a 20 mph school zone next to the elementary school next door to Guilford High School. This request would extend that speed zone. Ald. Bonne wanted to know who requested this change. Director Hinkens responded that the request came from a resident who lives near the subject area. He commented that Staff recommends approval of this request.

Ald. Durkee noted that a part of this roadway encompasses his ward, and he agrees with Ald. Frost.

After further discussion, A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to have Items No. 1 and 2 sent back to the Traffic Commission for further review. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.

RESULT: REFERRED BACK TO COMMITTEE

2. Mulford/Spring Creek Road/Brynwood Drive

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

A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to have Items No. 1 and 2 sent back to the Traffic Commission for further review. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.

RESULT: REFERRED BACK TO COMMITTEE

3. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval to establish a "20 mph School Zone Speed Limit" restriction on Shaw Woods Drive from Spring Creek Road to Northcliffe Lane. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Isidro Barrios, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

4. Committee recommends approval of the Annexation of 2821 North Bell School Road. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

5. Committee recommends approval of the Annexation of 3738 South Main Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

6. Committee recommends approval of the Annexation of 4555 Spring Creek Road. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

There was no discussion on this item.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

7. Committee recommends approval for authorization to place for sale the city owned property located at 813, 819, 821 and 825 West State Street (PINs: 11-22- 286-015, 013, 006 and 005) and 111 and 125 Kilburn Avenue (PINs: 11-22-286- 012 and 001) now known as 815 West State Street (PIN: 11-22-286-016). The parcel is located on the northeast corner of West State Street and Kilburn Avenue. The minimum bid will be $1,000.00 with preference given to nearby not-for profit organizations. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Michael Hakanson explained that the subject property is a city-owned property. He explained that the Salvation Army is interested in obtaining this building. Ald. Bonne wanted to know if there are any future plans for this building. Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator for the City of Rockford explained Salvation Army plans to construct a parking lot, and because they have plans to expand their current facility, they will need parking for that as well.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman SECONDER: Jeffrey Bailey, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

8. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Nicholas Meyer, Legal Director for the City of Rockford explained that Staff has been working on the subject ordinance for a while. He further explained that the number of short term rentals have grown within the region at a rapid pace. Currently, there are over two hundred and fifty (250) short term rentals in the City of Rockford.

Director Meyer further explained that Staff has encountered a significant number of issues over the last few months with a handful of short term rentals. He noted that other municipalities have had the same issues such as criminal activity, large parties being hosted, weddings, parking issues, etc., Staff investigated what kind of ordinances, and rules other municipalities have instituted. He noted that Staff has worked with realtors, Airbnb owners, or short-term rental owners, and the Real Estate Investors Association to come up with a viable solution. The main points are that these type of uses need to blend with the neighborhood where they are located, no commercial type of uses will be allowed, parking will not be allowed on the streets, unless there is some specific exception. The maximum number of cars allowed on the street will be two (2), and four (4) cars will be allowed in the driveway. Also, advertising for large gatherings is not allowed. Lastly, there will be an application process through the City’s online registry system. He stated that owners, or managers will have to be available within an hour of receiving a call from the Police Department, the Fire Department, or the Building/Code Department.

Ald. Meeks asked about being provided with information regarding previous calls for service. Director Meyer responded that he will look into getting that information. He explained that house parties for short term rentals will be eliminated.

Ald. Beach asked if there will be any “grandfather” language in the new ordinance. Director Meyer stated “No.” Ald. Beach asked for more conversation regarding “grandfather” language. Director Meyer stated that a future effective date will be discussed, which will allow for a transition period.

Mr. Cagnoni noted that there is a difference between Airbnb, and properties that are being rented out for commercial uses, which is not permitted.

Ald. Frost voiced his approval of this ordinance. Ald. Durkee voiced his approval as well, and asked the Code and Regulation Committee to consider amending Section 21 under Penalties to make the minimum fine $250 instead of $50.

A MOTION was made by Chairman Torina to AMEND Section 21 making the minimum fine $250 instead of $50. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bonne. The motion was CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.

Ald. Tuneberg asked about shared driveways. Director Meyer said that he would take a look to see what, if anything can be done concerning this matter.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Barrios, Bailey

III. ADJOURNMENT 

With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

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