Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Dec. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:31 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Scott Danielson, Dave Winters and Justin York

Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger

Also present: Dave Bennington

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of November 18, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that they discussed a camping ordinance at the Northern Illinois Mayor’s Association (NIMA) meeting. Mayor Peterson said that this ordinance addresses the homeless population. Mayor Peterson stated that Atty. Szeto is looking into this.

Mayor Peterson said that they also discussed an Airbnb ordinance at the NIMA meeting and while he was at the National League of Cities (NLC) conference. Mayor Peterson said that Atty. Szeto is looking into this as well.

Mayor Peterson inquired if anyone on the Village Board would like to walk in the lighted Christmas parade on Saturday evening. The Committee said that they would be interested in doing this. Mayor Peterson added that the Village has a lot of candy to hand out at the parade.

Mayor Peterson stated that he and Mr. Barber met with Illinois American Water Company in reference to the Village’s water system. Mayor Peterson said that he spoke to a mayor in southern Illinois who just sold their water system to Illinois American Water Company and that he strongly advised not to do this unless you have no other choice. Mayor Peterson said that the mayor told him that their water rates went through the roof, but

they had to sell their water system because their police pension wasn’t funded properly. Mayor Peterson commented that the Village’s police pension fund is currently 91% funded and that it should be fully funded by 2030. Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that the Village isn’t going to pursue anything further with Illinois American Water Company.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

None.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

None.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that today was Shelby DeFilippis’ (Administrative Assistant) first day back in the office and everything seemed to go well.

Chief Hollinger stated that the police department received a $3,000 donation from a Rockton resident.

Chief Hollinger said that this coming Saturday is “Shop with a Hero” and that the Rockton Police Department and the Rockton Fire Protection District are participating in the event.

Chief Hollinger updated the Committee in reference to the 2023 Mercedes that the police department seized a while back. Chief Hollinger said that it looks like the police department is going to be able to keep the vehicle that is valued at approximately $40,000. Chief Hollinger said that they have time to decide how they will use the vehicle once its in their possession.

Chief Hollinger said that the police department is looking into some different options that helps them communicate with people that aren’t proficient in speaking English. Chief Hollinger said that they were able to test an app with foreign exchange students at the high school and that it worked very well. Chief Hollinger stated that they are looking into other apps as well, but that this could benefit staff at Village Hall as well.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that she is also receiving a $3,000 donation from a resident that would like the money used for the downtown area (Pocket Park).

Ms. Diduch said that she is extremely busy with the Rockton Christmas Walk and that the full schedule of events can be found on rocktonchristmaswalk.com.

Ms. Diduch stated that she will have her activity report done soon and will get a copy to everyone.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 5:51 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/12-2-24_Administration_Minutes.pdf