Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Dec. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairwoman May 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, Jodi May and Don Self

Staff present: Sally Bennett & Adam Bunge

Also present: Dave Bennington

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

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 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 would like to participate and walk in the lighted Christmas parade on Saturday evening. Mayor Peterson said that the Administration Committee would like to walk/ride in the parade and that they are going to line up on Race Street.

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 that 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.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

Motion by Ms. May to approve the purchase requisition for McGilvra Electric for pump replacement at the Prairie Street lift station in the amount of $5,260.74, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber stated that he is meeting with Metronet in reference to them running fiber in the Village.

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that the Village needs to have an open house in regards to the Rockton Road bike path. Mr. Barber stated that the notice needs to be published twice and that he would like to hold the meeting sometime in January 2025. Mayor Peterson said that the last week in January would work best and Mr. Barber said that he will pick a date and let everyone know.

Mr. Barber also advised the Committee that the Village really needs to start planning for a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Mr. Barber stated that the Village should pick a location for the WWTP within the next year. Mayor Peterson said that he should be hearing more from Lubrizol about the Chemtool property plans soon and this could be a potential location. Mr. Barber stated that the Village needs two acres or a little more to build a WWTP. Mr. Barber commented that the best piece of property that the Village owns is the Sonoco property or another good location would be the Hendrick’s property across from the high school. Mr. Self said that there is property by the athletic fields as well. Mr. Barber informed the Committee that there are things that you can do to eliminate an odor coming from a WWTP and that he has been to many of them where you don’t smell anything.

Mr. Barber stated that the Village of Roscoe approached Kevin Bunge from C.E.S. about possibly being their Village Engineer as well. Mr. Barber said that Mr. Bunge wanted to make sure that everyone was comfortable with this. Mayor Peterson said as long as they are able to continue their service to the Village and attend meetings he was okay with it. Mayor Peterson added that he didn’t want the Village to compete with Roscoe as far as grant opportunities go and that he didn’t want Mr. Bunge applying for the same grants.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated the ice rink is up in Village Green Park and that the Christmas decorations are up in Settlers Park. Mr. Self added that the electric is being done this week for the Rockton Christmas Walk.

Mr. Self inquired about getting a request for proposal (RFP) for the retaining wall in Settlers Park or having C.E.S. design a retaining wall and have it go out to bid. Mr. Self asked what the Committee would like to do and they liked the RFP idea from landscaping companies. Mr. Self said that he wants to be able to see what ideas the landscaping companies would come up with for the retaining wall. The Committee stated that if Mr. Self wants different ideas then a RFP is not the route to go because it’s a proposal based off certain specifications. Mr. Self said that he definitely wants to see different ideas so he will request quotes and will have to formally waive the bid process when it comes time to approve this.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mrs. Honkamp, to adjourn at 7:04 pm.

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