Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Jan. 6.

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: Spencer Cushing

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mrs. Honkamp, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of December 16, 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 he received an email from the railroad and that they are going to take care of the railroad tracks going through town.

Mayor Peterson asked the trustees to please see Ms. Diduch, Planning & Development Administrator, in reference to the proposed development at the Red Barn Golf Course. Mayor Peterson said that he wants everyone to be informed about this.

Mayor Peterson stated that he has been working on the Village Administrator job description.

Mayor Peterson commented that the Village’s current comprehensive plan is 24 years old and that Ms. Diduch is working on a request for proposal (RFP) and that it could potentially cost $100,000 to update it.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

Ms. May discussed water services to multi-family homes with the Committee. Mr. Barber stated that back in 1998 the IEPA said that multi-family homes need to be built with split water services. Mr. Barber said that in 2000 the Village Board said that old services to multi-family homes didn’t have to be replaced, but when the home is sold that it needs to be replaced at that time. Mr. Barber explained that there are 40 condos in Old River Hills that need to be separated. Mayor Peterson said that many of these units have one water meter for two units. Mayor Peterson commented that if the Village had the residents take care of this, he is concerned that they could hire people and have shotty work done. Mr. Barber said that all of this came up because there is a condo unit that is being sold in Old River Hills and he needs to enforce the ordinance or the Village can be fined by the IEPA. Mr. Barber said that it would cost anywhere from $5,000 - $7,000 per unit to have the water services replaced and that there are a total of 81 affected properties. The Committee agreed that Mr. Barber can take some of the funds from the lead and copper budget to cover the cost of the water service in Old River Hills. Mr. Barber stated that this could amount to a few condos/year being sold and that it could be budgeted for in the future.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

Mrs. Honkamp stated that the special events application for the “May Day Faerie Festival” to be held on Saturday, May 3rd from 10 am – 4 pm in Settlers Park is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on January7, 2024. The Committee was okay with this.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that they are still having problems with Well #10 and that Cahoy is looking at it, but another well may need to be drilled.

Mr. Barber stated that he is working on the R.A.I.S.E. grants with C.E.S. and that the Village would need to come up with 20% of the funds if they are awarded to us. Mr. Barber said that these are federal grants and that the Village can also decide not to accept the grant if the funds aren’t available. Mr. Barber stated that the Village will know more in about 6-8 months if they are awarded to us.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that he has all of the Christmas decorations put away and that the ice rink is up in Village Green Park. Mr. Self said that the lights will be on 24 hours/day at the ice rink.

Mr. Self advised the Committee that he is continuing to work on machine maintenance throughout the winter so that his equipment is ready for spring.

Mr. Self added that he is attending the Illinois Parks & Rec Association conference at the end of January.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to adjourn at 7:23 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/1-6-25_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf