Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Jan. 20.

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 January 6, 2025. 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 will be attending the Zoom meeting that IDOT is hosting in reference to the Highway 75 bridge. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 28th from 3:30 – 6:30 pm.

Mayor Peterson added that the informational meeting for the Rockton Road Bike Path is also being held on Tuesday, January 28th at 7 pm at Village Hall.

Mayor Peterson said that Ms. Diduch is sending out information about the Village’s comprehensive plan and is currently working on a request for proposal (RFP).

Mayor Peterson stated that he will have the Village Clerk email the Village Administrator job description to everyone and that he would like any input by next week. Mayor Peterson commented that he doesn’t want to spend $25,000 right away on hiring a recruiter, but he’s open to other opinions.

Mayor Peterson stated that the special use permit for the Red Barn Golf Course is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on January 21, 2025. Mayor Peterson said that both the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) didn’t recommend its approval.

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he is meeting with Alan Zais, Executive Director of the Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA), next Thursday to discuss some issues he is concerned about in regards to the D’Agnolo apartments located at 806 Kocher Street. Mayor Peterson said that the WCHA needs to make some changes before the Village sells them the Goldie Floberg property.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JODI MAY

None.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – ARIANNE HONKAMP

Motion by Mrs. Honkamp to approve the purchase requisition for PoolWeb.com for a Global ADA pool lift and spare battery in the amount of $6,080.76, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mrs. Honkamp stated that the special events application for “Yeti Fest” to be held February 5th – 8th is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on January 21, 2025. 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 they took the first sample in today. Mr. Barber said that the current water level is at 25 feet instead of 40 feet. Mr. Barber stated that the Village will need a new well in 6 months to two years. Mr. Bunge stated that a new well would cost $750,000 or more. Mr. Barber said that he will start looking for areas for a good spot and that he will keep the Committee updated.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that he got a lot of outdoor work done on Friday when the temperatures were a little nicer. Mr. Self said that he completed the playground repairs and that age appropriate stickers are visible for the equipment.

Mr. Self commented that the Roscoe/Rockton Junior Indians trailer has been moved from the Rockton Athletic Complex.

Mr. Self stated that he will be at a conference later in the week and that he is also attending a trade show.

Mr. Self said that there are three security lights at the athletic complex that need to be replaced and that there aren’t many companies that do this. Mr. Self stated that he found a company that will replace the lights for just under $2,000.

Mr. Self asked for a consensus to install two hand blowers in the bathrooms at the athletic complex. Mr. Self said that Gate’s Electric can do this for $2,455. The Committee was okay with this.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

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

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/1-20-25_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf