Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met March 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Danielson called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:30 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, Spencer Cushing and Jamin Unger

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of February 17, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he met with Alan Zais (Winnebago County Housing Authority) again today in reference to the D’Agnolo Apartments. Mayor Peterson stated that Mr. Zais understands that there are problems and they are taking steps to address them. Mayor Peterson said he left the meeting feeling a little bit better about things and that Mr. Zais understands the Village’s concerns.

Mayor Peterson stated that the Rockton Lion’s Club wants to build a pavilion over the basketball courts in Settlers Park and that the pavilion would be used for the Old Settlers Days (OSD) festival. Mayor Peterson said that the cost of the pavilion would be approximately $350,000 and that the Lion’s Club is getting a $100,000 grant, but would like to know if the Village is interested in assisting with paying $100,000. Mr. York said that he wasn’t interested in spending $100,000 on this at this time. Mr. Winters stated that the pavilion may be beneficial, but he has concerns about graffiti. Mr. Danielson agreed with Mr. York and Mr. Winters about this. Mayor Peterson said that he will let the Lion’s Club that the Village interested (budget wise) at this time.

Mayor Peterson stated that Mr. Self, Parks & Recreation Director, spoke to a couple men interested in setting up a temporary disc golf course at Thunder Rock Park for a tournament. Mayor Peterson advised that the temporary course will be set for approximately one week.

Mayor Peterson said that he received a letter from the Summit Condo Association in reference to the Red Barn Golf Course. Mayor Peterson said that the association doesn’t wish to meet anymore with Richard Barnes, the owner of the Red Barn Golf Course, and that they would like a net installed to protect their condos. Mayor Peterson stated that he is worried that someone is going to get hurt from a golf ball coming onto their property and that the Village can’t leave these two groups to their own devices. Mayor Peterson said that he has a couple of ideas to try and help resolve the issue with the golf balls. Mayor Peterson explained that an expert on golf course layout can maybe take a look at the golf course and see if the layout can be changed, the Village can help buy out the Toptracer contract or the cost of the net can be split three ways to cover the $180,000 cost. Mayor Peterson said that a special service area (SSA) may be able to be set up to cover the cost of the improvement. Mayor Peterson stated that he wants to be able to say that the Village looked at every possible option in resolving this matter. Mayor Peterson commented that he wants everyone’s thoughts about this and that we don’t need to have an answer now, but the Village Trustees are the ones who will vote on this. Mr. Winters stated that he wants to see how this season goes, and Mr. Danielson said that he sees both sides of this. Mr. York stated that the Village has spent a lot of time on this and that there have been no further issues since the nuisance ordinance was amended. Mr. York agreed that the Village should see how this year goes because he can’t see spending money now without seeing some sort of data. Mayor Peterson said that he wanted this on their radar because golf balls are going to start flying and the Village needs to protect its citizens. Chief Hollinger stated that he wanted to be clear that if there is an occurrence with a golf ball, there will be a code enforcement violation issued. Mayor Peterson confirmed this.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SCOTT DANIELSON, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Danielson discussed the Sonoco property update with the Committee. Ms. Diduch advised that the Village had a good meeting with Fehr Graham and shared a conceptual plan that was created for the property. Ms. Diduch said that this has a similar concept as “The Grainery” plans, located on Hawick Street near Settlers Park. Ms. Diduch stated that there would be a plaza area, an event space and a playground area. Ms. Diduch added that this plan also takes advantage of the scenic overlook. Ms. Diduch commented that the Brownfields Grant Program opens in August or September and that she was hoping that the Village would get $47,000 back, but she’s not certain that will happen now. Ms. Diduch said that she currently has $115,000 budgeted that is TIF money. Mr. Winters questioned if those grants were still going to be available and Ms. Diduch thought they should. Ms. Diduch said that this project has a lot of meat to it since it’s located next to our historic downtown. Ms. Diduch added that the Village would end up subdividing the property as well. Mr. Winters stated that he thinks that the Village is on the right path.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

None.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York stated that he had asked Garcea Technologies, the Village’s IT provider, to look into if fiber would be beneficial to the Village. Mr. York said that Garcea Technologies advised that this would save the Village money, but that the gig up/gig down would cost and additional $125/month. Mr. York said that he didn’t think that this was really worth it, in his opinion.

Mr. York said that he was also asked about the DoubleSpot recreational software that Mr. Self was looking into and that he thinks it would be a better idea for Garcea Technologies to meet with them.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger discussed the Axon camera renewal for the police department with the Committee. Chief Hollinger said that if the Village decides to renew early that there is a little bit of savings for the Village. Chief Hollinger added that the early renewal also provides the Village with new equipment with more tools and more training. Chief Hollinger said that in 2025/2026 we would be spending $50,000 in June or we can spend $48,000 now to renew. Chief Hollinger added that Axon is a great company, but they’re not cheap and you get what you pay for. Mr. York commented that this is a no brainer to renew now because it costs less and it includes many upgrades. Chief Hollinger said that he will have this up for approval on the Village Board agenda on March 18, 2025. The Committee was okay with this.

Chief Hollinger said that the “Battle of the Badge Blood Drive” is being held on Monday, March 10th at the Rockton Fire Department if anyone is interested in donating blood.

Chief Hollinger stated that Deputy Chief Jobst is currently working on an emergency action plan for Village Hall.

Chief Hollinger added that the Mercedes that was awarded to the police department will be going out to auction right away. Chief Hollinger said that it was going to be used for the school resource officer’s vehicle and that they wanted to place decals on it stating that it was ceased, but the police department received bad information from the State’s Attorney’s office and the State of Illinois. Chief Hollinger advised that the vehicle would have to be used for investigations for a year and he doesn’t see a use for the vehicle now.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that she emailed her monthly activity report to everyone.

Ms. Diduch said that Mr. Self spoke to her about looking into the DoubleSpot recreational software and that she was also approached by someone to help with payments for Village events. Ms. Diduch advised that she wants to talk to other municipalities and see what they are using. Mayor Peterson said that he’s going to let Mr. Self know that he wants to wait on this until the Village hires a Village Administrator.

Ms. Diduch added that she received a phone call from Karen Walsh, a commercial realtor, and that people are showing interest to build more residential homes in this area.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York, to adjourn at 6:21 pm.

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