Rockford Sun

City of Loves Park Codes & Regulations Committee met March 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Ald. Little _X_ Ald. Owens _X_  Ald. Schlensker _X_ Ald. Thompson _ X_

Staff Present: S. Thompson __ __ N. Bruck _X_ A. Quintanilla __ Atty. _ _

Others Present: Ald. Pruitt __ Ald. J. Jacobson __ Ald. Peterson _ _ Ald. Holmes __ Chief _

Motion to Approve Minutes of March 3, 2025 by:_Ald. Owens , Second Ald. Schlensker , Vote: 4-0

Old Business – NONE

New Business – 1) Text amendment – honey bee allowance: Alderman Clint Little explained to the committee the proposal to remove bees from the ordinance prohibiting certain animals in the City. The proposed amendment would apply only to residents who had met the requirements set forth by the Illinois Department of Agriculture on possessing bees and related materials (hives, etc.). Rockford has an ordinance allowing for such uses and have met with no significant issues. As presented, the proposed amendment had no structure or restrictions, and members of the committee raised various concerns: limit on number of hives, placement in relation to lot lines, possible sales considerations, involvement of neighbors in the process of approving such a product (especially any who may have allergies and resided there before any bee population was proposed in their area).

City staff noted that proceeding with these requests through zoning would be an option, and if the procedure approved required a special use permit neighbors would have notice of the proposed location and an opportunity to speak regarding such a permittee. Additionally, further restrictions would be to allow only in either R-U or R-1 zoned areas. Emphasis on neighbors with allergies was discussed, and it was noted those speaking at zoning hearings are placed under oath. As a result, the committee considered whether to proceed at this point or present any such concerns through the zoning process – which would then proceed to city council through community development.

Motion to Table by _Ald. Schlensker , Second _Ald. Owens Vote: 4-0

Other matters: Special Event Permit application (Window World open house): An application for an open house in June, 2025 was presented through communications; information concerning same was provided to committee members and police and fire chiefs and no concerns were raised. Passage this evening was recommended at council.

Special Event Permit application (Ski Broncs polar plunge): An application for a polar plunge at Shorewood Park in April, 2025 was presented through communications; information concerning same was reviewed by committee members and no concerns were raised – other than the tardy application. Passage was recommended this evening.

Public Participation or Comment ___ NONE_____

Discussion/staff comments NONE

Motion to Adjourn by _Ald. Owens , Second _Ald. Schlensker Vote: 4-0 adjourned at 5:52 pm__

https://cityoflovespark.com/minutes-agendas/city-council/