Rockford Sun

City of Loves Park Codes & Regulations Committee met April 7.

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. _ Galluzzo ___

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

Motion to Approve Minutes of March 17, 2025 by:_Ald. Little , Second Ald. Owens , Vote: 4-0 Old Business – Text amendment – honey bee allowance: set over to be discussed with proposed ordinance

New Business – 1) Liquor license, Class H, 815 Event Space LLC (6331 N. Second): TaVanna Branch appeared and explained the request for a Class H license at her business. The request is consistent with the special use permit applicable to the business and would augment her offerings of adult gatherings (weddings, showers, etc.). Staff confirmed the request follows the expectations when the special use permit was granted and had no objections.

Motion to Approve consistent with SUP by _Ald. Owens , Second _Ald. Little Vote: 4-0

2) Liquor license, Class R-3, Elite Sports LLC (6800 Forest Hills Rd, Suite 4): Darko Gligorevic appeared and explained the plan to provide beer at this new facility; food offerings would be limited to snacks or possible catering from nearby establishments. Plans may include a wall tap concept with use of AI and/or with actual personnel to monitor alcohol sales and usage in observation areas only. Staff expressed no objections.

Motion to Approve by _Ald. Little , Second _Ald. Owens Vote: 4-0

3) Liquor license, Class R-1, Tacos El Jefe Mexican Grill (6566 E. Riverside): Ricardo Garcia appeared and explained plans to open a restaurant with a Mexican focus at this location. Experience in operating similar businesses includes Chilangos in SouthEast Rockford for the past decade. Staff expressed no objections, and members were pleased this location (recently Fuji Cajun) would be open for business again.

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

4) Text amendment – honey bee allowance: Two ordinances were presented to the committee for consideration; the first redefines dangerous animals to except bees that are part of a hive registered and approved through the state Department of Agriculture, while the second sets for in more detail the parameters of allowing honey bees in certain locations in the city. Extensive discussion was had with the committee members, city staff and Attorney Galluzzo. As the time for the evening’s council meeting approached and it was clear further discussion was required, the meeting adjourned temporarily at 5:59 pm to reconvene following the city council meeting (vote 4 – 0).

Upon reconvening at 6:18 p.m., all original members participating in the discussion were present except Nathan Bruck. Issues discussed included numeric restrictions throughout the city and for each beekeeper, fees (application and renewal), authority of code enforcement to inspect as may be necessary, signage and consent/objection from adjacent landowners. The committee members seemed to find some consensus on various topics and the following modifications were discussed as possible options to address the various concerns raised during the meeting:

◼ 5 beekeepers to begin, subject to increasing this number should citizen interest merit an increase;

◼ Limit of 5 (not 4, as originally proposed) hives on lots greater than 1/3 acre and less than 1 acre;

◼ Initial fee of $25, with a notice to the city of any change (alter number of hives, discontinue) as well as an annual notice confirming the hives are still active

◼ City would obtain information through state websites to confirm compliance with registration and conduct periodic inspections when warranted;

◼ Signage would be as set forth in the ordinance and posted in a conspicuous manner;

◼ Details of the application or a neighbor consent form would be included as necessary in the ordinance; and

◼ The application process would be conditioned upon adjacent neighbors receiving notice of the application and an opportunity to express objection within two weeks.

Objections were addressed and various options considered: objections based on medical conditions of residents would be supported by medical records demonstrating the condition; once presented, this objection would result in denial of the permit. Objections not supported by medical documentation will result in the matter being presented to city council. No objections submitted would result in the city clerk having authority to issue the permit.

Following these discussions, Attorney Galluzzo will take notes from the meeting (his and the committee chair) and work with Nathan Bruck to revise the proposed ordinances. A copy of said revised ordinances will be provided to committee members upon completion to allow for ample time to review before our next meeting. Our next meeting will be held April 21, 2025 at 5:25 pm.

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

Public Participation or Comment NONE

Discussion/staff comments NONE

Motion to Adjourn by Ald. Owens , Second by Ald. Schlensker 

Vote: 4-0 adjourned at 7:15 pm

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