Rockford Sun

City of Loves Park City Council met April 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Greg Jury called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Alderman Jim Thompson opened the meeting with an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Aldermen A. Marie Holmes, Robert Schlensker, Doug Allton (via telephone) Mike Owens, John Jacobson, Clint Little, John Jacobson, John Pruitt, Jim Thompson, Mark Peterson

Also Present: City Clerk Bob Burden

City Attorney Gino Galluzzo

1. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

The Journal of Proceedings for the regular meeting of April 7, 2025, were approved as submitted by the City Clerk on a motion by Alderman Schlensker. Second by Alderman Owens. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

2. COMMUNICATIONS, MAYOR’S REPORT & ANNOUNCEMENTS

3. ALDERMAN A. MARIE HOLMES RETIREMENT

Mayor Jury announced that this is Alderman Marie Holmes’ last council meeting. The Mayor thanked Alderman Holmes for her 32 years of service with the City of Loves Park, and he invited everyone to a celebration in Marie’s honor to be held after council in the Brinker community room.

4. RIBBON-CUTTING

Mayor Jury announced that a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at Tsunami Car Wash on April 23, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

5. COMMISSION HEARING

Received a notice from the Illinois Commerce Commission of a hearing regarding Commonwealth Edison, to be held April 29, 2025, via WebEx. Placed on file.

6. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS

7. GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman John Jacobson presented the General Fund and all other bills dated April 21, 2025, in the amount of $460,791.98 and moved that they be paid. Second by Alderman Peterson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

8. WATER FUND BILLS

Alderman John Jacobson presented the Water Department bills dated April 21, 2025, in the amount of $187,268.21, and moved that they be paid. Second by Alderman Peterson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

9. OFFICER’S REPORT

10. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT

Alderman Dan Jacobson presented the Police Department Report for April 21, 2025; presented the Fire Department Report for April 21, 2025, to be placed on file.

11. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

Alderman Schlensker presented the Street Department Report for April 21, 2025; presented the Water Department Report for April 21, 2025, to be placed on file.

12. COMMITTEE REPORTS

13. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Alderman John Jacobson of the Finance and Administration Committee presented the minutes from the committee meetings held on April 7, 2025, to be placed on file. He also announced that Resolution No. 24 has been removed from this evening’s Agenda.

14. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Schlensker of the Public Works Committee presented the minutes from the committee meeting held on April 7, 2025, to be placed on file.

15. CODES & REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

Alderman Thompson of the Codes and Regulations Committee presented the minutes from the committee meeting held on April 7, 2025, to be placed on file.

16. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Alderman Pruitt of the Community Development Committee announced that going forward the Community Development Committee meetings will be held at 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:30 p.m.

17. RESOLUTIONS & MOTIONS

18. APPOINTMENTS

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to appoint the following people to the listed positions:

1. Shannon Messinger to the full-time position of Public Works Director, with an annual salary of $115,000.00.

2. Nathan Bruck to the full-time position of Community Development Director, with an annual salary of $106,000.00

3. Craig McDonald to the full-time position of Water Superintendent, with an annual salary of $106,000.00.

4. David Jacobson to the full-time position of Street Department Manager, with an annual salary of $97,000.00.

5. Russell Caveny to the full-time position of Water Department Manager, with an annual salary of $97,000.00

The effective date for all of these positions is May 1, 2025. All positions are salaried and overtime exempt. Wages and benefits are set by current FY24-25 Salary Ordinance. Second by Alderman Pruitt. Motion carried. 9 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson) 1 Abstain (Alderman Dan Jacobson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-027

19. OMNIBUS VOTE

Alderman Thompson moved to bring Resolutions 13 thru 23 and 25 on the Agenda to be acted upon through a single omnibus vote. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried by voice vote.

20. FULL-TIME PLUMBING/HVAC INSPECTOR

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to hire Joseph D. Rongere as a full-time employee in the position of Plumbing/HVAC Inspector effective May 1, 2025, at a salary of $77,885.00 per year. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-028

21. RECONSTRUCTION OF RENROSE AVENUE

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to hire ArcDesign Resources, 5291 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61111 for engineering services for the reconstruction of Renrose Avenue at a cost not to exceed twenty-three thousand three hundred dollars ($23,300.00). The scope of work is defined on the attached “Agreement for Services”. Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-8047 (Engineering Future Projects). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-029

22. 2026 CITY-WIDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to hire ArcDesign Resources, 5291 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61111 for engineering services for the 2026 city-wide street improvements at a cost not to exceed thirty-three thousand five hundred thirty-seven dollars ($33,537.00). The scope of work is defined on the attached “Agreement for Services”. Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-8047 (Engineering Future Projects). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-030

23. RECONSTRUCTION OF RIVERSIDE BLVD

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to hire ArcDesign Resources, 5291 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61111 for engineering services for the reconstruction of Riverside Boulevard at a cost not to exceed one hundred Eight-four thousand four hundred sixty dollars ($184,460.00). The scope of work is defined on the attached “Agreement for Services”. Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-8047 (Engineering Future Projects ($161,290.00) and Account No. 31-58-4860 (Water Engineering Projects) ($23,170.00). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-031

24. SEAL & STRIPE CITY HALL PARKING LOT

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to hire Trickie Enterprises for sealcoating and striping the City Hall parking lot at a cost not to exceed twenty-six thousand four hundred thirty dollars ($26,430.00). Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-6540 (City Repair & Maintenance). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes,

Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-032

25. RE-STRIPE OF VARIOUS ROADS

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Public Works Manager is authorized to hire Countryman Inc., P.O. Box 1364, Rockford, IL 61105 to re-stripe various roads within the City. Total cost of the contract shall not exceed forty five thousand dollars ($45,000.00). Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-8102 (Street Paint). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-033

26. NEW EQUIPMENT FOR WELL 4

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Water Department Manager is authorized to purchase new pumping equipment for Well #4 from Midwest Well Services, Inc. DBS: Municipal Well & Pump, 1212 Storbeck Drive, Waupun, WI 53963, for the cost of $173,490.00. Funds shall be drawn from Account No. 31-51-4113 (Well 4 & Generator). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-034

27. ROCK VALLEY PARKWAY CREEK IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2B

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to hire Northern Illinois Service Co. for the Rock Valley Parkway Creek Improvements Phase 2B at a cost not to exceed five hundred forty-six thousand four hundred sixty-six dollars and twenty-five cents ($546,466.25). Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01-11-8045 (Storm Water Repair). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-035

28. IDOT AGREEMENT

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that Mayor Jury is authorized to sign the attached agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for upgrading the traffic signals and sidewalks to meet the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements along IL 251 (City Section 25-00083-00-SW) from Snow Avenue to the Southern boundary of the City. This Resolution includes appropriation of $9,600.00 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) to be reimbursed to IDOT for the City’s share of improvements (Exhibit A); and, in addition, includes the approval of the Plans and Specifications provided by IDOT for the project (Exhibit B). Funds shall be drawn from Account No. 05-00-5000 (Motor Fuel Tax). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-036

29. MATERIAL AVENUE DRAINAGE SURVEY

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Street Department Manager is authorized to hire ArcDesign Resources, 5291 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61111 for engineering services for the Material Avenue Drainage Survey at a cost not to exceed eighteen thousand four hundred dollars ($18,400.00). The scope of work is defined on the attached “Agreement for Services”. Funds shall be taken from Account No. 01- 11-8047 (Future Engineering). Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-037

30. REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR 521 LOVES PARK DRIVE

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Loves Park, Illinois, is authorized to enter into a redevelopment agreement with Write It Right Public Adjusting LLC, (“Developer”), relating to property located at 521 Loves Park Drive, within the North Second Street Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area, as per the Redevelopment Agreement. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-038

31. REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR 4832 NORTH SECOND STREET

Alderman Thompson presented the following Resolution and moved for its approval, RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Loves Park, Illinois, is authorized to enter into a redevelopment agreement with A.A.A. M & V, Inc. (“Developer”), relating to property located at 4832 North Second Street, within the North Second Street Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area, as per the attached Redevelopment Agreement. Second by Alderman John Jacobson. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-039

32. ORDINANCES

33. HONEY BEE KEEPING

Alderman Thompson presented an ordinance amending Chapter 14, Animals, Honey Bee keeping, and moved for approval. Second by Alderman Owens. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

ORDINANCE NO. 4705-25

34. TEXT AMENDMENT ANIMALS

Alderman Thompson presented an ordinance authorizing a text amendment to Chapter 14, Animals, and moved for approval. Second by Alderman Owens. Motion carried. 10 Ayes (Aldermen Holmes, Schlensker, Allton, Owens, John Jacobson, Little, Dan Jacobson, Pruitt, Thompson, Peterson)

ORDINANCE NO. 4706-25

35. PUBLIC COMMENT

Gilbert Chambers spoke about issues not related to city business.

36. ADJOURNMENT

Alderman John Jacobson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Second by Alderman Schlensker. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

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