Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met June 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Baumgartner called the regular meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Barber, Dan Baumgartner, Dave Bennington, Don Self and Jamin Unger

Staff present: Adam Bunge

Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Bennington, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of May 19, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

VILLAGE ENGINEER – ADAM 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 also discussed the Rockton Road bike path with the Committee. Mayor Peterson said that the Parrs would like the Village to pay for a fence to be installed in front of their property along the bike path, but Mr. Barber is preparing a counter proposal for Mr. Parr. Mayor Peterson stated that he would like to avoid using the eminent domain process for the property for the bike path.

Mayor Peterson stated that he spoke with Mark Peterson in reference to the Village Administrator applicants. Mayor Peterson said that there were 46 applicants and that Mr. Peterson is narrowing it down to 5-10 applicants and completing background checks on them. Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that they will need to hold a special Village Board meeting and go into executive session to discuss the applicants. Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that the special Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 24th at 7:00 pm.

Mayor Peterson said that he and Mr. Barber spoke to IDOT in reference to the potholes on the Highway 75 bridge and that they are waiting to hear back from the IDOT supervisor later in the week.

Mayor Peterson stated that IML conference registration opens on June 16th and that the conference will be held September 18th – 20th. Mayor Peterson said that the Village Clerk will need to know who is attending so that she can take care of registration and hotel accommodations. Mayor Peterson encouraged the new trustees to attend.

Mayor Peterson updated the Committee in reference to disclosing the PFAS in the water system and that the Realtor’s Association, attorneys and IEPA are disagreeing about the matter. Mayor Peterson said that this is extremely disappointing.

Mayor Peterson stated that there are two bar boutique (BB) licenses in the Village and that they are looking to transfer them to A & K licenses. Mayor Peterson said that this would leave two BB licenses open for other potential businesses.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

None.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JAMIN UNGER

Motion by Mr. Unger to approve the purchase requisition for Brian Elmer Co. and Midwest Boring for replacement of the water service to Rockton Hardware in the amount of $6,140, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

Mr. Unger stated that Ordinance 2025-13: An Ordinance Amending Title V: Public Works, Chapter 51, Sewer Services, Section 51.076 of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Regarding Costs and Fees of Public Works and Sewer Services is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on June 3, 2025. Mr. Barber said that this updates the connection fees for new construction. The Committee was okay with this.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAVID BENNINGTON

Mr. Bennington stated that the special events application for “Summerpalooza” to be held on June 7th, July 12th and August 9th in Downtown Rockton is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. The Committee was okay with this.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

None.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self advised the Committee that the first game for the semi-pro football team will be held on Saturday at the Rockton Athletic Complex. Mr. Self stated that a baseball tournament is also being held next weekend. Mr. Self added that the disc golf tournament is this coming Saturday and Sunday at Barwood Park.

Mr. Self stated that he will be taking care of setup and takedown for the “Summerpalooza” and “Movies in the Park” events.

Mr. Self commented that he is currently working on cleaning the bathroom and getting them ready for Old Settlers Days (OSD). Mr. Self stated that the drone show for OSD is setting up in the grass at the northwest corner of the Rockton Athletic Complex. Mr. Self advised that he will have Nason’s mow the grass because it can’t be longer than three inches in order to set up the drones.

Mr. Self stated that he was given a quote for $6,600 to install eight concrete pads underneath the benches in Settlers Park. The Committee was going to take a look at the benches before they make a decision.

Mr. Self said that he needs to get permits for the chemical feed system at the pool.

Mr. Self added that that he is meeting with the inspector from the fire department for their annual inspection as well.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Bennington, to adjourn at 7:21 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/6-2-25_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf