Rockford City Mayor Tom McNamara | City of Rockford Website
Rockford City Mayor Tom McNamara | City of Rockford Website
City of Rockford City Council met June 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 6:24 p.m.
A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The invocation and Pledge of Allegiance took place during the Legislative and Lobbying Committee meeting which was held prior to this meeting.
B. Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Jonathan Logemann | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Kevin Frost | City of Rockford | Alderman | Late | 7:13 PM |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Aprel Prunty | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Janessa Wilkins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Karen Hoffman | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent | |
| Dawn Granath | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Franklin C. Beach | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Jaime Salgado | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gina Meeks | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Tamir Bell | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
1. Journal of Proceedings for the Strategic Planning Session held on March 31, 2025.
Alderman Durkee moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Strategic Planning Session held on March 31, 2025, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost, Wilkins and Hoffman were absent).
2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on April 21, 2025.
Alderman Durkee moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on April 21, 2025, seconded by Alderman Torina.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost, Wilkins and Hoffman were absent).
3. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on June 2, 2025.
Alderman Durkee moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on June 2, 2025, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost, Wilkins and Hoffman were absent).
II. PROCLAMATIONS
1. Proclamation proclaiming June 22, 2025 to be "Ironman 70.3 Rockford Day" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.
The proclamation was presented during the Special Legislative and Lobbying Committee meeting held prior to this meeting.
III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
1. Memorandum from Francisca French, Economic Development Diversity and Procurement Coordinator, regarding the proposed Funding Agreement with Midtown District Association. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
2. Memorandum from Francisca French, Economic Development Diversity and Procurement Coordinator, regarding the proposed Funding Agreement with Miracle Mile Rockford. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
3. Memorandum from Andrea Hinrichs, Grants Compliance Supervisor for Community and Economic Development, regarding the approval of the City of Rockford Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
4. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed policy to establish a citywide framework to reduce food insecurity in Rockford by designating funding and improving access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on June 17, 2025 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on June 23, 2025. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on June 17, 2025 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on June 23, 2025. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
3. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a Pre Annexation Agreement for 4075 Kilburn Avenue. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
4. Memorandum from Jeremy Carter, Traffic and Development Engineer, regarding an honorary street name change on Johnston Avenue from West State Street to Jefferson Street to Carl E. Ponds Way. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
5. Memorandum from Sarah Leys, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding a revision to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Environmental Services with Rockford Housing Authority. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. Memorandum from Sarah Leys, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding the request that the City-owned property located at 319 Heath Street (PIN: 11-27-407-023) be added to the City’s Mow to Own Program.
2. Memorandum from Andrea Hinrichs, Grants Compliance Supervisor for Community and Economic Development, regarding the approval and acceptance of the Illinois Housing Development Authority - Strong Communities Program Round 2.0 Grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
3. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Alignment Rockford. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
4. Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, related to retaining the Grocery Tax. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
5. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding approval of funding in the amount of $23,168.14 pursuant to the 2020 Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Assessment Complaint Intervention. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
6. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Homeless Prevention Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.
IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
1. Denzil Wynter urged residents to support and protect children in the neighborhood.
2. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and encouraged residents to appreciate and value freedom.
3. John Tac Brantley voiced his personal feelings regarding the ICE protests. He also shared his concerns about racial profiling and his recent "driving while being black" experience.
V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
C. Finance and Personnel Committee
1. 2025-123-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $11,587,620.04 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on June 9, 2025.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2025-124-CR - Renewal of the Professional Services Contract with Zephyr Government Strategies for the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per month for the City of Rockford's 2025 Lobbying Services.
Alderman Prunty, on behalf of the Legislative and Lobbying Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2025-125-CR - Committee recommends approval of the Amendment to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances Section 3-119 for Hookah Lounges to modify the hours of BYOB. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinances. (LAID OVER JUNE 2, 2025)
Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
Alderman Bonne then provided an update regarding the operating hours and activities taking place at Lit Hookah Lounge located in the Fourteenth Ward. Alderman Bonne voiced his concerns regarding the current business practices of Lit Hookah Lounge and he reported the owner informed him Lit was closed for business last week. He stated the owner indicated he couldn't afford to keep the business open with the current hours of operation.
Alderman Bonne expressed his desire for the modification of the hours of operation for hookah lounges to be extended until 2:00 a.m. for all future hookah establishments.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Franklin C. Beach ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2025-126-CR - Committee recommends approval of the 2024
Supplemental Appropriation Ordinances (SAO). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance. (LAID OVER JUNE 2, 2025)
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Gina Meeks ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
A. Alderman Meeks
Alderman Meeks announced the Juneteenth Celebration would be held on Thursday, June 19th at Sinnissippi Park and she mentioned Lakeside Band would be performing at the Hard Rock Casino later that evening. Alderman Meeks shared she had free tickets to the event Mayor McNamara and the council members.
Alderman Meeks thanked Public Works Director Scott Sanders for his assistance with several issues in the Twelfth Ward.
Alderman Meeks expressed her appreciation to the Rockford Police Department, Sergeant Fleming and Officer Burk for their assistance with complaints related to loitering and panhandling at North Town Mall. She reported the business owners in North Town Mall were very grateful the officers listened to their concerns and for the daytime police presence.
B. Alderman Granath
Alderman Granath shared that she walked in the Pride Fest Parade and she reported it was a great event. She encouraged her constituents to attend the parade next year.
C. Alderman Torina
Alderman Torina thanked Rob Wilhelmi for his excellent presentation and participation in the recent Fifth Ward meeting.
Alderman Torina announced the next Fifth Ward meeting would be held on Wednesday, August 13th at 5:30 p.m. at 911 Michigan Avenue.
Alderman Torina congratulated Zammuto's on their 100th Year Anniversary. She mentioned the business was started by Italian immigrants in 1925. Alderman Meeks shared the business has been run by Zena Horton for the past 18 years and she wished Zena continued success in the future.
Alderman Torina announced Ironman 70.3 would take place this weekend and she encouraged all citizens to show their support for the event.
D. Alderman Tuneberg
Alderman Tuneberg thanked Mayor McNamara for taking the time to meet with him last week to discuss matters in the Third Ward.
Alderman Tuneberg expressed his appreciation to Director Sanders and the Public Works Team for their efforts with numerous issues in the Third Ward.
Alderman Tuneberg thanked Tim Hinkens for his time and dedication while serving as the Interim Public Works Director and he stated Mr. Hinkens did an excellent job.
E. Alderman Prunty
Alderman Prunty apologized to Health and Human Services Director Anqunette Parham for missing the Head Start Self-Assessment.
Alderman Prunty thanked Director Sanders for touring the Sixth Ward with her and for the feedback he provided.
F. Mayor McNamara
Mayor McNamara mentioned this would be the 38th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. He encouraged the council members to visit the Ethnic Heritage Museum and view the room dedicated to honor the work Tommy Meeks has accomplished and the impact he has made in this community.
Mayor McNamara announced the RAMM 44th Scholarship Celebration would be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Tebala Event Center.
Mayor McNamara encouraged the council members to attend and engage in the Ironman 70.3 event on Sunday, June 22nd. He shared the event would be a wonderful opportunity to highlight the City of Rockford and the entire region. He shared that city staff has done
a remarkable job preparing for the event and has worked diligently to ensure it's a great success. Mayor McNamara asked the council members to share the information and make sure residents were aware of the road closures for the events.
Alderman Prunty asked Mayor McNamara to provide her with the information he wanted shared regarding the Ironman 70.3 event.
Mayor McNamara welcomed Alderman Beach back and shared it was so good to have him at the meeting.
Mayor McNamara distributed a memorandum to the Council members regarding the Appointment and Reappointment of members to various boards and commissions.
VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. Committee recommends denial of the request for authorization to allow the Zoning Officer to file a Text Amendment to remove the Special Use Permit option for Residential Storage Warehouse in C-3 and C-4 Zoning Districts. (LAID OVER JUNE 16, 2025)
Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the resolution and moved to lay this item over. Alderman Durkee seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED with of roll call vote of 8 to 3 (Aldermen Torina, Meeks and Bell voted "No" and Aldermen Frost, Wilkins and Hoffman were absent).
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 7/7/2025 5:35 PM |
1. 2025-128-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 5 - 2025 (Residential) to Rock Road Companies, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $2,300,643.22. The contract duration is through October 3, 2025. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is the Information Technology Operating Fund.
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2025-133-R - Approval and confirmation of priority items for the City of Rockford's Legislative and Lobbying efforts in the Illinois General Assembly.
Alderman Prunty, on behalf of the Legislative and Lobbying Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 0]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman AWAY: Dawn Granath |
A. Planning and Development Committee
B. Code and Regulation Committee
1. 2025-103-O - An ordinance approving the Amendment to the City of
Rockford Code of Ordinances Section 3-119 for Hookah Lounges to modify the hours of BYOB.
Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [9 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Franklin C. Beach ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman AWAY: Dawn Granath |
1. 2025-104-O - An ordinance approving the 2024 Supplemental
Appropriation Ordinances (SAO).
Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [11 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Gina Meeks ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
1. 2025-105-O - An ordinance approving the renewal of the Professional
Services Contract with Zephyr Government Strategies for the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per month for the City of Rockford's 2025 Lobbying Services.
Alderman Prunty, on behalf of the Legislative and Lobbying Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [11 TO 1]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Aprel Prunty ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
1. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Bonne moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Bell.
MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Wilkins and Hoffman were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Janessa Wilkins, Karen Hoffman |
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