Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met July 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman York called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Sarah Doerflinger, Dave Winters and Justin York Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mrs. Doerflinger to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of June 30, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that the mayor, some trustees and the police chief from Hinkley, Illinois will be visiting the Rockton River Market (RRM) on Wednesday. Mayor Peterson said that Hinkley would like to create a market similar to ours and observe how things are done.

Mayor Peterson stated that “Summerpalooza” that was held this past Saturday was very popular and the biggest turnout so far for this event.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

Mr. York discussed the copier lease agreement with the Committee. The Village Clerk presented information from Integra Business Systems regarding the Village’s options of buying it out versus replacing the current copier with a new copier. Mr. York said that he would like more specific questions answered regarding the monthly maintenance fee and what is included with that fee. The Village Clerk advised that she will follow up with Dennis Goble from Integra Business Systems and get answers to the specific questions that were asked by the Committee.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SARAH DOERFLINGER

Mrs. Doerflinger stated that the downtown business owners held a meeting last week hosted by John and Sheryl Peterson at their new business. Mrs. Doerflinger said that the Village may want to consider creating a downtown business association (DBA) in the future that would allow for the businesses to start giving back to the Village. Mrs. Doerflinger added that the DBA would have a board of directors. Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that they are in the very beginning stages of this and that some of the business owners said that they would step up into this role. Mrs. Doerflinger said that this could be set up as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) and other businesses can contribute. Mrs. Doerflinger stated that everything costs money and Ms. Diduch said that this would be a collaborative effort. Mr. Winters commented that this is the right direction to move towards, but it may take more time to get it started.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

None.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger discussed the Police Commission stipend with the Committee. Chief Hollinger said that the commissioners have been paid $600/year ($300 twice/year) and that he would like to increase it to $800/year ($400 twice/year). The Committee was okay with this. Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that he will talk to Atty. Szeto about this as well in order for him to draft an ordinance.

Chief Hollinger stated that next week the police department will be training for rapid deployment and high risk with South Beloit and Roscoe at the South Beloit High School.

Chief Hollinger said that the check should be coming late July/early August for the car that sold at auction.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – TRICIA DIDUCH

Ms. Diduch stated that she would like recommendations for 10-12 people for the Comprehensive Plan Committee.

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that the second “Summerpalooza” of the season was the best attended thus far in the Village.

Ms. Diduch stated that the TIF reports are due and that she is just waiting for the audit to be completed.

Ms. Diduch commented that the RRM is halfway through the season. Ms. Diduch suggested that an age limit be placed on the bounce house. Mayor Peterson stated that lots of people love the bounce house and that they can decide an appropriate age for children to participate.

Ms. Diduch advised the Committee that the last of three walking tours will be held on Wednesday for the Historic Preservation Commission.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

Mayor Peterson inquired if the Committee had any questions for this coming Friday when they interview the Village Administrator applicants. Mr. Winters stated that Mark Peterson with MGT sent the interview questions to everyone already.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mrs. Doerflinger, to adjourn at 6:12 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/7-14-25_Administration_Minutes.pdf