Kevin Frost, Alderman - Ward 4 | City of Rockford
Kevin Frost, Alderman - Ward 4 | City of Rockford
City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met July. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Aprel Prunty | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Janessa Wilkins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Tamir Bell | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
Chairman Bonne called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.
The invocation was given by Pastor William Martin of Providence Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mayor McNamara presented a Proclamation proclaiming June 21, 2025 as “Borgholm, Sweden Day” PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
1. Prophet Yusef quoted scripture and spoke about the importance of having good friends
2. John Groh spoke on behalf of the GoRockford Organization. He voiced their support in favor of the Davis Park renovation project.
3. Eric Brown spoke in favor of the Davis Park renovation project, and also noted the importance of the designs that will be implemented for people with disabilities.
4. Jean Laurent also spoke in favor of the Davis Park renovation, and how excited that she is about it.
5. John Tac Brantley quoted scripture, and talked about protests in the United States. Mr. Brantley also talked about the events that he is doing in the community for the children.
II. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. 2025-169-CR - Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's recommendation that "No Action" be taken on the following items:
a. A request to establish all-way stop control at the intersection of Reid Farm Road and Clovernook Road; and
b. A request to establish a “No Parking Any Time” restriction on the south side of Toft Street from Barlow Court to 125 feet east of Barlow Court.
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Bonne, Bell |
The subject property is located at the northwest corner of Landis Lane and Nevard Boulevard
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman SECONDER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman AYES: Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Bonne, Bell |
The owner of the subject property has requested connection to city water resulting from a failing well.
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tamir Bell, Alderman SECONDER: Aprel Prunty, Alderman AYES: Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Bonne, Bell |
The owner of the subject property has requested connection to city water because they are rebuilding after a fire at the original home and water connection is required.
There was no discussion on this item.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janessa Wilkins, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Bonne, Bell |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bell to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Wilkins.
Ald. Prunty wanted to know why Staff recommends denial. Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Rockford stated that originally the applicant wanted to completely removed this condition. During that time, they were parking more than twelve (12) vehicles in the front parking lot of the business. At that time, Ald. Salgado was a part of the discussions with Staff and the applicants, and they agreed that five (5) vehicles could be parked in the front lot, but the rest of the vehicles will be parked in the back lot.
Ald. Prunty asked if the business was previously out of compliance, and Mr. Capovilla stated that they were. She asked if these applicants were new owners. Mr. Capovilla stated they are not new owners. The owners knew that they were out of compliance, but upon being notified by the City, they met with Staff, and were told that they could file an application to modify the condition. In the meantime, upon finding out the situation, Ald. Salgado spoke with the applicants, and came up with the compromise that is before the Committee tonight. Mr. Capovilla noted that Staff has no objections to the proposed modification.
Ald. Prunty wanted to know what measures will be taken by Staff to make sure that the owners stay in compliance. Mr. Capovilla explained that once a compliant is received, the Code Enforcement Staff will pay the business a visit.
Chairman Bonne asked if the conditions would bring the business into compliance. Mr. Capovilla confirmed that they would.
Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator for the City of Rockford noted that previously, the business had been assessed a seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) fine. That fine has been paid. This situation prompted the modification.
The motion was CARRIED by a vote of 4-1. Ald. Prunty voted “No.” Approval is subject to the following condition:
1. Allow a total of five (5) trucks, vans or trailers to be parked on the east or west side of the north parking lot
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Torina to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Wilkins, and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.
1. A sign permit shall be required including an illustration of the proposed artwork shall be submitted with the permit application
2. The murals panels may not consist of a vinyl banner material within a frame 3. The mural must be maintained to meet code
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
Ald. Logemann stated that these are new property owners, and they were not aware of the zoning change when they purchased the property. He noted that he does support the request before the Committee tonight.
Ald. Prunty asked for clarification regarding the nature of the permit for the property, or lack of a permit for the property. Ald. Logemann stated that the former owner(s) did some remodeling making a one-unit property into a two-unit property, and this was done without a permit.
Mr. Capovilla noted that the sale of the property was a cash deal. Therefore, no zoning confirmation letter was provided because of this fact. Staff was alerted when the new owner requested an additional trash receptacle.
Ald. Hoffman asked if Staff knew if the property was safe. Mr. Capovilla replied that the property has not been inspected. Ald. Hoffman asked if there was another step insuring that the subject property will not be sold under the same conditions that it was sold to the applicant. Mr. Capovilla explained that Staff had been sent to the house only to confirm that there were two (2) units in the building. He further explained that Staff had not been out to inspect to verify that the house is in compliance with all of City of Rockford Codes. Mr. Capovilla noted that there is a pending case in the Code Hearing Department. Staff is waiting to see what will happen with this request before moving forward with a full inspection.
Chairman Bonne stated that he had spoken with the applicant’s attorney, and he supports reversing the ZBA’s recommendation for denial.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to REVERSE ZBA, thereby APPROVING the Zoning Map Amendment. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina, and CARRIED by a vote of 3-2. Ald. Prunty and Ald. Wilkins voted “No.”
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to REVERSE the Finding of Facts to conform to the approval of the Zoning Map Amendment. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina. The motion was CARRIED by a vote of 3-2. Ald. Prunty and Ald. Wilkins voted “No.”
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 2]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne, Tamir Bell NAYS: Aprel Prunty, Janessa Wilkins |
Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board recommends denial for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a cigar and vape store in a C-3, Commercial General Zoning District at 109 North Showplace Drive, Suite 133 (Mustafa Naji/Sahar Barwaree/Premium Cigar & Vape, LLC dba Premium Cigar & Vape/Applicant). A MOTION was made by Chairman Bonne to SUSTAIN LTAB. There was no SECOND. Chairman Bonne WITHDREW his motion
A MOTION was made by Chairman Bonne to REVERSE LTAB. There was no SECOND. Chairman Bonne WITHDREW his motion.
A MOTION was made by Chairman Bonne to SUSTAIN LTAB. Ald. Bell SECONDED the motion.
Ald. Torina stated that Alderman had received an email from the general manager of the proposed establishment indicating that during the LTAB meeting, their representative was not fully prepared to answer the questions posed by the LTAB Committee. She further indicated that after looking at the ZBA minutes, there was only one (1) question specifically listed. Mr. Capovilla responded that the minutes are a brief synopsis of what took place at the meeting. However, he noted that she was correct, that the representative could not answer the question. Ald. Torina wanted to know what other businesses are located within the strip mall. Mr. Capovilla named (4) four business that are currently there.
Ald. Prunty asked about the owner(s) within the strip that oppose this proposed business. Mr. Capovilla explained that the salon owner objected to the sale of tobacco at this location.
Ald. Durkee stated that the strip mall is in his ward. He suggested that the matter go back to LTAB for further consideration with the owner in attendance being able to give adequate information.
Chairman Bonne pointed out that the owner was present, and rather than sending the item back to LTAB, he asked if the Committee would be willing to let the owner speak.
Ald. Bell asked if the request before the Committee were denied by Code and Regulation and City Council, would the applicant be able to reapply. Director Hammer, Legal Director for the City of Rockford indicated that the applicant would be able to reapply after one (1) year.
Director Hammer explained that if there is no objection from the Committee to allow the owner to speak, no vote is necessary. However, if there is an objection, under Council Rules, it would require a two-thirds vote.
A MOTION was made by Chairman Bonne to allow the owner to address the Committee. Ald. Bell SECONDED the motion. After discussion, the motion was CARRIED by a vote of 4-1. Ald. Prunty voted “No.”
Ald. Torina asked Chairman Bonne to explain who the representative is. He explained that Raven Ross from Solution Business Center represented the owner at the LTAB meeting.
The person before the Committee also works for Solution Business Center. The representative noted that he was not in attendance at the LTAB meeting.
Mr. Capovilla explained that Staff did not find the floor plan that was provided sufficient, and neither was the business plan. He indicated that the floor plan shows a very large lobby area, two (2) counters and a small cigar room. The main question at the meeting was is this going to be a cigar store, or a vape store. An interested party at the LTAB hearing had also asked if patrons would be allowed to smoke in the store. Staff has advised the owner that smoking is not allowed inside of the store.
Mr. Naji, the applicant responded that there will be no smoking inside the building, and cigars and vaping items will be sold. He also said that the other areas of the store will be for decoration.
Ald. Bell wanted to know if Staff is able to work with the applicant on the design of the store. Mr. Capovilla stated that staff has written a condition that the owner must revise the floor plan, and provide Staff with specific areas, and indicate what products will be sold in those areas of the floor plan.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bell to have this item LAYOVER. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina, and CARRIED by a vote of 4-1. Ald. Prunty voted “No.”
| RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 8/11/2025 5:30 PM |
a. The Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG); and
b. The Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a liquor store in an R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 3305 11th Street (Tapaswi Anugu/Varma Manthena/Rockford Booze Bazaar, LLC dba Liquorland/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinances.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins to SUSTAIN LTAB. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bell, and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.
It was noted that the landscaping and signage was never repaired/replaced when this store was purchased a few years ago. Staff had put follow up inspections on hold due to COVID.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes.
2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Code of Ordinances including Liquor and Tobacco Codes.
3. Submittal of a landscape plan to include additional perimeter landscaping along 11th Street and Lapey Street, concrete curbing around perimeter landscaping, open green space along the south property line and along the front of the building and plant species for Staff’s review and approval.
4. Removal of the non-conforming free-standing sign.
5. Must obtain separate permits for signage and signage must comply with S Sign Regulations.
6. The hours of operation will be 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Friday through Saturday, and 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Sunday
7. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
8. The sale of water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited. 9. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area.
10. There shall not be temporary exterior signage.
11. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows.
12. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license.
13. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license.
14. All conditions must be met prior to establishment of use
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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