Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council met Sept. 2.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

B. Roll Call

C. Acceptance of the Journal

1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on July 21, 2025.

2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on August 4, 2025.

II. PROCLAMATIONS

1. Proclamation recognizing the "155th Anniversary of The Most Remarkable Baseball Game on Record" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 10, 2025 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and

Regulation Committee meeting on September 22, 2025. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding an upcoming special event for Stroll on State/Dasher Dash 5K. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Memorandum from Jamie Rott, Water Superintendent, regarding the IEPA Revolving Loan Fund Application Approval and Authorizing Ordinance for Well No. 46 New Treatment Plant, Reservoir, and Site Improvements. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

2. Memorandum from Jamie Rott, Water Superintendent, regarding the IEPA Revolving Loan Fund Application Approval and Authorizing Ordinance(s) for Lead Service Line Replacements. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

3. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the acceptance of the Illinois

Medical Respite Capacity Building Initiative (IMRCBI) from Illinois Public Health Institute Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee.

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS

1. Robert Pace

2. Prophet Yusef

3. Denzil Wynter

4. John Tac Brantley

V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Development Agreement with Aetna Building Solutions (AETNA) and the City of Rockford for the construction and maintenance of a rail line in the amount of $139,233.00. The funding source is the 11th Street Project Fund. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval for residential parking permits on the west side of Court Street from 30 feet south of Chestnut Street to 90 feet south of Chestnut Street. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval for a restriction requiring traffic on Calgary Court to stop prior to entering the intersection with Florida Drive. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District to I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 5001 Sandy Hollow Road (Michael Miller/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for a mural on a building in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 1126 Kilburn Avenue (Jim Lanciotti for DFA Dairy Brands Fluid, LLC dba Kemps Cultured/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

5. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District to C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4972 and 4980 South Main Street (Ranger 203ML, LLC/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

6. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for body art services (tattoo shop) in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 319 West Jefferson Street (Joshua Bauer/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

7. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for:

a. The Sale of Packaged Liquor (TRK); and

b. The Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a licensed truck stop, and convenience store with video gaming terminals in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 4980 South Main Street (Road Ranger, LLC dba Road Ranger #203/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

8. Committee recommends denial of 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). The Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board voted 3-3, resulting in no recommendation.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $11,259,862.65 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee on August 25, 2025.

2. Committee recommends approval of the Lease Agreement with Emerald Property Management in the amount of $9,000.00. The agreement does not require a cost match. The Lease term is for one (1) year. The Lease Agreement, if accepted, will provide transitional housing per the requirement of our current grant IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Partners Action Crisis Team) through Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB). The funding source is the WCCMHB grant. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of sixty-eight (68) single-story duplexes, sixty (60) two-story duplexes and fifty-two (52) two-story four-unit buildings (for a total of 180 units) in a C-2 Limited Commercial Zoning District at 6507, 6557, 6597, 65xx, 6640, 6660, 66xx, 6730, 6770, 6783, and 6819 Fincham Drive, 886 and 891 White Chapel Lane, 6785 Mill Road, and 9xx Highgrove Place (FLVS, LLC for AC Johnston/William Charles Real Estate Investment, LLC/Applicant). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance. (LAID OVER AUGUST 18, 2025)

2. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's recommendation that "No Action" be taken on the following item:

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. (LAID OVER AUGUST 18, 2025)

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

VII. OFFICERS REPORTS

VIII. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointment of James Hoeft to the Historic Preservation Commission to serve a three-year term expiring in August 2028. This appointment is to replace Jennifer Spencer. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after September 24, 2025.)

IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. Resolution to approve Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan and authorize execution of a Settlement Agreement in Opioid Litigation. (SUSPEND RULE 9) (LAID OVER AUGUST 18, 2025)

2. Resolution to participate in Opioid Litigation settlements with eight (8) Manufacturer Defendants and authorize execution of the Participation Form. (SUSPEND RULE 9) (LAID OVER AUGUST 18, 2025)

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Fire Station 4 - Hood Replacement (Bid No. 625-FD-079) to Complete Mechanical Solutions, of Machesney Park, Illinois in the amount of $95,639.75. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is 2025 Gaming Tax Revenue. (LAID OVER AUGUST 18, 2025)

2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Public Works Materials (Bid No. 625-PW-082) to Northern Illinois Service, of Rockford, Illinois; N-Trak Group, of Loves Park, Illinois; and Rock Road Companies, of Janesville, Wisconsin in the estimated annual amount of $200,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is Departmental Operating Budgets.

3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 6 - 2025 (Parking Lots) (Bid No. 825-PW-097) to Norwest Construction, of South Beloit, Illinois in the amount of $405,799.21. The contract duration is through October 17, 2025. The funding sources are American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and Casino Funds.

4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Police Uniform and Shoes (Bid No. 725-PD-089) to Uniform Den East, of Loves Park, Illinois and Ray O’Herron, of Danville, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $200,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) possible one-year extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is the Police Department Operating Budget.

5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Vehicle Barriers to Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC, of Pasadena, California in the amount of $437,662.74. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Redevelopment Fund.

6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Vactron Hydro-Vacuum Excavator to Vermeer Midwest, of Aurora, Illinois in the amount of $146,797.67 (including two (2) additional years of parts and labor warranty). This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is Water Division - Capital Lease Funds.

7. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Skid Steer Loader to Bobcat of Rockford, of Cherry Valley, Illinois in the amount of $54,155.50. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is Street Department - Capital Lease Funds.

8. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Rotary Boom Mower Attachment to Bobcat of the Coulee Region Inc., of Dresbach, Minnesota in the amount of $39,990.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is Street Department - Capital Lease Funds.

9. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Brownfields Redevelopment Assessment Consultant (RFP No. 625-CD-071) to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $482,000.00. The contract duration is through September 30, 2029, with one (1) possible one-year extension option. The funding source is the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Brownfields Assessment Grant.

10. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non-Competitive Contract: US Solar Community Solar to US Solar, of Minneapolis, Minnesota at no upfront costs to the City (15% rebate on energy produced, applied to our account balance directly by ComEd). The contract duration is 20 years.

11. Committee recommends approval of the Application and Award Acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in the amount of $1,105,405.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will provide funds to develop and implement programs to assist low-income residents in working towards family stabilization and self-sufficiency.

12. Committee recommends approval to Reject All, Take New Bids: North Main Street Handrail Replacement. Due to higher than anticipated bids, the project needs to be rebid after revision of its scope.

X. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES

A. Planning and Development Committee

1. An ordinance approving the Development Agreement with Aetna Building Solutions (AETNA) and the City of Rockford for the construction and maintenance of a rail line in the amount of $139,233.00. The funding source is the 11th Street Project Fund.

B. Code and Regulation Committee

1. An ordinance approving residential parking permits on the west side of Court Street from 30 feet south of Chestnut Street to 90 feet south of Chestnut Street.

2. An ordinance approving a restriction requiring traffic on Calgary Court to stop prior to entering the intersection with Florida Drive.

3. An ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District to I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 5001 Sandy Hollow Road (Michael Miller/Applicant).

4. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a mural on a building in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 1126 Kilburn Avenue (Jim Lanciotti for DFA Dairy Brands Fluid, LLC dba Kemps Cultured/Applicant).

5. An ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District to C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 4972 and 4980 South Main Street (Ranger 203ML, LLC/Applicant).

6. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for body art services (tattoo shop) in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 319 West Jefferson Street (Joshua Bauer/Applicant).

7. An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Liquor (TRK) in conjunction with a licensed truck stop, and convenience store with video gaming terminal in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 4980 South Main Street (Road Ranger, LLC dba Road Ranger #203/Applicant).

8. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a licensed truck stop, and convenience store with video gaming terminals in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 4980 South Main Street (Road Ranger, LLC dba Road Ranger #203/Applicant).

9. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of sixty-eight (68) single-story duplexes, sixty (60) two-story duplexes and fifty-two (52) two-story four-unit buildings (for a total of 180 units) in a C-2 Limited Commercial Zoning District at 6507, 6557, 6597, 65xx, 6640, 6660, 66xx, 6730, 6770, 6783, and 6819 Fincham Drive, 886 and 891 White Chapel Lane, 6785 Mill Road, and 9xx Highgrove Place (FLVS, LLC for AC Johnston/William Charles Real Estate Investment, LLC/Applicant).

C. Finance and Personnel Committee

1. An ordinance approving the Lease Agreement with Emerald Property Management in the amount of $9,000.00. The agreement does not require a cost match. The Lease term is for one (1) year. The Lease Agreement, if accepted, will provide transitional housing per the requirement of our current grant IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Partners Action Crisis Team) through Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB). The funding source is the WCCMHB grant.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

https://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=4228&Inline=True