Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Board of Trustees met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Present: Mayor Peterson, Mr. Baumgartner, Mr. Bennington, Mrs. Doerflinger, Mr. Unger, Mr. Winters, Mr. York and Atty. Szeto

Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger

AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dick Stasica, Paul Grossen and Debra Forsell addressed the Village Board about their concerns regarding golf balls hitting homes in the Summit Condos. Mr. Stasica questioned what it will take to fine the Red Barn $750 since the Village amended the nuisance ordinance. Mayor Peterson advised Mr. Stasica that the Village Board will discuss this in executive session since there are three new trustees on the Village Board that need to be updated about the situation. Mr. Grossen commented that all of the driving ranges that he has looked at have nets and that two windows have been broken this season by golf balls. Mr. Grossen said that he would also like to know what the fine is going to be for doing this. Mrs. Forsell stated that the second broken window occurred last week and that she’s really disappointed that there haven’t been any fines issued. Mrs. Forsell said that the condo association cannot talk to Mr. Barnes, owner of the Red Barn, about this anymore.

MAYOR PETERSON

None.

VILLAGE ATTORNEY

None.

ZONING

None.

STREETS AND WALKS – MR. BENNINGTON

Motion by Mr. Bennington to waive the formal bid process for the change order for the paving portion of the Hawick Street project, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 6-0.

Motion by Mr. Bennington to approve the purchase requisition for Northern Illinois Services for the change order to the paving portion of the Hawick Street project, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 6-0.

WATER, SEWER, AND GARBAGE – MR. UNGER

Motion by Mr. Unger to waive the formal bid process for the water booster station and generator, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 6-0.

Motion by Mr. Unger to approve the purchase requisition for Gasvoda & Associates for the water booster station and generator in the amount of $668,170, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 6-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND LEGAL & BUDGET – MR. WINTERS

Motion by Mr. Winters to approve Ordinance 2025-23: Amendment to the Appropriations Ordinance, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 6-0.

Motion by Mr. Winters to approve Ordinance 2025-24: An Ordinance of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Approving the purchase of Real Property at 769 North Blackhawk, Rockton, Illinois, second by Mr. Baumgartner.

Mr. Baumgartner stated that he toured the Roscoe Police Department a while ago and that their police department is a night and day difference from the Rockton Police Department. Mr. Baumgartner said that the Rockton Police Department looks like it’s stuck in the 70’s or 80’s in comparison to Roscoe. Mr. Baumgartner commented that this property on Blackhawk Boulevard would be a good fit for the police department and that he’s going to vote in favor of purchasing the property.

Mr. Winters added that the Village designed its IT to be split because we knew that we needed to move the police department or administration for Village Hall at some point because we are running out of space. Mr. Winters agreed that this is a good location for the police department, and it will open up more space at Village Hall for staff. Mr. Winters said that it would cost three to four times more money to find a piece of property and build a new police department.

Mr. York stated that he met with Chief Hollinger to build and separate IT and that it was unfortunate that the Goldie Floberg property wasn’t going to work out. Mr. York said that the Village has talked about capital expenses and that this wasn’t budgeted for. Mr. York stated that the communication around the purchase of the property wasn’t good, including his won. Mr. York stated that the police department needs more space and that the current space doesn’t match our services, but he wants the Village’s financials to be in the positive. Mr. York commented that he’s scared about our culture in the Village and that this is the most important thing to him right now. Mr. York said that he thinks this can be figured out, but he would choose the Village’s culture over the purchase of the property.

Mrs. Doerflinger stated that she was initially pretty excited about the purchase of the property, but that she thinks the property is severely overvalued. Mrs. Doerflinger said that the Village needs a third party appraiser to value the property. Mrs. Doerflinger added that she walked the property twice and that she has concerns about the foundation and that there are always unknowns. Mrs. Doerflinger stated that she can’t vote yes knowing that the Village hasn’t done their due diligence. Mrs. Doerflinger said that the property last sold in 2020 for $260,000 and that she hopes the seller would agree to an appraisal and inspection of the property.

Mr. Unger commented that he agrees with Mrs. Doerflinger about the appraisal and inspection, but that he also has concerns about the HVAC system. Mr. Unger questioned if the plumbing and electrical was up to code. Mr. Winters advised that there were two panels. Mr. Unger also questioned what some of the immediate needs would be because labor costs are extremely high right now. Mr. Unger said that another concern that he has is the sprinkler system. Mr. Unger stated that he’s not sure if that’s required or what the code is, but he could look into it.

Mr. Bennington stated that he agrees with Mrs. Doerflinger and Mr. Unger. Mr. Bennington said that he also agrees that it’s a good location, but he doesn’t want the Village to take on this property and have to spend a lot more even though he sees the need for more space for the police department.

Chief Hollinger stated that he appreciates the comment and it’s clear that everyone has given it a lot of thought. Chief Hollinger said that he doesn’t have a construction background, but he feels that the location is perfect. Chief Hollinger said the police department needs this. Chief Hollinger advised that morale is good right now, but his officers know that he’s working on providing more space for them to do their jobs. Chief Hollinger commented that he hopes the property is still an option and that he hopes the Village Board considers it.

Mr. Winters stated that the Village spent over $2M building a new Public Works building on property that we already owned. Mrs. Doerflinger commented that the trustees need to be able to answer questions the public may have because they are taxpayers. Mrs. Doerflinger said that if the Village is off by $50,000 that’s important to know. Mr. Barber said that he thinks the building has decent bones, but it needs work. Mr. Barber added that the parking lot needs about $200,000 - $300,000 worth of work because there are drainage issues. Mr. Unger stated that there was an area he was concerned about in the building because it was wet and swollen and he wasn’t sure why it was like that. Mr. York stated that we don’t disagree that the police department needs a new building, but questioned if the Village is willing to commit to an unknown amount. Mr. York said that we want to do these additional steps and do our due diligence. Atty. Szeto advised the Village Board that the Village can ask for an extension to complete these few things if we’re within the contingency. Mr. Winters said that the contingency expires on August 22nd. Mr. York inquired if the Village Board could go into executive session to discuss this further. Atty. Szeto advised that it’s not on the agenda. Mr. Winters commented that the seller is supportive of the police department and that he thinks that he would be willing to work with the Village. Atty. Szeto advised the Village Board that he represented the seller at one time so he has to bow out of both sides of this transaction.

Mayor Peterson said that one of the great things about this Village Board is that we have disagreed on things, but that we still work together and won’t let this divide us. Mayor Peterson said that he’s been very careful about his conflict in this matter. Mayor Peterson stated that the Village is open to pursuing the property for the police department, but that we need to have some safeguards. Mayor Peterson said that the new Village Administrator will be putting a new purchase policy in place when he starts, but that if the Village Board feels that if this is in the best interest of the Village that it doesn’t matter how we got here.

Ms. Diduch commented that this is frustrating to see on the administration side, but that in order to make a good decision for the taxpayers the Village needs to explore all options.

Roll call. Ayes: Mr. Winters & Mr. Baumgartner. Nays: Mr. Bennington, Mr. Unger, Mrs. Doerflinger and Mr. York. Motion not approved 2-4.

Mr. York stated that we are still interested in the property, but the Village wants a no gap appraisal, general inspections (structural engineer) and a new roof repair. Mr. Winters stated that he will go back to the attorney (Steve Cox) representing the Village and will advise him of what the Village is requesting to be done. Atty. Szeto advised the Village to ask Atty. Cox about extending the contingency date. Mrs. Doerflinger stated that she thinks this will be the most difficult part.

ADMINISTRATION – MR. YORK

Mr. York discussed the Economic Development position with the Village Board. Mayor Peterson stated that he’s been thinking about this the last few days, but that he is very happy for Ms. Diduch. Mayor Peterson said that it’s going to be extremely difficult to find someone to fill all of her duties. Mayor Peterson said that Mr. Barber and Mrs. Bennett knows someone who can take care of permits for the Village temporarily. Mayor Peterson said that he reached out to three people that may be a good replacement for Ms. Diduch. Mayor Peterson said that he also spoke to the incoming Village Administrator who can help train this person, but we need to figure this out soon. Mr. York questioned if the Village could get by until the Village Administrator starts. Mayor Peterson said that he will be starting on September 8th and that he will be working very closely with this person. Mr. Winters questioned if the Village will be hiring more than one person to replace Ms. Diduch and what will their responsibilities be. Mr. Winters also questioned what responsibilities of Ms. Diduch’s will the Village Administrator be taking on as well. Ms. Diduch commented that she can train Ms. Carter to complete permits and get the Village through this temporarily. Ms. Diduch said that she thinks there is still time to figure out the other stuff.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – MRS. DOERFLINGER

Mrs. Doerflinger thanked Ms. Diduch for all of her hard work at the Village and stated that she’s going to be missed.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – MR. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. Baumgartner stated that Ms. Diduch is going to do great things in Byron.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ACTION ON ITEMS ARISING OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURN

Hearing no further business, motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mr. York, to adjourn at 8:32 pm. All ayes. Motion approved 6-0.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/8-11-25_Special_Village_Board_Meeting_Minutes.pdf