Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Aug. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Baumgartner called the regular meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Barber, Dan Baumgartner, Dave Bennington, Don Self and Jamin Unger

Staff present: Sally Bennett & Adam Bunge

Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Bennington, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of August 4, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

VILLAGE ENGINEER – ADAM BUNGE

Village Engineer Adam Bunge gave his report. A copy of the engineering status report is on file with the Village Clerk’s office.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he understands that Village Hall is getting tight on space and had asked Mr. York about cloud storage at Village Hall. Mayor Peterson stated that we are keeping paper that we are required to keep. Mayor Peterson said that Chris Anderson, an architect who serves on one of the commissions for the Village, will take a look at Village Hall and see what we can do with the existing building to create more space.

Mayor Peterson stated that a convicted murderer just moved in at 806 Kocher Street and that he is meeting with Alan Zais, Executive Director of the Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA), on Wednesday because he has concerns about WCHA taking over the property at Goldie Floberg. Chief Hollinger added that there was another battery arrest with a different resident at 806 Kocher Street today and that the police department has had many occurrences with this person. Mayor Peterson said that a lot of these problems started five years ago. Mr. Winters inquired if the local manager of the property makes these decisions as to who resides on the property. Mayor Peterson said that he didn’t have an answer to that, but he is extremely concerned.

Mayor Peterson commented that the Rockton Inn had an issue with their liquor license payment and that he is going to talk to the owner in regards to this.

Mayor Peterson added that Comcast would like to install internet (fiber) for the businesses downtown, but this would not be offered for residential areas. Mr. Barber said that he has some concerns about this project that he is looking into.

Mayor Peterson also talked to the Committee about the Northern Illinois Land Bank (NILB) and updated them about the conversation they had at the Administration Committee meeting.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

Mr. Baumgartner discussed the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant with the Committee. Mar Baumgartner stated that Kevin Bunge, Village Engineer, sent an email in reference to a grant opportunity for the Village (up to $600,000). Mr. Baumgartner said that the grant proposal is due by September 25, 2025. Mr. Self said that this could be used for the park at Goldie Floberg.

Mr. Baumgartner stated that the special events application for Jack’s Joy Ride” to be held on Sunday, October 5th in Settlers Park from 2-6 pm is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on August 19, 2025. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner said that the purchase requisition for Busy Beaver for tree removal, clear cutting the river front and cleaning up trees and bushes along the path in Settlers Park in the amount of $8,000 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting as well. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner stated that the purchase requisition for D&B Concrete for concrete pads (15) for under the park benches in Pocket Park, Village Green Park and Settlers Park in the amount of $12,250 is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner added that the purchase requisition for Enterprise Fleet Management for a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 in the amount of $43,498.45 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner discussed the payment request for the properties for the Rockton Road Bike Path project. Mr. Barber stated that he needs to approve the payments approved and that the Parrs will receive three separate checks. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner stated that he went on a tour with Mr. Self and he encouraged the other trustees to do this as well.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JAMIN UNGER

Motion by Mr. Unger to ratify the consensus for Balsley Printing for a one-year supply of water bills in the amount of $3,360, second by Mr. Baumgartner. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0

STREETS AND WALKS – DAVID BENNINGTON

None.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber advised the Committee that the state is working on repaving Highway 2 and it’s a mess. Mr. Barber said that the lights are flashing red at the intersection of Highway 2 and Rockton Road.

Mr. Barber stated that they have two and a half more areas to get marked (JULIE) for Metronet. Mr. Barber said that the BOSS811 software has been helping them a lot with this.

Mr. Barber added that he had a new Public Works employee start today.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self stated that the pool is closed for the season. Mr. Self said that they held the dog swim on Sunday and that this would probably be the last one because they are going to install a new liner in the pool.

Mr. Self advised the Committee that he has another interview tomorrow for the full-time Parks/Rec position and that he will know who he is hiring later this week or next week.

Mr. Self added that baseball is starting at the Rockton Athletic Complex and that “Drive 815” has been canceled for the rest of the season.

Mr. Self commented that Kevin Molitor, who came and talked to the Committee about disc golf, is putting together a budget to present to the Village Board.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Bennington, to adjourn at 7:21 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/8-18-25_Public_Works_Minutes%281%29.pdf