Jonathan Logemann, Alderman - Ward 2 | City of Rockford Website
Jonathan Logemann, Alderman - Ward 2 | City of Rockford Website
City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee met Aug. 25.
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 |
1. 2025-184-CR - 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.
Ald. Bell recognized a resident of the 13th ward who was present, and who had advocated for this change recently during the public hearing portion of a Council meeting. Ald. Bell also expressed his support for this change.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tamir Bell, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Bonne, Bell |
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 |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Torina to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bell.
Ald. Prunty asked if the subject property had always been zoned as R-1. Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager stated yes, that the property was already zoned R-1 when it was annexed. Ald. Prunty wanted to know if the land had always been residential. Mr. Capovilla explained that the property was annexed as residential, however it never had any residential uses on the parcel.
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bell to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. A sign permit shall be required including an illustration of the proposed artwork shall be submitted with the permit application
2. The mural panels may not consist of a vinyl banner material with a frame 3. The mural must be maintained to meet code
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina to SUSTAIN ZBA.
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Meet all Building and Fire Codes
2. Submittal of Building Permits for Staff’s review and approval
3. Submittal of a revised interior floor plan clarifying the use of what the open space will be used for, and where the tattoo chairs/stations will be located
4. Submittal of a business plan with the days and hours of operation for Staff review and approval
5. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
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.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Prunty to SUSTAIN LTAB. The motion was SECONDED by Wilkins.
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. The sale of packaged liquor and the sale of tobacco products shall be limited to the submitted plan (Exhibit E)
4. The sale of rose tubes, airplane-sized bottles (50ml (1.7 ounces) or less) sold in packs of less than 10, and any other products that can be deemed to be easily manufactured into drug paraphernalia is prohibited
5. The sale of water pipes and “huka” or “hookah” pipes are prohibited 6. Window display signage shall be limited to 20% of the window area
7. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows
8. There shall not be temporary exterior signage
9. The parking lot must be striped to meet code
10. One of the existing non-conforming signs must be removed by November 1, 2025 as only one freestanding sign is permitted on a lot
11. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license
12. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to the issuance of the license
13. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of license and establishment of use
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Wilkins to SUSTAIN LTAB. The motion was SECONDED by Chairman Bonne. Chairman Bonne reminded everyone that this item was recently before the Committee with a denial from the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board. At that time, the owner was given an opportunity to address the Committee. Eventually, the item was sent back to the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board for further review. The item is back before the Committee with a no recommendation vote from the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board. Chairman Bonne noted that the applicant had submitted additional information in an attempt to answer questions, and concerns that arose during the meetings.
Ald. Prunty wanted to know what took place at the LTAB meeting. Mr. Capovilla explained that the biggest concern from the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board is whether or not this business is really a cigar shop, or a vape shop. He stated that even after the revised business plan was submitted, three (3) of the LTAB members were not convinced that the business will be a cigar shop.
Ald. Prunty asked for clarification on the vote for tonight. Chairman Bonne explained that a “yes,” vote would sustain the denial of the LTAB.
Ald. Durkee commented that in his opinion, it appears from what happened with the subject business, that vape shops may not be approved in the future.
Chairman Bonne stated that when the subject item was before LTAB the first time, there was as strong objection from Christina Rae, one of the tenants of a business located in the strip mall where cigar/vape applicant would have been located. Chairman Bonne asked if any other business owners in the strip mall voiced concerns, or objections, and he also wanted to know if the owner of the strip mall voiced any concerns.
Mr. Capovilla stated that the owner of the strip mall has a tentative lease agreement with the applicant, and has not voiced any concerns. He went on to say that Christina Rae was vehemently opposed to the cigar/vape shop. He noted that one of the major objections was that the proposed business does not fit with the other businesses that are already there. The owner of the building lives in Chicago.
Ald. Wilkins asked for more clarification on the vote that the Committee was about to give. Assistant City Attorney Jacob Rubin advised that sustaining the denial would be a “yes” vote, thereby supporting the LTAB’s decision. A “no” vote would be an approval of the cigar/vape store.
| RESULT: DENIED BY COMMITTEE [4 TO 1]
AYES: Gabrielle Torina, Aprel Prunty, Janessa Wilkins, Tamir Bell NAYS: Mark Bonne |
Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a Text Amendment of the City of Rockford Zoning Ordinance: Table 21-1 Uses Classification Table (eliminate the option of a Special Use Permit to establish residential storage units within the C-3 district) and Table 22-1 Uses Classification Table (eliminate the option of a Special Use Permit to establish residential storage units above the ground floor within the C-4 district )(City of Rockford/Applicant)
Ald. Bell made a MOTION to have this item LAYOVER for thirty (30) days. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina.
Chairman Bonne asked Ald. Bell to explain his request for a layover. Ald. Bell stated that he had more questions that he would like answered from Staff. Chairman Bonne asked why a thirty (30) day layover, instead of a two (2) week layover. After further questioning by the Chairman, Ald. Bell explained that he had a meeting on September 4th in the Legal Department. Ald. Bonne asked Director Hammer if she could meet with Ald. Bell earlier. Director Hammer stated that September 4th was chosen based on her schedule, and Ald. Bell’s schedule.
The motion CARRIED by a vote of 4-1. Chairman Bonne voted "No."
| RESULT: LAID OVER |
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.
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