Rockford Sun

City of Rockford City Council met Sept. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance 

The invocation was given by Chaplain Roy Whitmore and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.

B. Roll Call 

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Tim Durkee	City of Rockford	Alderman	Late	5:57 PM
Jonathan Logemann	City of Rockford	Alderman	Late	5:39 PM
Chad Tuneberg	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Kevin Frost	City of Rockford	Alderman	Absent
Gabrielle Torina	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Aprel Prunty	City of Rockford	Alderman	Late	5:39 PM
Janessa Wilkins	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Karen Hoffman	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Dawn Granath	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Franklin C. Beach	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Jaime Salgado	City of Rockford	Alderman	Absent
Gina Meeks	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Tamir Bell	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present
Mark Bonne	City of Rockford	Alderman	Present

C. Acceptance of the Journal 

1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on August 18, 2025. 

Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on August 18, 2025, seconded by Alderman Bell.

MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Durkee, Logemann, Frost, Prunty and Salgado were absent).

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

Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on September 2, 2025, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Durkee, Logemann, Frost, Prunty and Salgado were absent).

II. PROCLAMATIONS 

1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring the week of September 15, 2025 to be "National Co-Responder & Crisis Responder Week" in the City of Rockford, Illinois.

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

1. Memorandum from Sarah Leys, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding a Memorandum of Understanding for the State Designation of the Heritage District. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

2. Memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding the proposed Resolution for the Business Association Grant Program. Referred to Planning and Development Committee.

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Annexation of 2215 Wentworth Avenue. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

2. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 16, 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.

3. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 16, 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.

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS 

1. Pastor Shelia Brown announced that Kingdom Authority will be hosting a community informational meeting regarding the building project at 2400 North Rockton Avenue, the former Rockford Memorial Hospital Campus. She shared the meeting will provide an opportunity for community members and local leaders to come together to hear about the vision, purpose and future plans for the facility.

2. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and spoke on the issues of school shootings and gun violence. He shared several ideas for helping to prevent mass shootings and emphasized the need for stronger gun laws.

3. John Tac Brantley shared his personal political views and frustrations regarding current events.

4. Wendy Schneider encouraged council members and city staff to actively engage and collaborate with neighborhood associations throughout the city. She also expressed her appreciation to Mayor McNamara for the genuine leadership, vision and compassion he has demonstrated during his time serving as the Mayor.

5. Denzil Wynter recited a passage of scripture and shared his personal feelings regarding his political views and President Donald Trump.

V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. 2025-194-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $7,777,268.05 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on September 8, 2025.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

2. 2025-195-CR - Committee recommends approval of the vehicle purchase and trade-in to Anderson Dealerships, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $24,500.00. The funding source is the Weatherization Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant (24-221023). The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

3. 2025-196-CR - Committee recommends approval of an ordinance authorizing the City of Rockford to utilize funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Application of Loan for Lead Service Line Replacements.

The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

4. 2025-197-CR - Committee recommends approval of an ordinance authorizing the City of Rockford to utilize funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Application of Loan for Well No. 46 New Treatment Plant, Reservoir, and Site Improvements. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

VI. OFFICERS REPORTS 

A. Alderman Beach 

Alderman Beach submitted a letter from Brenda Oswald to Public Works Director Scott Sanders and CIP Manager Ken Mattson.

B. Alderman Wilkins 

Alderman Wilkins announced Nicor Gas and State Representative Maurice West will be hosting a free Community Connection Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Auburn High School. She mentioned numerous vendors will be present and available to answer questions from residents.

C. Alderman Tuneberg 

Alderman Tuneberg reported he attended the 815 Stone Scrubbers event at the Cedar Bluff Cemetery on Saturday. He shared 815 Stone Scrubbers is a dedicated organization that cleans and restores headstones for Civil War troops and provides headstones for soldiers who never received one. Alderman Tuneberg expressed his gratitude to the organization for their noble efforts and kindness.

Alderman Tuneberg shared he also participated in the Back the Blue Ride on Saturday. He mentioned there were approximately 150 motorcycle riders that participated and showed support for the men and women in blue. Alderman Tuneberg expressed his appreciation to the officers that work hard to keep our community safe.

Alderman Tuneberg thanked Interim Fire Chief Brian Carlson and the organizers of the annual 9/11 Memorial Service for their efforts.

D. Alderman Torina 

Alderman Torina announced the next Fifth Ward meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Guysie Jenkins Community Resource Center located at 911 Michigan Avenue.

Alderman Torina shared two recent encounters she had with panhandlers and she voiced her heartfelt concerns regarding homelessness in the community. She stated she can no longer turn a blind eye to this crisis and emphasized the importance of taking action to address the poverty affecting our city.

Mayor McNamara stated he would provide Alderman Torina with a written response to her remarks, outlining the action items the city is currently undertaking to address homelessness. He invited the council members to submit any ideas or suggestions they may have for addressing this important issue.

E. Mayor McNamara 

Mayor McNamara announced the Goodwill Excel Center opened last week at the UW SwedishAmerican YMCA Campus. He reported that between 150 and 180 students are currently enrolled. He mentioned the center provides free high school diplomas, child care and transportation, as well as workforce placement assistance upon completion of a diploma.

VII. 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.)

RESULT: LAID OVER Next: 10/6/2025 5:35 PM

VIII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. 2025-193-R - Committee recommends approval of Stroll on State/Dasher Dash 5k

This event is scheduled to take place on November 29th from noon – 9 p.m. The 5k run will begin at noon. The event will be held in downtown Rockford, bordered by Jefferson Street, Church Street, Chestnut Street, Green Street, and 3rd Street.

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

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 SEPTEMBER 2, 2025)

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

Mayor McNamara requested that the item be held out, provided there were no objections. Hearing none, the item was held out.

RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 10/6/2025 5:35 PM

2. 2025-194-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Snow Removal - Municipal Sidewalks (Bid No. 725-PW-092) to DGO Services of Wheeling, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $100,000.00 (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 Departmental Operating Budgets.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

3. 2025-195-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Gasoline / Diesel Fuel and Related Items (Bid No. 725-PW-094) to Smith Energy, of Rockford, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $1,800,000.00 (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 Equipment Fund Operating Budget.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

4. 2025-196-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: 2025 Light Duty City-Wide Vehicles Group #2 to Enterprise Fleet Management Inc., of Saint Louis, Missouri in the amount of $619,280.00. The contract duration is 60 months. The funding sources are Various Divisions Capital Lease Budgets.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

5. 2025-197-R - Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: East State Street Sidewalk Gaps (Land Acquisition Services) to Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $123,552.00. The contract duration is through December 31, 2026. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the resolution and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

IX. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES 

A. Planning and Development Committee 

B. Code and Regulation Committee 

1. 2025-166-O - An ordinance approving 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). Subject to conditions of approval.

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 4]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Meeks, Bell, Bonne NAYS: Chad Tuneberg, Gabrielle Torina, Aprel Prunty, Franklin C. Beach ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

C. Finance and Personnel Committee 

1. 2025-167-O - An ordinance approving the vehicle purchase and trade-in to Anderson Dealerships, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $24,500.00. The funding source is the Weatherization Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant (24-221023).

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

2. 2025-168-O - An ordinance authorizing the City of Rockford to utilize funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Application of Loan for Lead Service Line Replacements.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

3. 2025-169-O - An ordinance authorizing the City of Rockford to utilize funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Application of Loan for Well No. 46 New Treatment Plant, Reservoir, and Site Improvements.

Alderman Logemann, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

X. ADJOURNMENT 

1. Motion to Adjourn 

Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg.

MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost and Salgado were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]  AYES: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Meeks, Bell, Bonne ABSENT: Kevin Frost, Jaime Salgado

https://rockfordcityil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=2830&Inline=True