Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Sept. 15.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

Chairman York called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Sarah Doerflinger, Dave Winters and Justin York Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Chief Hollinger, Connie Kieffer and Happy Welch

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mrs. Doerflinger to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of September 2, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he will be in Peoria tomorrow, but he should be back in time for meetings.

Mayor Peterson stated that he showed the Goldie Floberg building to two potential buyers. Mayor Peterson said that one of the two potential buyers is Highview in the Woodlands and they seemed pretty interested. Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that Highview reached out six months ago because they would like to expand. Mayor Peterson added that Highview would also be interested in purchasing the property to the south of Goldie Floberg (which is still owned by Goldie Floberg) to build individual condos. Mayor Peterson stated that he reached out to John Pingo from Goldie Floberg to see if they would be interested in selling that property. Mayor Peterson said that the Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) was supposed to provide him with a screening process for their residents and that they didn’t do that. Mayor Peterson commented that the WCHA has inquired if the Village wants to back out of selling the Goldie Floberg property to them. Mayor Peterson added that he also showed the property to an investor, but he’s not sure if they’re interested in the property. Mr. Winters stated that the Village needs to be careful about this process if they choose not to sell the property to the WCHA.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR – HAPPY WELCH

Mr. Welch stated that he is currently working on job descriptions for the Community Development Director and the Community Engagement position. Mr. Welch advised the Committee that he would like to hire the planning and zoning person first and that he is going to post the position in both Illinois and Wisconsin on the municipal league websites. Mr. Welch added that this is not only a staff position, but a department head position as well. The Village Clerk added some of the business owners have stepped forward to help manage some of the Village’s upcoming events until the Community Engagement position is filled.

ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK

None.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SARAH DOERFLINGER

None.

PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS

Mr. Winters stated that the special event liquor license for After the Vine “Wine Walk” to be held on Saturday, November 1st from 1-5 pm in downtown Rockton is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on September 16th. Ms. Kieffer stated that she anticipates approximately 125 participants. Mrs. Doerflinger commented that she would like to see the event done through the Village in the future and not by individual businesses. Mr. York said that he likes the idea of having a wine event in the Village. The Committee was okay with this.

THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER

Chief Hollinger stated that the police department recently completed a records disposal application with the state and that it was approved for destruction.

Chief Hollinger commented that there was a report distributed from the IRONMAN Triathlon and that they were very impressed with Rockton.

Chief Hollinger added that Mr. Welch attended the Police Commission meeting last Tuesday and was able to introduce himself to the members and meet everyone.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mrs. Doerflinger, to adjourn at 6:13 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/9-15-25_Administration_Minutes.pdf