Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Oct. 6.

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, Don Self and Jamin Unger Staff present: Sally Bennett, Adam Bunge and Happy Welch

Absent: Dave Bennington

Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of September 15, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Carly Metzger, resident at 217 Foxfire Place, addressed the Committee in reference to repeated flooding on her property. Ms. Metzger stated that she has lived in her home since 2020 and hasn’t had any issues until her neighbor built a shed on their property and made some changes to their landscaping. Ms. Metzger stated that she and her fiancé, Michael, weren’t opposed to their neighbor building a shed but that it wasn’t approved by the HOA. Ms. Metzger stated that they spoke to one of the HOA members and they were advised that this is a homeowner’s issue. Ms. Metzger said that they have spent $30,000 to repair the damage from water running down their walls and standing water in the basement. Ms. Metzger stated that this has happened three times in the last 18 months and that they aren’t able to utilize that space in their home at this time due to mold issues. Ms. Metzger added that she was able to obtain grading plans from the 1990’s from Pete at Rockford Blacktop. Mr. Bunge looked at those plans and also looked at contour maps from 2007 & 2018. Mr. Bunge recommended digging out the swail to help the water navigate around the house or suggested building a berm. Mr. Bunge said that he can’t say that the neighbor didn’t help with this. Ms. Metzger stated that they haven’t changed anything with their yard and it hasn’t been a problem in the past. Ms. Metzger said that Michael has dug an area to help the water drain, but this isn’t a long-term solution. Ms. Metzger added that they haven’t said anything to the neighbors about the issue. Mr. Barber stated that the Village can try to reach out to the HOA to help them out, but encouraged the homeowner’s to attend an HOA meeting and present the same information to thema s they presented to the Committee. Mayor Peterson commented that the Village won’t take ownership of the problem, but can certainly try to help.

Greg Powers, developer of 512 Williamson Parkway, spoke to the Committee in reference to a fine that he was issued for an illegal water hookup. Mr. Powers inquired if the fine can be negotiated or reduced. Mr. Barber stated that he spoke with the plumber (Five Star Plumbing) and that 5 Star turned the water on and their plumber should have known. Mr. Barber added that there wasn’t a backflow and that this could have contaminated the Village’s water system and the plumber knows this as well. Mr. Powers said that the only water that he used was for the drywall and that this has been a learning experience for him as well. Mr. Powers stated that he hasn’t built any other homes with city water/sewer. Mr. Unger advised Mr. Powers that as soon as you get the meter it should be installed. Mr. Barber stated that the Village has to uphold our ordinance and that the Village Board discussed and set the fines for first, second and third offenses. Mr. Powers commented that his plumber didn’t turn the water on for the property and that someone from the Village did. Mayor Peterson advised Mr. Powers that the Committee will get back to him about this.

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 Highview in the Woods is still interested in the Goldie Floberg property and that they have been there a few more times to look at the property. Mayor Peterson stated that Highview is going to bring their entire board of directors to view the property on Wednesday. Mayor Peterson said that Highview would want all of the property including the cornfields located to the south of the property that are still owned by Goldie Floberg. Mayor Peterson said that they will have to find out if the appraisal included the are for the park or not and added that the Village has to sell the property for at least 80% of its value.

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that he and Atty. Szeto will be meeting with the Summit Condo Association next Thursday.

Mayor Peterson stated that he received an updated garbage contract from Rock River Disposal for the Village to review and that they included a once/year electronics recycling day.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR – HAPPY WELCH

None.

BUILDINGS AND PARKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER

Mr. Baumgartner stated that the purchase requisition for Watchfire for the baseball and football scoreboards (including installation) are up for approval at the Village Board meeting on October 7, 2025. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner said that the special events application for the “Rockton Christmas Walk” to be held December 5th-7th in downtown Rockton is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. The Committee was okay with this.

Mr. Baumgartner added that the purchase requisition for McMahon Engineering for preparation of the risk and resilience assessment (RRA) and the emergency response plan (ERP) in the amount of $10,000 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting. Mr. Barber stated that this needs to be done by December 31st and that there three other bids and McMahon Engineering was the lowest bid. The Committee was okay with this.

WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JAMIN UNGER

Mr. Unger discussed waiving the formal bid process and purchase requisition for Northern Illinois Service Company (NISC) for the water service abandonment and replacement at 318 N. Blackhawk Boulevard in the amount of $31,270 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on October 7, 2025. Mr. Barber stated that NISC will take care of obtaining all of the necessary permits they need from the state. The Committee was okay with this.

STREETS AND WALKS – DAVID BENNINGTON

Motion by Mr. Baumgartner to approve the purchase requisition for Advanced Pavement for the parking lot repair at 121 Hawick Street (Tacchi USA) in the amount of $4,856.25, second by Mr. Unger. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

Mr. Welch stated that he and Mayor Peterson met with the American Legion last week. Mr. Welch advised the Committee that the American Legion provided a proposal and drawing for the parking lot and that they are requesting the Village pay for 50% of the project which would be $150,000. Mr. Welch stated that the American Legion would like the Village to be responsible for potholes and striping the parking lot. Mr. Welch added that both the Village and the American Legion will have engineering costs and that this would be a wash. Mr. Welch stated that the Village would pay our portion in full, but that this wouldn’t be until the next budget year. Mr. Welch said that the details of the contract will come before the Village Board for approval.

PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER

Mr. Barber stated that the Public Works Department has been very busy and that he is currently working on redoing some OSHA stuff.

Mr. Barber added that the Village received another check ($319,000) from the Napoli class action lawsuit against Dupont and 3M.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF

Mr. Self advised the Committee that he met with D&B Concrete in regard to the benches and that they should be done next week weather permitting.

Mr. Self said that they are working on the shade structure at the pool and that the footings are poured and the pole is up so the main part is done.

Mr. Self stated that his full-time employee should be starting early next week sometime.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Baumgartner, to adjourn at 7:46 pm.

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