Village of Rockton Administration Committee met Jan. 19.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Chairman York called the regular meeting of the Administration Committee to order at 5:40 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Sarah Doerflinger, Dave Winters and Justin York Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Mark Henderson, Chief Hollinger, Connie Kieffer, Atty. Szeto and Happy Welch
Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mrs. Doerflinger, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of January 5, 2026. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
MAYOR – JOHN PETERSON
Mayor Peterson stated that the Village Board will have executive session tomorrow evening.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR – HAPPY WELCH
Mr. Welch stated that he provided a copy of the IT policy to the Village Board for review and inquired if there was any feedback. Mr. Welch said that he spoke with Jeff Garcea, the Village’s IT provider, and he’s going to take a look at it as well. Mr. Welch commented that this covers most of it and that this wasn’t going to be distributed publicly since the content is sensitive.
Mr. Welch also discussed the health insurance renewal with the Committee. Mr. Welch stated that the Village’s health insurance renewal is at the end of the month and that he spoke with Dave Syverson with Gallagher Insurance about the Village’s options. Mr. Welch said that the Village recently received the quote from Gallagher and there isn’t enough time to look at other options. Mr. Welch advised the Committee that it’s almost a 21% premium increase ($131,911.68) for the Village’s current plan, but that vision and dental premiums will remain the same. Mr. Welch added that the health insurance is a platinum plan. Atty. Szeto advised Mr. Welch to reach out to Atty. Sosnowski so that she can review the information and make sure that it meets the criteria stated in the police union contract. Treasurer Bennett stated that there has been a lot of discussion within her treasurer’s group about the increases in insurance premiums, but this is a lot. Mr. Welch said that we need to tell Gallagher Insurance by January 30th what the Village would like to do, but he will see if that can get extended. Mr. Winters stated that the Village should start looking into other insurance companies in September. Mr. Welch commented that there’s not much competition out there and apologized for the information not being favorable for the Village.
Mr. Welch added that the Club Car Wash opens February 5th and that they would like to offer corporate rates for the police department’s fleet of vehicles. Mr. Welch stated that it would cost $17/month per vehicle for unlimited car washes.
Mr. Welch advised the Committee that he also spoke with Mr. Garcea about moving the Village over to rocktonil.gov.
ADMINISTRATION – JUSTIN YORK
None.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – SARAH DOERFLINGER
Mrs. Doerflinger stated that the special events application for Yeti Fest (February 4th-7th) is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on January 20, 2026. The Committee was okay with this.
PUBLIC SAFETY & LEGAL – DAVE WINTERS
Mr. Winters stated that Resolution 2026-103: A Resolution of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Approving a School Resource Officer Program Agreement with the Hononegah Community High School District No. 207 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on January 20, 2026. The Committee was okay with this.
THE CHIEF– MATT HOLLINGER
Chief Hollinger discussed e-bikes and scooters with the Committee. Chief Hollinger stated that he and Atty. Szeto met the beginning of July and discussed potential concerns about the speed of some of these minibikes. Chief Hollinger said that Atty. Szeto represents the City of Byron and that Dixon already passed an ordinance about e-bikes and scooters. Chief Hollinger commented that if the Village passed an ordinance along with Roscoe and South Beloit it would make this easier to enforce for all of the communities. Chief Hollinger added that the state of Illinois doesn’t have laws in regard to this so the Village is on their own. Chief Hollinger said that he wanted to talk to the Village Board about this and get their thoughts. Atty. Szeto commented that you have to think of what’s best for the Village and where they will be allowed. Mr. York said that he thinks this is going to be controversial because a lot of parents bought these e-bike for their kids. Mrs. Doerflinger stated that she supports whatever the police department feels they need to put in place to keep our community safe. Atty. Szeto said that the different classes of e-bikes have different max speeds and questioned if the Village wants to put ages on the different classifications. Chief Hollinger stated that Rolling Meadows has a really good ordinance that the Village can look at as a sample. Atty. Szeto added that enforcement is another consideration to think about as well. Chief Hollinger stated that there would have to be an enforcement strategy and there would be expectations. Chief Hollinger advised the Committee that he will send a copy of Rolling Meadows ordinance to the Committee to take a look at and review.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR – MARK HENDERSON
Mr. Henderson advised the Committee that there are three ordinances up for approval under zoning at the Village Board meeting on January 20, 2026. Mr. Henderson said that two of the ordinances are for driveway variances and the other is a map amendment from residential to commercial zoning. Mr. Henderson stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) recommended denials for both driveway variances. Atty. Szeto commented that the Village Board can overturn them, but they need to meet all the findings of facts.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW
None.
ADJOURN
Motion by Mr. Winters, second by Mrs. Doerflinger, to adjourn at 6:27 pm.
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