Village of Rockton Public Works Committee met Nov. 17.
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 Baumgartner, Dave Bennington and Jamin Unger Staff present: Dan Barber, Sally Bennett, Adam Bunge, Don Self and Happy Welch
Motion by Mr. Unger, second by Mr. Bennington, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of November 3, 2025. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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 the Village received the appraisal for the Goldie Floberg property (which includes the park) and that it was appraised at $500,000. Mayor Peterson stated that the Village has to sell the property for at least 80% of its value which is $400,000. Mayor Peterson added that the realtor for the buyer inquired about his commission and Mayor Peterson advised him that the buyer would have to pay his commission. Mayor Peterson said that Wesley Willows is still interested in purchasing the property.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR – HAPPY WELCH
Mr. Welch updated the Committee in reference to the water fine for Greg Powers and stated that he inquired if the Village was going to reduce his fine. Mr. Welch explained that Mr. Powers was advised by Mr. Barber that the Village Board set the fine and that there was nothing more that he could do for him. Mr. Welch stated that Mr. Powers spoke with his attorney and the attorney sent the Village a letter. Mr. Welch said that Atty. Szeto inquired if the Village wants to reduce the fine and to be aware of additional attorney fees if Mr. Powers pursues this further. Mr. Welch added that this was discussed at the Administration Committee meeting as well and that Chief Hollinger stated that this was a theft and that the police department can do an investigation into this as well.
Mr. Welch stated that there’s a couple that’s interested in building a venue on Wagon Wheel Road near Fat Wallet. Mr. Welch said that they purchased the land and would like to offset some of the costs with the TIF. Mr. Welch explained that the infrastructure costs would be an eligible expense through the TIF, but the building itself wouldn’t be eligible for TIF funds. Mr. Welch said that the TIF has three years left on it and can be extended or the Village can cancel the current TIF and create a new one for 23 years. Mr. Welch stated that this was also discussed at the Administration Committee meeting and it was determined that the current balance on the TIF note for infrastructure improvements is $452,779 which would have to be paid off if a new TIF was created. Mr. Welch said that it would be better to extend the TIF and that any funds to help offset costs would have to be a reimbursement back to the couple interested in building the venue. Mr. Welch stated that he would have Atty. Szeto review this and it will have to go back to the committee and Village Board for approval
BUILDINGS AND PARKS – DAN BAUMGARTNER
Motion by Mr. Baumgartner to approve the purchase requisition for Roscoe Garage Doors for a new garage door/operator at Barkwood Dog Park in the amount of $4,950, second by Mr. Unger. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.
Mr. Baumgartner stated that the purchase requisition for Mid-States Equipment for a Frontier 72” flail mower in the amount of $9,584.98 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on November 18, 2025. The Committee was okay with this.
WATER, SEWER, & GARBAGE – JAMIN UNGER
Motion by Mr. Unger to approve the purchase requisition for Ferguson Waterworks for 6” valves for the Stone Ridge lift station in the amount of $4,792.62, second by Mr. Bennington. Roll call. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.
Mr. Unger discussed waiving the formal bid process and the purchase requisition for Water Surplus for the PFAS removal pilot test in the amount of $39,650. Mr. Barber stated that they interviewed several local companies and that Water Surplus came highly recommended. Mr. Barber said that there will be a tank to pump and speed up the process and that it’s going to take at least 6 weeks to set up the pilot test. Mr. Barber added that they are going to tour their facility in Loves Park. Mr. Unger stated that this is up for approval at the Village Board meeting as well. The Committee was okay with this.
Mr. Unger stated that the change order for the pump house in the amount of $15,908 is up for approval at the Village Board meeting tomorrow evening. Mr. Barber explained that they needed two more pumps installed along with the drainpipe and conduit pipe. The Committee was okay with this.
Mr. Unger said that the emergency repair for Well #9 by Water Well Solutions at a cost not to exceed $140,000 is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. Mr. Barber advised that there was an alarm at Well #9 and that they reset the breaker. Mr. Barber said that there was something wrong with the motor on the pump and that it would cost $68,000 to pull the pump and inspect it. Mr. Barber stated he anticipates another $30,000 to repair the motor on the pump. Mr. Barber added that he would like to put the well on a variable frequency drive (VFD) as well. Mr. Barber stated that the total cost to repair this will be closer to $110,000 rather than $140,000. The Committee was okay with this.
STREETS AND WALKS – DAVID BENNINGTON
Mr. Bennington stated that Resolution 2025-122: A Resolution of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Approving Temporary Construction Easement Documents with the Illinois Department of Transportation Related to IDOT Blackhawk Bridge Replacement Improvement Project is up for approval at the Village Board meeting on November 18, 2025. Mr. Welch explained that this is granting temporary construction easement permits for IDOT. The Committee was okay with this.
Mr. Bennington said that Resolution 2025-123: A Resolution of the Village of Rockton, Illinois Authorizing and Approving Agreements with Walter Graham Post 332 American Legion for Cost Sharing Related to the Construction and Maintenance of a Parking Lot is also up for approval at the Village Board meeting. Dennis Stien from the American Legion spoke to the Committee and stated that he hopes that they approve this based upon the information the Village Board received. Mr. Stien asked if anyone had any questions about the parking lot. Mr. Barber commented that Atty. Szeto has been involved in this process and that they need to cap the sewer service and abandon the main after the house is demolished where the parking lot is going to be constructed. Mr. Baumgartner verified that the Village is only covering up to $150,000 for their half and that anything over this amount will be paid for by the American Legion. Mr. Stien commented that they are excited to get this project going and that it will benefit both the American Legion and the Village. The Committee was okay with this.
PUBLIC WORKS – DAN BARBER
Mr. Barber stated that Dennis Meade has been speaking to the Village’s code enforcement officer, Ofc. Balsley, to get the easement area cleaned up between his property and 121 N. Bridge Street in order to vacate the alley. Mr. Barber said that the Public Works Department cleaned up that area and the owner of 121 N. Bridge Street, Erin Haun, is upset because some of her bushes were torn out that were located on her property. Mr. Barber stated that they removed bushes according to the lot lines shown on WINGIS and that those property lines were incorrect. Mr. Barber said that Ms. Haun would like a privacy fence installed along her property line and would like the Village to pay for a portion of the privacy fence where the Village removed some of her bushes. Mr. Barber said that Ms. Haun provided quotes for a fence to Mr. Barber and that she would like $4,000 to be reimbursed back to her. Mr. Barber advised Ms. Haun that he would present this to the Committee. Mr. Barber said that he takes full responsibility for this and that the Village should cover that portion of the privacy fence. Mr. Barber asked for a consensus to reimburse $4,000 to Ms. Haun and the Committee was okay with this.
PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR – DON SELF
Mr. Self stated that the concrete pads have been poured at Settlers Park and Village Green Park and that the benches are back on, but that he is waiting until spring to attach them.
Mr. Self said that he is working on putting out Christmas decorations in Settlers Park. Mr. Self added that the ice rink is up, but that he is waiting to install the liner.
Mr. Self stated that the scoreboards are being delivered tomorrow for the athletic fields and that he hopes to have them installed this fall.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW
None.
ADJOURN
Motion by Mr. Bennington, second by Mr. Unger, to adjourn at 7:17 pm.
https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/11-17-25_Public_Works_Minutes.pdf
