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City Council

June 15, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 117 items

  1. 1 The following represents, in general, the chronological order of proceedings at the City Council/Committee Meetings: Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Public Speaking and City Council/Committee Agendas. Meeting will be live streamed on Channel 17 and via this link: https://rockfordil.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Items appearing on the City Council Standing Committee Agendas for today's date may receive a vote at committee and come before the City Council meeting tonight held after the committee meeting. Final vote may be taken on said items at the City Council meeting.
  2. I. CALL TO ORDER
  3. A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  4. 3 Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Chaplain Roy Whitmore and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on May 26, 2026.
  9. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  10. 7 Alderman Bell arrived at 5:44 p.m. and Alderman Durkee arrived at 5:51 p.m.
  11. 1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 to be “JUNETEENTH” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00737
  12. 2. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation recognizing the 34th Anniversary of “COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS, INC.” 26-00738
  13. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  14. 10 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on May 26, 2026, seconded by Alderman Neal. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann, Hoffman, Bell and Bonne was absent).
  15. A. Planning and Development Committee
  16. 1. Memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding the Adoption of the Ordinance to Terminate the Global Trade Park South TIF and Ordinances for the South Rockford Industrial TIF. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00739 Read into the Record
  17. 1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 to be “JUNETEENTH” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00737 ▶ jump to 3:58
  18. 2. Memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding a proposed program to address vacant storefront. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00740 Read into the Record
  19. 2. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation recognizing the 34th Anniversary of “COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS, INC.” 26-00738 ▶ jump to 7:23
  20. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  21. 1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on June 16, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on June 22, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00693 Read into the Record
  22. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 78:24
  23. 2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on June 16, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on June 22, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00694 Read into the Record
  24. 3. Memorandum from Joshua Versluys, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Annexation of 14xx Edson Road, 15xx-16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00705 Read into the Record
  25. 4. Memorandum from Joshua Versluys, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Annexation Agreement for 14xx Edson Road, 15xx-16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00708 Read into the Record
  26. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 79:45
  27. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  28. 1. Memorandum from John Wenstrom, Assistant Deputy Chief, regarding the approval to purchase two police vehicles. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00704 Read into the Record
  29. 2. Memorandum from Andrea Hinrichs, Housing and Program Manager, regarding a request for permission to solicit a firm to develop a minimum of three (3) single family design templates for the city to take ownership of for a new Single Family Residential Infill Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00741 Read into the Record
  30. 3. Memorandum from Andrea Hinrichs, Housing and Program Manager, regarding a request for permission to solicit for a Design-Build entity to develop eight (8) units on the property located at 966 North Court Street. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00742 Read into the Record
  31. 4. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Rockford and Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) in which Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) will facilitate Weatherization services. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00745 Read into the Record
  32. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 72:06
  33. 5. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding the request to authorize a Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Local 1058 regarding financial incentives for Telecommunicators. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00762 Read into the Record
  34. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
  35. 1. Ken Dickens expressed concerns over the allocation of cannabis funds and urged the council members to use those funds to create jobs for those impacted by the war on drugs.
  36. 2. Jim Accurso of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) informed residents that the SBA approved a low-interest federal disaster loan program for homeowners and renters affected by the severe storm on April 17, 2026. He provided details of the loan program and indicated that the application deadline for the disaster assistance loans is July 17, 2026.
  37. 3. Kelly Lewis indicated she lives near the proposed data center location and she urged the City to prioritize public transparency and requested the immediate release of all documentation pertaining to the data center.
  38. 4. Teresa Wilmot voiced concerns regarding the potential data center’s impact on the City’s drinking water supply, daily consumption rates and long-term aquifer safety.
  39. 5. Bobbie Holzwarth spoke about Transform Rockford and the 1834 Alliance, emphasizing the successful transformation that has occurred in the downtown area. Attorney Holzwarth recognized and thanked the City of Rockford, Mayor McNamara, the City Council, and Rockford Promise for their support, financial investment, and dedication to transforming the local community.
  40. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  41. A. Planning and Development Committee
  42. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Funding Agreement with Citied Foundation for Early Birds Social Work Development Program at Auburn High School in the amount of $25,000.00. The funding source is Cannabis Funds. 26-00665 Adopted Pass
  43. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Funding Agreement with Zion West for Youth Training and Mowing Program to better prepare individuals for future opportunities in the amount of $25,000.00. The funding source is Cannabis Funds. 26-00666 Adopted Pass
  44. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Development Agreement with Cord Construction (1322 E. STATE STREET, LLC) for the rehabilitation of 1322 E. State Street in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. The funding source is the Jackson School TIF District. 26-00668 Adopted Pass
  45. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  46. 1. Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 5 of Woodhill Subdivision for the property located at 5101 and 5115 Woodie Ranch Lane. 26-00688 Adopted Pass
  47. 2. Committee recommends denial of the Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG) in conjunction with a grocery store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2614 and 2600 Kilburn Avenue (Somabhai Patel/Shiv Dristi, LLC dba Jasmine Pantry/Applicants), thus reversing the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s recommendation of approval. 26-00614 Adopted as amended Pass
  48. 3. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for the Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development for an RV and Fifth Wheel only community in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 2530, 2710 and 2720 South Main Street (Midwest Yard Holdings, LLC/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00454 Laid Over
  49. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Lift-Assist Ordinance to establish fees pursuant to state law. 26-00690 Adopted Pass
  50. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  51. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $9,207,129.56 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on June 8, 2026. 26-00673 Adopted Pass
  52. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement with Board of Education of the Rockford Public Schools, District No. 205 for Police Services. The term is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. 26-00674 Adopted Pass
  53. 3. Committee recommends approval of the revisions to the City of Rockford Rules and Regulations: 1. Addition of definition of Illness 2. Revised Residency section 3. Addition to Cellular Phone Usage (VESSA-related) 4. Addition to Police for Usage of Computers, the Internet and E-Mail (VESSA-related) 5. Additions to Victims’ Economic Safety and Security Act (VESSA) Leave as follows: a. Policy Procedures b. Disclosures c. Employees Concerned about Domestic Violence d. Resources 6. Addition of Item V. to General Employment Policies 26-00687 Adopted Pass
  54. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
  55. 1. Committee recommends approval of the 2025 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (SAO). 26-00620 Adopted Pass
  56. VII. OFFICERS REPORTS
  57. VIII. APPOINTMENTS
  58. 1. Reappointment of Jeremiah Griffin to the Community Action Advisory Board as a private sector member for a term ending June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 1, 2026.) 26-00695 Laid Over
  59. 2. Reappointment of Mary Cacioppi to the Community Action Advisory Board as a private sector member for a term ending July 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 1, 2026). 26-00696 Laid Over
  60. IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  61. A. Planning and Development Committee
  62. A. Alderman Torina expressed her appreciation to Health and Human Services Director Anqunette Parham for the assistance she provided to the residents in the mobile home park on South Main Street.
  63. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  64. 53 Alderman Torina announced the next Fifth Ward meeting would be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Montague Street Library located at 1238 South Winnebago Street.
  65. 1. Committee recommends approval of the River District Association and City of Rockford Street Parklet Program. 26-00689 Adopted Pass
  66. 54 Alderman Torina shared that she attended the Pride Parade and was impressed by its welcoming atmosphere. She commended the event organizers for hosting a successful event and stated that she looks forward to attending again in the future.
  67. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  68. 55 Alderman Torina reported that the South Main Mercato was a beautiful event that brought people from across the City to the South Main area. She shared that it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves while building a stronger sense of community. She congratulated the event organizers on hosting such an incredible event.
  69. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 5 - 2026 (Parking Lots) (Bid No. 426-PW-042) to Stenstrom Excavation, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $392,950.99. The contract duration is through September 18, 2026. The funding sources are Property Funds and Casino Funds. 26-00675 Adopted Pass
  70. 56 Alderman Torina shared that she volunteered at the Ironman event and expressed her excitement about how well the event was organized. She reported hearing from numerous participants about how welcoming and hospitable the Rockford community is. She stated that the Ironman event brings out the best of Rockford and thanked the event organizers for their tremendous efforts in hosting an event that attracts athletes from around the world.
  71. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: CW Excavation & Hauling Package 1 (Bid No. 526-PW-043) to Veterans Vac Services, of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $58,625.00. The contract duration is through August 28, 2026. The funding source is the CIP General Fund. 26-00676 Adopted Pass
  72. B. Alderman Tuneberg congratulated the Rockford Fire Department on their recruiting event held last Friday.
  73. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Rental of Traffic Control Devices (Bid No. 1125-W-131) to FCS LLC., of Rockford, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $400,000.00 (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 Various Departmental Operating Budgets. 26-00677 Adopted Pass
  74. 58 Alderman Tuneberg shared he felt the Ironman event was a great success.
  75. 4. Committee recommends approval of the rejection of Bid/Solicit New Bids: Coronado Performing Arts Center Interior Lighting Repairs Phase 1 (Bid No. 426-PW-041). Only one bid response was received. 26-00678 Adopted Pass
  76. 59 Alderman Tuneberg announced the Swedish Midsommer Fest would take place this coming Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Swedish Historical Society. He encouraged the community to support the free event.
  77. 5. Committee recommends approval of the rejection of Bid/Solicit New Bids: Head Start and Early Head Start Child Care Meals (Bid No. 526-HS-047). Bids received did not meet the required nutrition specifications. 26-00697 Adopted Pass
  78. C. Alderman Granath expressed her appreciation to the City staff for their assistance with the Pride Parade. She shared it was a great event that provides fun for everyone.
  79. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). The Health and Human Services Department received a grant in the amount of $195,054.00 and of that amount $119,634.00 will be retained internally for eligible ESG activities and $75,420.00 will be sub granted to partner agencies. The funding is as follows: Institute for Community Alliances in the amount of $30,000.00 for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Administration costs; Shelter Care Ministries in the amount of $40,420.00 for Emergency Shelter Operations and Services, and Administration costs; Remedies Renewing Lives in the amount of $5,000.00 for Shelter Operations. The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the HUD ESG. 26-00679 Adopted Pass
  80. 61 Alderman Granath stated that the Ironman was a great event and shared that it was fantastic to see the community come together and support the athletes during the race.
  81. 7. Committee recommends approval of the extension of Contract: Building Code Consulting Services to Fire Safety Consultants, Inc., of Elgin, Illinois in the amount of $57,000.00 for Consulting Services and $9,600.00 - $10,800.00 per month for Backup Code Official Services. The contract duration is six (6) months. The funding source is the Construction Services & Development Budget. 26-00628 Adopted Pass
  82. D. Alderman Bell announced Fatherhood United was hosting its Third Annual Family Field Day on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Fairgrounds Park. He encouraged the community to attend and support the event.
  83. 8. Committee recommends approval of the authorization for reallocation of $200,000.00 in partnership with Rockford Area Venue and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) to reduce user costs for community events at Davis Park. 26-00684 Adopted Pass
  84. E. Alderman Neal announced the American Legion Post 340 Auxiliary - Vets Rock the Block Party would be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from noon to 7:00 p.m. at 1010 South Main Street.
  85. 9. Committee recommends approval of the allocation of funding in the amount of $353,502.76 for the Community Healing Center to provide trauma-informed services to youth impacted by violence in Rockford. The funding will support operations from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. The funding source is reallocated ARPA dollars from Excel Center and Corridor Signage. 26-00685 Adopted Pass
  86. F. Alderman Salgado announced a Feedback Session regarding the 6th and 9th Street Two-Way Conversion would be held tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the VFW located at 922 7th Street. He encouraged residents to attend the session and provide their feedback.
  87. 10. Committee recommends approval of the reallocation of $250,000.00 in previously approved Cannabis Recreation Tax funds and allocation of an additional $100,000.00 in 2026 Cannabis Recreation Tax funds for poverty reduction and childhood education through the Health and Human Services Department. 26-00686 Adopted Pass
  88. G. Alderman Beach reported that participants from 30 different countries took part in the Ironman race. He inquired whether the City had contacted the athletes to thank them for participating in the event and traveling to Rockford, Illinois.
  89. 11. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) State Supplemental Grant Award in the amount of $4,030,301.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to pay for approved clients’ electric and/or heating bill, energy usage education, staff training, payroll, and administration costs. 26-00680 Adopted Pass
  90. H. Alderman Durkee expressed his concerns regarding the closure of Medic Truck No. 4 at Fire Station 4 and Engine No. 5 at Fire Station 5 due to staffing shortages. He mentioned that while the medic truck and engine were out of service, only one engine and one medic truck remained available to cover the east side of the City. He reported that fire stations on the west side were required to respond to emergency calls on the east side, resulting in increased response times and reduced coverage on the west side.
  91. 12. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Family & Community Services Homeless System Capacity Expansion Pilot Program Grant Award in the amount of $85,522.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to provide funds for expanding capacity to local Continuums of Care to improve homeless crisis response systems. 26-00681 Adopted Pass
  92. 67 Chief Rebecca Tyo responded that the Fire Department has experienced a significant number of retirements this summer which has created a unique staffing situation. She reported that the City Council approved the hiring of additional fire personnel over a three-year period to help the Fire Department prepare for the anticipated retirements. Chief Tyo explained that Engine No. 5 and the additional medic truck were put into service as part of a pilot program in January 2025 when the Fire Department had additional staffing. She acknowledged that the Fire Department was aware of the staffing shortage that occurred recently and stated that, while the situation does not occur frequently, they are closely monitoring staffing levels. Chief Tyo stated that Engine No. 5 and the additional medic truck have had a tremendous impact on the Fire Department’s ability to provide service to the community. She stated that she would keep the City Council and City staff informed if staffing shortages continue to occur.
  93. 13. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Weatherization State Supplemental Grant Award in the amount of $482,759.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to pay for approved clients’ work orders, energy usage education, contractor services, staff training, payroll, and administration costs. 26-00682 Adopted Pass
  94. I. Alderman Meeks invited everyone to attend the Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Sinnissippi Park on June 19, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. She shared that the celebration would continue that evening at the Hard Rock Casino with a concert. Aldermen Meeks stated that the doors for the concert would open at 6:00 p.m. and the first group was scheduled to take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
  95. 14. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Weatherization Health and Human Services Grant Award in the amount of $772,748.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to pay for approved clients’ weatherization work orders, energy usage education, contractor services, staff training, payroll, and administration costs. 26-00683 Adopted Pass
  96. 69 Alderman Meeks announced the International Women's Baseball Center (IWBC) would celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the historic Beyer Stadium on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
  97. X. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  98. 70 Mayor McNamara added that numerous activities, including a game, were planned for the Beyer Stadium Grand Re-Opening. He mentioned that Alderman Meeks would be singing the National Anthem and that the gates would open at 1:00 p.m.
  99. A. Planning and Development Committee
  100. J. Mayor McNamara expressed his gratitude to the GoRockford team, City staff and everyone who contributed to the success of the Ironman event. He stated it was a fantastic event and reported that more than 2,000 athletes and approximately 1,200 volunteers participated. He commented that it was so good to see the community get involved and support the athletes as they were passing through their neighborhoods.
  101. 1. An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement with Citied Foundation for Early Birds Social Work Development Program at Auburn High School in the amount of $25,000.00. The funding source is Cannabis Funds. 26-00728 Adopted Pass
  102. 2. An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement with Zion West for Youth Training and Mowing Program to better prepare individuals for future opportunities in the amount of $25,000.00. The funding source is Cannabis Funds. 26-00729 Adopted Pass
  103. 3. An ordinance approving the Development Agreement with Cord Construction (1322 E. STATE STREET, LLC) for the rehabilitation of 1322 E. State Street in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. The funding source is the Jackson School TIF District. 26-00730 Adopted Pass
  104. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  105. 1. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a video gaming facility in C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3011 Auburn Street (Staci Johnson/Fatdaddy’s Gaming Hall LLC dba Fatdaddy’s Gaming Hall/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00759 Adopted Pass
  106. 2. An ordinance approving the Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development for an RV and Fifth Wheel only community in an R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 2530, 2710 and 2720 South Main Street (Midwest Yard Holdings, LLC/Applicant). 26-00732 Held out
  107. 3. An ordinance approving the Lift-Assist Ordinance to establish fees pursuant to state law. 26-00733 Adopted Pass
  108. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  109. 1. An ordinance approving the Intergovernmental Agreement with Board of Education of the Rockford Public Schools, District No. 205 for Police Services. The term is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. 26-00734 Adopted Pass
  110. 2. An ordinance approving the revisions to the City of Rockford Rules and Regulations: 1. Addition of definition of Illness 2. Revised Residency section 3. Addition to Cellular Phone Usage (VESSA-related) 4. Addition to Police for Usage of Computers, the Internet and E-Mail (VESSA-related) 5. Additions to Victims’ Economic Safety and Security Act (VESSA) Leave as follows: a. Policy Procedures b. Disclosures c. Employees Concerned about Domestic Violence d. Resources 6. Addition of Item V. to General Employment Policies 26-00735 Adopted Pass
  111. 3. An ordinance approving the 2025 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (SAO). 26-00629 Adopted Pass
  112. XI. CLOSED SESSION
  113. 1. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Pending Litigation matters.
  114. XII. ADJOURNMENT
  115. 86 THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOU.
  116. 109 Alderman Frost moved to convene into Closed Session in order to discuss pending litigation matters, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Logemann, Hoffman and Bonne were absent). The meeting convened into Closed Session at 6:56 p.m. Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 7:10 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Durkee, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Neal, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks and Bell (Aldermen Logemann, Hoffman and Bonne were absent).
  117. 111 Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Neal. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Logemann, Hoffman and Bonne were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m.