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City Council

June 1, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 108 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 ▶ jump to 0:14
  4. 3 Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call ▶ jump to 1:45
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal ▶ jump to 2:46
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Pastor Chad McKenna of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on May 11, 2026.
  9. II. PROCLAMATIONS ▶ jump to 3:04
  10. 7 Alderman Durkee arrived at 5:40 p.m. and Alderman Logemann arrived at 5:51 p.m.
  11. 1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring June 2026 to be “PRIDE MONTH” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00657
  12. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS ▶ jump to 5:41
  13. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 5:42
  14. 10 Alderman Bell moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on May 11, 2026, seconded by Alderman Granath. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann, Hoffman, and Bonne were absent).
  15. 1. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions (CCS) to expand prevention and intervention programming in collaboration with the City of Rockford’s Community Healing Center. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00630
  16. 2. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Goodwill in partnership with IBEW Local 364 for Electrical Workers Trades Program to better prepare individuals for the IBEW application process. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00631
  17. 3. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Farmers Rising in partnership with City Center Market for the establishment of a Mobile Grocery Store. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00632
  18. 4. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Citied Foundation for Early Birds Social Work Development Program at Auburn High School. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00633
  19. 5. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Zion West for Youth Training and Mowing Program to better prepare individuals for future opportunities. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00634
  20. 6. Memorandum from Joshua Versluys, Assistant City Attorney, regarding grant of an easement to ComEd at 850 South Horace Avenue. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00653
  21. 7. Memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding the proposed Development Agreement for 1322 East State Street. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00659
  22. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 7:21
  23. 1. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding authorization to allow the Zoning Officer to file Text Amendments for multiple sections of the Zoning Ordinance. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00647
  24. 2. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding Plat No. 5 of Woodhill Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00648
  25. 3. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on June 10, 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. 26-00649
  26. 4. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding a Program Renewal Request for the River District Association & City of Rockford Street Parklet Program. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00650
  27. 5. Memorandum from Alderman Tamir Bell regarding proposed amendments to the Committee Chair and Vice Chair selection process. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00660
  28. 6. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding a proposed Lift-Assist Ordinance. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00661
  29. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 8:34
  30. 1. Memorandum from Shurice Hunter, Human Resources Director, regarding proposed revisions to the City of Rockford Rules and Regulations. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00606
  31. 2. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding allocation of funding for Community Healing Center, trauma-informed services to youth impacted by violence in Rockford. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00636
  32. 3. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a request for allocation and reallocation of Cannabis Dollars for Health and Human Services Department. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00637
  33. 4. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Rockford and Board of Education Rockford Public School District 205 for School Resource Officers. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00645
  34. 5. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Program Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the recommendation for funding - HUD Emergency Solutions Grant. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00638
  35. 6. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Program Operations for Health & Human Services, regarding Acceptance of Grant Award for DECO-LIHEAP State Supplemental Grant 27-254023. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00651
  36. 7. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Program Operations for Health & Human Services, regarding Acceptance of Homeless System Capacity Expansion Pilot Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00652
  37. 8. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the acceptance of two Grant Awards for Weatherization PY27. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00658
  38. D. Legislative and Lobbying Committee ▶ jump to 9:54
  39. 1. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Contract with Resolution for Zephyr Government Strategies. Referred to Legislative and Lobbying Committee. 26-00635
  40. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS ▶ jump to 10:12
  41. 1. Wren Medina voiced her opposition against a potential data center and urged the council members to vote to protect Rockford's future, the environment and the community against increased utility bills. ▶ jump to 10:39
  42. 2. Maggie Watson was not present.
  43. 3. ‌John Tac Brantley spoke about the history of Camp Grant and the importance of protecting that historical property from being developed into a potential data center. ▶ jump to 14:02
  44. 4. Patti Bremer spoke in opposition to a potential data center and referenced several reported effects associated with data centers. ▶ jump to 17:19
  45. 5. Robert Pace expressed concerns about the potential impact a data center could have on the community and requested that all votes on matters related to the TIF and the proposed data center be placed under a six-month moratorium. ▶ jump to 21:07
  46. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  47. A. Planning and Development Committee
  48. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  49. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat No. 1 of South Avon Subdivision for the property located at the southwest corner of South Avon Street and Chestnut Street, and the southeast corner of Short Elm Street and South Avon Street. 26-00607 Adopted Pass
  50. 2. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation of approval for a: a. Special Use Permit for the outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles; and b. Variation to eliminate concrete or asphalt paving and replace with gravel for outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles area in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 3382 South Alpine Road (Kamal Abedrabbo/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00608 Adopted Pass
  51. 3. Committee recommends sustaining Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation of a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of a Mixed -Use Development of 350 residential dwelling units with lower level parking, a courtyard with open space and recreational facilities and three, free-standing commercial buildings in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 53xx East State Street (Place Foundry for Kevin Olson/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00610 Adopted Pass
  52. 4. Committee recommends denial of 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), thus reversing the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s recommendation of approval. 26-00612 Approved as Amended Pass
  53. 5. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board of Appeals’ approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L) in conjunction with an event space in an R-4, Multi-Family Residential Zoning District at 716 and 7xx Indiana Avenue (Shawn Cox/Elizabeth Cox/Copper Latern, LLC dba Copper Latern/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00615 Adopted Pass
  54. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 29:39
  55. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $13,402,796.72 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on May 26, 2026. 26-00619 Adopted Pass
  56. 2. Committee recommends approval of the 2025 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (SAO). 26-00620 Laid Over
  57. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
  58. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of four, 4-unit buildings and two, 8-unit buildings in an R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 515 South Alpine Road (Zaher Qassem/Applicant), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation of denial. Subject to conditions. 26-00458 Adopted as amended Pass
  59. VII. OFFICERS REPORTS ▶ jump to 40:12
  60. VIII. APPOINTMENTS ▶ jump to 48:46
  61. 1. Reappointment of Frank Buchmann to the Fire Pension Board for a term ending April 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00499 Approved Pass
  62. 2. Reappointment of Brad Benedict to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00500 Approved Pass
  63. 3. Appointment of Lafakeria Reuter to the Library Board, replacing Henrietta Dotson-Williams. The appointment will be for a term effective July 2026 through June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00522 Approved Pass
  64. 4. Appointment of Stephanie Nissen to the Library Board, replacing Colleen O’Brien. The appointment will be for a term effective July 2026 through June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00523 Approved Pass
  65. 5. Reappointment of Michael Laskonis to the Library Board for a term ending June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00524 Approved Pass
  66. A. Alderman Durkee shared he spoke with Alderman Bonne today and reported Alderman Bonne is doing better and making progress.
  67. 6. Reappointment of Greg Harle to the Mechanical Board for a term ending June 2031. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00525 Approved Pass
  68. B. Alderman Prunty congratulated the Class of 2026 graduates and wished them well in their future endeavors.
  69. 7. Reappointment of Roberta Holzwarth to the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) Board for a term ending June 2031. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00526 Approved Pass
  70. C. Alderman Torina shared that the Fifth Ward Walkers walking group has been going well. She invited the community to participate in the final walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex track.
  71. 8. Appointment of Bryan Kruschke to the Traffic Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Don Bissell. The appointment will be for a term ending October 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00527 Approved Pass
  72. 65 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.
  73. 9. Reappointment of Tom Okite to the Traffic Commission for a term ending May 2031. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00528 Approved Pass
  74. D. Alderman Meeks announced the annual Juneteenth Celebration would take place on June 19, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Sinnissippi Park. She invited the community to attend and join in the celebration.
  75. 10. Reappointment of Craig Sockwell to the Zoning Board of Appeals/Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board for a term ending June 2031. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after May 20, 2026.) 26-00529 Approved Pass
  76. 67 Alderman Meeks inquired whether a date had been confirmed for the South Rockford Industrial TIF to return to the Planning and Development Committee.
  77. IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ▶ jump to 52:18
  78. 68 City Administrator Todd Cagnoni reported he anticipated that item would be before the Planning and Development Committee on June 22, 2026.
  79. A. Planning and Development Committee
  80. E. Alderman Bell announced the Firefighter For A Day event is scheduled for June 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Fire Station 6 located at 3329 West State Street. He stated that participants would have the opportunity to put on the firefighting gear, complete an obstacle course and learn more about the experiences and responsibilities of firefighters. He also announced that the Fire Department would launch its application process next week.
  81. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 52:20
  82. 70 Alderman Bell shared that the Community Healing Center and the Irving Strong House hosted their annual Summer Block Party. He stated that the event was a great success and thanked the event sponsors and everyone who attended.
  83. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Rockford Fire 911 Run 26-00616 Adopted Pass
  84. 71 Alderman Bell announced that the Rockford Police Department's National Night Out would be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. He encouraged residents to attend the event and show their support.
  85. 2. Committee recommends approval of Cycle on 2nd Street and the IDOT Resolution 26-00617 Adopted Pass
  86. 72 Alderman Bell expressed his appreciation to GoRockford for its efforts in coordinating the Ironman event and for working with the Rockford Police Department and churches in the Thirteenth Ward to keep the congregations informed of street closures and alternate routes.
  87. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  88. 73 Alderman Bell reported there has been an increase in panhandling in the downtown area and requested that the Public Works Department install signage in the Thirteenth Ward addressing panhandling and illegal dumping.
  89. 1. Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Police Vehicle Computers, Docking Stations, Printers and Components to CDS Office Technologies, of Itasca, Illinois in the amount of $153,362.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Capital Lease Fund/Police Department Capital Budget. 26-00623 Adopted Pass
  90. F. Alderman Neal recognized and commended the State of Mind Institute for the outstanding job they did organizing the Shades of Gray Mental Health Awareness event held at the library this past weekend. She reported that the speakers did an excellent job and that the event was well attended.
  91. 2. Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Panasonic Toughbook Laptop Bundle and Extended Warranty for Field Training Officers to CDS Office Technologies, of Itasca, Illinois in the amount of $36,900.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Police Operating Budget. 26-00624 Adopted Pass
  92. 75 Alderman Neal announced the South Main Mercato would be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 and she encouraged residents to attend the event.
  93. 3. Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Police Vehicles Equipment and Installation to Dana Safety Supply Inc., of Greensboro, North Carolina in the amount of $439,388.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Capital Lease Fund/Police Department Capital Budget. 26-00625 Adopted Pass
  94. G. Mayor McNamara mentioned the Pride Parade and Pride Party would take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
  95. 4. Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Police Radar Equipment to Kustom Signals Inc., of Lenexa, Kansas in the amount of $39,870.46. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Capital Lease Fund. 26-00626 Adopted Pass
  96. 5. Change Order: Activate Church Street and Main Street Two-Way Conversion (Supplemental #2) to GFT Infrastructure, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois. 26-00627 Adopted Pass
  97. X. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  98. A. Planning and Development Committee
  99. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 56:34
  100. 1. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for the outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles and Variation to eliminate concrete or asphalt paving and replace with gravel for outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles area in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 3382 South Alpine Road (Kamal Abedrabbo/Applicant). 26-00639 Adopted Pass
  101. 2. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of a Mixed -Use Development of 350 residential dwelling units with lower level parking, a courtyard with open space and recreational facilities and three free-standing commercial buildings in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 53xx East State Street (Place Foundry for Kevin Olson/Applicant). 26-00640 Adopted Pass
  102. 3. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L) in conjunction with an event space in an R-4, Multi-Family Residential Zoning District at 716 and 7xx Indiana Avenue (Shawn Cox/Elizabeth Cox/Copper Lantern, LLC dba Copper Lantern/Applicants). 26-00643 Adopted Pass
  103. 4. An ordinance approving the Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of four, 4-unit buildings and two, 8-unit buildings in an R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District at 515 South Alpine Road (Zaher Qassem/Applicant). 26-00506 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 62:02
  104. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 61:53
  105. 1. An ordinance approving the 2025 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (SAO). 26-00629 Held out
  106. XI. ADJOURNMENT ▶ jump to 71:37
  107. 89 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.
  108. 109 Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Logemann. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Hoffman and Bonne were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.