docketcity.com
Home › Rockford › Meetings

City Council

May 18, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 99 items

  1. I. CALL TO ORDER
  2. A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  3. 2 Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
  4. B. Roll Call
  5. C. Acceptance of the Journal
  6. 4 The invocation was given by Chaplain Norma Borrero and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  7. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on March 16, 2026.
  8. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  9. 6 Alderman Logemann and Bell arrived at 5:51 p.m. and Alderman Neal arrived at 5:52 p.m.
  10. 1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring May 17, 2026 to be “National Public Works Week” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00601 Presented ▶ jump to 1:42
  11. 2. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 17 - 23, 2026 to be “Emergency Medical Services Week” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00597 Presented ▶ jump to 4:31
  12. 3. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring 2026 to be “Sister City Ferentino Italy 20th Anniversary Year”. 26-00598 Presented ▶ jump to 7:54
  13. 9 Alderman Frost moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on March 16, 2026, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Logemann, Neal, Hoffman, Bell and Bonne were absent).
  14. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS ▶ jump to 12:09
  15. A. Planning and Development Committee
  16. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 13:24
  17. 1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on May 19, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on May 26, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00547 Read into the Record
  18. 2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on May 19, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on May 26, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00548 Read into the Record
  19. 3. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events for Rockford Fire 911 Run and Cycle on 2nd. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00599 Read into the Record
  20. 4. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the Final Plat No. 1 of South Avon Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00600 Read into the Record
  21. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 14:51
  22. 1. Memorandum from Charlotte Hoss, City Attorney, regarding lien reduction requests from Z Financial. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00603 Read into the Record
  23. 2. Memorandum from Sarah Leys, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding a proposed extension of the contract with Fire Safety Consultants, LLC, for Building Code Consulting Services. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00604 Read into the Record
  24. 3. Memorandum from Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, regarding the acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00605 Read into the Record
  25. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
  26. 1. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and reflected on the impact that Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. had in transforming the Civil Rights Movement. He urged residents to keep hope alive. ▶ jump to 15:49
  27. 2. John Tac Brantley reported that he recently took a group of 15 youth and 10 adults to visit the pyramids in southern Illinois and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. He shared that the group had a great time and enjoyed the experience. ▶ jump to 18:59
  28. 3. Steven McMaster expressed his opinions regarding the proposed bond sale for the Hard Rock Convention Center and the need for a grocery store on the west side of the city. He urged the council members to prioritize investing in a grocery store rather than the convention center. ▶ jump to 22:14
  29. 4. Robert Pace voiced his concerns regarding data centers and the potential development of one in this area. ▶ jump to 25:39
  30. 5. Josh Lahman expressed his opposition to the City issuing bonds to finance the Hard Rock Convention Center. He encouraged the City Council to prioritize investments that support the local economy, including affordable housing, assistance for residents, and initiatives to help stabilize the housing shortage and housing market. ▶ jump to 28:50
  31. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  32. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 32:18
  33. 1. Committee recommends approval of the transfer of surplus property located at 1338 Derby Lane and 4750 Pepper Drive to the Northern Illinois Land Bank for future residential development. 26-00543 Adopted Pass
  34. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Development Agreement with Hillwood (Industrial VI Enterprises, LLC) for the construction of Spec Industrial Building and public improvement in conjunction with Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) site readiness grant. 26-00544 Adopted Pass
  35. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 33:31
  36. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Tentative Plat of Rockford Logistics Park 20 Subdivision for the property located at 3321 Integrity Drive. 26-00545 Adopted Pass
  37. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat of Rockford Logistics Park 20 Subdivision for the property located at 3321 Integrity Drive. 26-00562 Adopted Pass
  38. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat of Adrian Subdivision for the property located at 310 North 5th Street. 26-00546 Adopted Pass
  39. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 34:40
  40. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $11,816,448.08 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on May 11, 2026. 26-00567 Adopted Pass
  41. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Bond Sale for the issuance of $103,000,000.00 in taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), for Convention Center and Hotel - Public Private Partnership with Hard Rock Rockford (815 Entertainment LLC). 26-00568 Adopted Pass
  42. 3. Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Rockford and the Board of Education of the Rockford Public Schools, District No. 205 (RPS 205) for Summerdale Early Childhood Center services for the 2026-2027 school year. The agreement is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The funding source is Head Start Grant Funds. 26-00569 Adopted Pass
  43. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Lease Agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois for office space located at 917 South Main Street to support the operations of the Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC) Community Conveners initiative in the not-to-exceed amount of $6,600.00. The contract duration is from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. The funding source is the Illinois Department of Human Services Community Convener Grant Award. 26-00570 Adopted Pass
  44. 5. Committee recommends approval of the release of Liens in the total amount of $35,635.15 incurred when the properties were owned by the Winnebago County Trustee for properties located at 205 N. Hinkley Avenue (PIN: 11-22-129-016), 709 Lee Street (PIN: 11-22-229-008), 2143 South 4th Street (PIN: 11-35-401-016), 517 Island Avenue (PIN: 11-27-451-030), and 5XX Foster Avenue (PIN: 11-21-404-013). 26-00571 Adopted Pass
  45. 6. Committee recommends approval of an Agreement between the City of Rockford and Chicago Central & Pacific Railroad (CCPR) for 6th Street and 9th Street Two-Way Conversion Preliminary Engineering services in the amount of $25,000.00. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00572 Adopted Pass
  46. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER ▶ jump to 44:55
  47. A. Planning and Development Committee
  48. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 44:57
  49. 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 Laid Over
  50. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  51. VII. OFFICERS REPORTS ▶ jump to 48:59
  52. VIII. APPOINTMENTS ▶ jump to 56:46
  53. 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 Laid Over
  54. 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 Laid Over
  55. 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 Laid Over
  56. 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 Laid Over
  57. A. Alderman Beach shared that this year's Police Memorial Service was especially moving. He expressed his gratitude to Police Chief Carla Redd and the event organizers for organizing the beautiful service.
  58. 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 Laid Over
  59. B. Alderman Tuneberg thanked Aldermen Meeks, Granath, and Neal for their assistance with organizing the Spring Clean-Up Day event. He also expressed his appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Redfern, the Rockford Police Department, the Public Works team and the many volunteers who participated in cleaning up the area and planting flowers at Veterans Memorial Circle on Saturday.
  60. 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 Laid Over
  61. C. Alderman Neal thanked Aldermen Meeks, Tuneberg, and Granath, as well as Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, for their collaboration in organizing the Spring Clean-Up Day event. She mentioned that another clean-up event was held the same day at Andrews Park in the Seventh Ward and expressed her appreciation to all of the volunteers whose hard work helped beautify the community.
  62. 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 Laid Over
  63. D. Alderman Granath shared that the Police Memorial Service was especially sobering as she reflected on the families in attendance who had lost loved ones in the line of duty.
  64. 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 Laid Over
  65. 56 Alderman Granath reported that the Spring Clean-Up Day event and the planting at Veterans Memorial Circle were a great success. She announced that a fundraiser benefiting the Veterans Memorial Circle would be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Plume and encouraged residents to attend in support of the project.
  66. 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 Laid Over
  67. E. Alderman Meeks expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated in the Spring Clean-Up Day event. She stated that it was great to bring everyone together and accomplish so much in a single day.
  68. 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 Laid Over
  69. 58 Alderman Meeks announced that North Main Market Co., located in the former Village Green building, would hold its first Open House on June 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She stated the event would provide an opportunity for food truck operators, caterers, private chefs, and others interested in the food service industry to meet the team and participate in a question-and-answer session.
  70. IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  71. F. Alderman Prunty spoke about the Police Memorial Service and emphasized the importance of continuing to honor the families and the loved ones they have lost.
  72. A. Planning and Development Committee
  73. G. Alderman Salgado announced that an Informational Feedback Session regarding the Two-Way Conversion of 6th and 9th Street was scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.at the VFW Club on 7th Street. He encouraged residents in the area to attend the meeting and provide their feedback.
  74. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  75. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 56:59
  76. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City-Wide Street Repairs Group No. 4 - 2026 (Concrete) (Bid No. 426-PW-037) to Stenstrom Excavation, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $2,492,072.02. The contract duration is through October 2, 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00574 Adopted Pass
  77. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Jamestown Ditch Drainage Improvements (Bid No. 426-PW-039) to N-Trak Group, of Loves Park, Illinois in the amount of $123,414.52. The contract duration is through November 28, 2026. The funding source is the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) General Fund. 26-00575 Adopted Pass
  78. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Demolition Group 33 (Bid No. 1125-CD-129) to Northern Illinois Service, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $30,858.00. The properties included are 1814 Kishwaukee Street (PIN: 11-35-251-015) and 1822 Reed Avenue (PIN: 15-01-178-023). The contract duration is through completion of the demolition project. The funding source is the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Grant. 26-00576 Adopted Pass
  79. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Bituminous Patching Rebid - 2026 (Bid No. 426-W-038) to DPI Construction, of Pecatonica, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $734,340.50 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with three (3) possible annual extensions. The funding source is the Water Operating Budget. 26-00577 Adopted Pass
  80. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Third Party Administration of FMLA Leave Management (RFP No. 725-HR-093) to Sedgewick Claims Management Services, of Memphis, Tennessee in the amount/rate of $3.39 per employee per month, for a total annual estimated administrative amount of $44,015.00. The contract duration is three (3) years with two (2) possible annual extensions. The funding source is the Human Resources Operating Budget. 26-00578 Adopted Pass
  81. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Rockford Complete Streets Revitalization Project (Construction Engineering) to H.R. Green, Inc., of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $1,761,096.00. The contract duration is from September 2026 to December 2028. The funding sources are Motor Fuel Tax Funds, State Funds, and Federal Funds (Build Grant). 26-00573 Adopted Pass
  82. 7. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Police Communication Radios and Accessories to Motorola, of Schaumberg, Illinois in the amount of $169,464.24. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Police Capital Budget. 26-00579 Adopted Pass
  83. 8. Committee recommends approval of a resolution authorizing the Central Services Manager to execute a contract for Natural Gas Supply. 26-00580 Adopted Pass
  84. X. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  85. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 59:49
  86. 1. An ordinance approving the transfer of surplus property located at 1338 Derby Lane and 4750 Pepper Drive to the Northern Illinois Land Bank for future residential development. 26-00581 Adopted Pass
  87. 2. An ordinance approving the Development Agreement with Hillwood (Industrial VI Enterprises, LLC) for the construction of Spec Industrial Building and public improvement in conjunction with Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) site readiness grant. 26-00582 Adopted Pass
  88. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 61:16
  89. 1. 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 Held out
  90. 2. An ordinance approving a Variation to decrease the minimum side yard setback for a covered entrance from six (6) feet to one (1) foot in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 3207 North Main Street (Jill Bosselman for DJK Haynes, LLC/Applicant). (APPROVAL REQUIRES 10 VOTES) 26-00556 Adopted Pass
  91. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 62:44
  92. 1. An ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) of the City of Rockford, Winnebago and Ogle Counties, Illinois, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $103,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of constructing a municipally-owned municipal convention hall, together with all necessary adjuncts thereto, including but not limited to a hotel. 26-00583 Adopted Pass
  93. 2. An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Rockford and the Board of Education of the Rockford Public Schools, District No. 205 (RPS 205) for Summerdale Early Childhood Center services for the 2026-2027 school year. The agreement is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The funding source is Head Start Grant Funds. 26-00584 Adopted Pass
  94. 3. An ordinance approving the Lease Agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois for office space located at 917 South Main Street to support the operations of the Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC) Community Conveners initiative in the not-to-exceed amount of $6,600.00. The contract duration is from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. The funding source is the Illinois Department of Human Services Community Convener Grant Award. 26-00585 Adopted Pass
  95. 4. An ordinance approving the release of Liens in the total amount of $35,635.15 incurred when the properties were owned by the Winnebago County Trustee for properties located at 205 N. Hinkley Avenue (PIN: 11-22-129-016), 709 Lee Street (PIN: 11-22-229-008), 2143 South 4th Street (PIN: 11-35-401-016), 517 Island Avenue (PIN: 11-27-451-030), and 5XX Foster Avenue (PIN: 11-21-404-013). 26-00586 Adopted Pass
  96. 5. An ordinance approving an Agreement between the City of Rockford and Chicago Central & Pacific Railroad (CCPR) for 6th Street and 9th Street Two-Way Conversion Preliminary Engineering services in the amount of $25,000.00. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00587 Adopted Pass
  97. XI. ADJOURNMENT ▶ jump to 65:15
  98. 85 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.
  99. 98 Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Granath. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Hoffman and Bonne were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.