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City Council

May 4, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 143 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 ▶ jump to 18:37
  3. A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  4. 3 Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal ▶ jump to 20:54
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Pastor Sonji Collins of House of God Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on March 2, 2026.
  9. II. PROCLAMATIONS ▶ jump to 21:10
  10. 7 Alderman Durkee arrived at 5:44 p.m. and Alderman Logemann arrived at 5:52 p.m.
  11. 1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring May 5, 2026 to be “CINCO DE MAYO” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00531 ▶ jump to 21:24
  12. 2. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring May 11 - 17, 2026 to be “NATIONAL SALVATION ARMY WEEK” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00532 ▶ jump to 25:23
  13. 3. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring the month of May 2026 to be “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00537 ▶ jump to 28:04
  14. 10 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on March 2, 2026, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann and Bonne were absent).
  15. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  16. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 32:14
  17. 1. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding the transfer of surplus property located at 1338 Derby Lane and 4750 Pepper Drive to the Northern Illinois Land Bank for future residential development. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00540 Read into the Record
  18. 2. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed 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. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00541 Read into the Record
  19. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 33:15
  20. 1. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the Tentative and Final Plat of Rockford Logistics Park 20 Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00530 Read into the Record
  21. 2. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding the Final Plat of Adrian Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00536 Read into the Record
  22. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 33:40
  23. 1. Memorandum from Charlotte Hoss, City Attorney, regarding a request for lien waivers for properties formerly owned by Winnebago County Trustee. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00450 Read into the Record
  24. 2. Memorandum from Faniqua Hughes, Head Start Director, regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Board of Education, Rockford Public School Dist. 205 regarding services provided at Summerdale Early Childhood Center. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00451 Read into the Record
  25. 3. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer, regarding an agreement between the City of Rockford and CNRR for the 6th and 9th Street Two-Way Conversion. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00534 Read into the Record
  26. 4. Memorandum from Tretara Flowers, Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, regarding the approval of a Lease Agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00535 Read into the Record
  27. 5. Memorandum from Anne Wilkerson, Central Services Manager, regarding the approval of the 2025 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (SAO). Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00538 Read into the Record
  28. 6. Memorandum from Anne Wilkerson, Central Services Manager, regarding the approval of a resolution authorizing the Central Services Manager to execute a contract for Natural Gas Supply. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00539 Read into the Record
  29. 7. Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, regarding the sale of bonds to fund construction of a convention center and hotel. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00542 Read into the Record
  30. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS ▶ jump to 34:53
  31. 1. Steven McMaster expressed his concerns regarding compliance with the City Council Rules and urged the council members to amend the rules to reflect the current procedures. ▶ jump to 35:33
  32. 2. Rena Folowell spoke in opposition to a potential data center. She encouraged the council members to choose people over profit and demonstrate that community health, environmental integrity and long-term well-being are not for sale. ▶ jump to 38:36
  33. 3. John Tac Brantley expressed his appreciation to the individuals and organizations whose sponsorship was making it possible for him to take a group of children to the pyramids in southern Illinois. ▶ jump to 41:06
  34. 4. Mark McGowan stated that he resides on Larson Avenue and expressed concerns about the existing traffic conditions in that area. He indicated that approval of the proposed townhomes and apartments at 515 South Alpine Road would increase traffic and further complicate the traffic flow on Larson Avenue. He urged the City Council to vote against the proposed housing development. ▶ jump to 44:46
  35. 5. Dave White shared his concerns regarding the proposed housing development at 515 South Alpine Road and he encouraged the aldermen to vote against the development. ▶ jump to 47:57
  36. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS ▶ jump to 51:30
  37. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 51:31
  38. 1. Committee recommends approval of the amendment to the AP-90 Program Specific Requirements/all current and prior year Annual Action Plans. 26-00466 Adopted Pass
  39. 2. Committee recommends approval of the amendments to the FY 2025 - Addition of Projects and Budget Amendments. 26-00470 Adopted Pass
  40. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 52:27
  41. 1. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission’s approval to establish a “No Parking Any Time Except Paratransit” restriction on the west side of North Court Street from 318 feet north of Whitman Street to 348 feet north of Whitman Street. 26-00478 Adopted Pass
  42. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat of Bell School Crossings Subdivision located at 73xx East Riverside Boulevard. 26-00452 Adopted Pass
  43. 3. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation of denial for 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). 26-00456 Adopted as amended Pass
  44. 4. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from C-3, General Commercial Zoning District and I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District to I-3, Airport Industrial Zoning District at 3321 Integrity Drive (Industrial VI Enterprises, LLC c/o Hillwood/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00457 Adopted Pass
  45. 5. 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
  46. 6. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Variation to reduce the rear yard setback from 30 feet to nine (9) feet in an R-2, Two-Family Residential Zoning District at 1320 21st Avenue (Manuel R. Pedroza/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00459 Adopted Pass
  47. 7. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of a working farm and education center with pole barns for a community meeting place and equipment storage, two (2) 30’x 90’ passive solar greenhouses, a storage shed, a gazebo and a gravel parking area and gravel driveway in a R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 730 and 7xx Lincoln Park Boulevard (Kathryn Whitacre of Nettle Curbside Compost, LLC/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00460 Adopted Pass
  48. 8. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District to C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 215, 325, and 423 South Madison Street (City of Rockford/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00461 Adopted Pass
  49. 9. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board of Appeals' approval for: a. The Sale of Tobacco Products; and b. The Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 818 6th Street (Aland S. Augustin/Mamas Food & Fuel/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00462 Adopted Pass
  50. 10. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board of Appeals’ approval for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2975 North Perryville Road (Abdulhakim Saleh Alawi/H & Mart, LLC dba H & Mart/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00463 Adopted Pass
  51. 11. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board of Appeals' approval for: a. The Sale of Tobacco Products; b. The Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG); and c. The Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a liquor store, tavern and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3523 Auburn Street (Bhupinder Singh/Sean Chinna/Central Park Tap, Inc. dba Central Park Tap/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00465 Adopted Pass
  52. 12. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for the Sale of Beer and Wine by the Drink (Class WB50) in conjunction with a restaurant and video gaming terminals in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 4225 Charles Street (Francisco Rivera Luna/Monica Jaramillo-Porras/La Esquinita de Oro, LLC dba La Esquinita de Oro/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00471 Adopted Pass
  53. 13. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for a Modification of an Existing Liquor License for a 100% stock purchase in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District and R-1, Single-Family Zoning District at 2842 and 28xx 11th Street and 2845 Kinsey Street (Shantilal Patel/Ajay Modi/BJ’s Place, Ltd. dba BJ’s Place/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00472 Adopted Pass
  54. 14. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L) in conjunction with a restaurant in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 6565 Lexus Drive (Made Gede Sansu/Ariet Lazuardy/Lisa Prasetya/Yugen, LLC dba Yugen Authentic Japanese Restaurant/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00473 Adopted Pass
  55. 15. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a convenience store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2645 20th Street (Muhammad Sagheer Ahmad/Smokes N More, LLC dba Smokes N More/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00474 Adopted Pass
  56. 16. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a tavern and restaurant and video gaming terminals in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 908 West Riverside Boulevard (Harwinder Kaur/AB 2 Enterprises, Inc. dba On The Rocks/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00476 Adopted Pass
  57. 17. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a restaurant and outdoor seating area in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 6275 East State Street (Steven R. Grube/Rockford Wing Company, LLC dba Buffalo Wild Wings/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00477 Adopted Pass
  58. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 74:59
  59. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $9,022,558.28 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on April 27, 2026. 26-00497 Adopted Pass
  60. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER ▶ jump to 75:48
  61. A. Planning and Development Committee
  62. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 75:50
  63. 1. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ denial for a: a. Special Use Permit for a Planned Use Development consisting of a ground mount solar array within the existing parking lot; and b. Variation to increase the white vinyl fencing height from four (4) feet to six (6) feet within the front yard along Acorn Street in an R-2, Two-Family Residential Zoning District at 609 Kilburn Avenue (Greenlink Solar Solutions for the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford/Applicants). (LAID OVER APRIL 20, 2026) 26-00313 Adopted Pass
  64. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  65. VII. OFFICERS REPORTS ▶ jump to 78:05
  66. VIII. APPOINTMENTS ▶ jump to 99:50
  67. 1. Reappointment of the following individuals as Directors of their Municipal Department in the City of Rockford: 26-00521 Approved Pass
  68. 2. 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
  69. 3. 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
  70. 4. 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
  71. A. Alderman Torina announced a Fifth Ward meeting would be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockford Park District Headquarters located at 401 South Main Street.
  72. 5. 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
  73. 67 Alderman Torina announced the launch of the "5th Ward Walkers," a walking group organized in partnership with the Rockford Park District. She shared that the group would meet on Thursdays in May from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex. Alderman Torina mentioned each week would feature a different theme and giveaways. She stated the walking group would provide an opportunity for residents to build community while promoting physical activity and she encouraged anyone interested to participate.
  74. 6. 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
  75. B. Alderman Prunty congratulated St. Luke's Missionary Baptist Church on the dedication of its Youth Center. She also recognized Reverend Louis and Mrs. Malone for their 45 years of service to this community and mentioned they would be retiring in October.
  76. 7. 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
  77. 69 Alderman Prunty congratulated the Rockford Promise graduates and scholarship recipients. She thanked the Rockford Promise staff, board members and volunteers for their hard work and dedication over the last 20 years.
  78. 8. 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
  79. 70 Alderman Prunty, in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, expressed her gratitude to her fellow educators and coworkers for the important role they play in helping students succeed and further their education.
  80. 9. 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
  81. C. Alderman Granath thanked Officer Best and Sergeant Fleming for leading the 10-week Rockford Police Citizens Academy. She encouraged residents who are interested in learning more about the challenges police officers face and their procedures to attend the program. Alderman Granath shared that participants learned about many aspects of police operations and stated it was an eye-opening experience.
  82. 10. 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
  83. 72 Alderman Granath announced Spruce-Up Day in the Ninth Ward was scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. She shared that volunteers would be planting flowers at Veterans Memorial Circle and encouraged residents to participate in the community clean-up efforts.
  84. 11. 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
  85. D. Alderman Meeks announced that she has partnered with Aldermen Tuneberg, Granath, and Neal, along with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, to host a Spring Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026. She stated volunteers would be cleaning the area surrounding the North End City Market and planting flowers at Veterans Memorial Circle. She encouraged residents planning to participate in the Clean-Up Day to register at www.KNIB.org to help ensure an adequate supply of tools and materials were available for volunteers. Alderman Meeks expressed her appreciation to the many sponsors for their generous contributions for Spring Clean-Up Day and for providing materials and lunch for the volunteers.
  86. IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  87. E. Alderman Wilkins recognized and thanked Barbers United for hosting an event at the Northwest Community Center and for providing free haircuts to youth in the community.
  88. A. Planning and Development Committee
  89. 75 Alderman Wilkins shared several community clean-up events were taking place this weekend and she encouraged residents to get involved and help beautify our community. Alderman Wilkins announced the Rockford Park District would be hosting a Pop-Up Football Camp at Andrews Park.
  90. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 101:54
  91. 76 Alderman Wilkins expressed her gratitude to Signal Hill President Jeanne Westholder for leading the clean-up efforts that took place this past weekend. Alderman Wilkins announced a Signal Hill meeting would be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Cathedral.
  92. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 101:55
  93. F. Alderman Tuneberg expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers that helped make the annual Churchill's Grove Garage Sales a successful event.
  94. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Demolition Group 36 (Bid No. 326-CD-032) to Northern Illinois Service, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $39,700.00. The properties included are 1151 North Main Street (PIN: 11-14-457-046) and 2818 Horton Street (PIN: 15-01-254-028). The contract duration is through completion of the demolition project. The funding sources are the Community Development General Fund and Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Grant. 26-00479 Adopted Pass
  95. 78 Alderman Tuneberg thanked Alderman Meeks for organizing the Clean-Up Day event on the northwest side of the city and for bringing together the Third, Seventh, Ninth, and Twelfth Wards in support of the community clean-up effort. He also thanked the Mr. and Mrs. Redfern for their diligent efforts and dedication to make the Veterans Memorial Circle so beautiful.
  96. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 3 - 2026 (Residential) (Bid No. 326-PW-035) to Rock Road Companies, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $3,494,396.19. The contract duration is through August 28, 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00480 Adopted Pass
  97. G. Alderman Salgado announced Spider on Quinta was having its Grand Opening tomorrow. He shared the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony would begin at 10:30 a.m. and there were festivities planned throughout the day. He encouraged residents to attend the event and celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
  98. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Madison Street Corridor Improvements (Phase 2) (Bid No. 326-PW-034) to N-Trak Group, of Loves Park, Illinois in the amount of $9,750,755.36. The contract duration is June 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027. The funding sources are the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax, Water Replacement & Improvement Account (WRIA), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Funds, and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) Funds. 26-00481 Adopted Pass
  99. 80 Alderman Salgado announced tomorrow the Mid-Town District would be hosting a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser at CherryVale Mall from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. He encouraged residents to attend and support the fundraiser.
  100. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Coronado Decorative Plaster Repairs (Bid No. 326-PW-036) to Evergreen Architectural Arts Inc., of Oak Park, Illinois in the amount of $596,048.00. The contract duration is through December 31, 2027. The funding source is the Redevelopment Fund. 26-00495 Adopted Pass
  101. 81 Alderman Salgado announced the next Livable Community Initiative meeting would be held on May 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Patriots Gateway. He stated that Region 1 Planning Council would present the proposed ideas for the area and would provide the residents an opportunity to offer feedback.
  102. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Professional Services Agreement: Architectural Design of Fire Stations 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10; Fire Department Headquarters and the Fire Academy to Larson & Darby, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $192,950.00. The contract duration is two (2) years. The funding source is Fire Station 10 Reallocation Funds (2022 Budget Surplus Funds). 26-00494 Adopted Pass
  103. 82 Alderman Salgado reported he was in the process of scheduling a meeting for Tim Hinkens to provide an update on Phase Two of the 11th Street project, which focuses on the section from Broadway to Charles Street. He stated that once the meeting was finalized, he would share more details.
  104. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Madison Street Improvements (Phase 2) to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $719,000.00. The contract duration is June 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027. The funding sources are the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax and Water Replacement & Improvement Account (WRIA). 26-00482 Adopted Pass
  105. 83 Alderman Salgado reported that city staff was organizing a public informational feedback session regarding the 6th and 9th Street Two-Way Conversion project. He indicated that additional information would be provided as soon as it became available.
  106. 7. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: Winnebago Street over Kent Creek and Railroads Bridge Rehabilitation (Phase 2 Engineering) to H.R. Green, Inc., of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $333,693.00. The contract duration is April 2026 through June 2027. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds. 26-00483 Adopted Pass
  107. H. Alderman Bell reported that he had the opportunity to attend Illinois Lobby Day in Springfield, Illinois. He expressed his appreciation to Mayor McNamara for his advocacy on behalf of the community and for his continued efforts to represent the city's interests at the state level.
  108. 8. Committee recommends approval of the Resolution for appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code - Winnebago Street over Kent Creek and Railroads Bridge Rehabilitation (24-00669-00-BR) in the amount of $500,000.00. 26-00484 Adopted Pass
  109. 85 Alderman Bell reported that he attended the 2026 Illinois Fire Explorer Cadet Training held at Fire Station No. 6 on Saturday morning. He explained that the training was designed for high school students from throughout the region who are interested in pursuing careers as firefighters. Alderman Bell stated that it was a great experience and expressed his enthusiasm for the program and for the five young candidates who were from Rockford.
  110. 9. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Award in the amount of $25,000.00. The grant does require a 100% cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to pay for street outreach, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data entry, and administration costs. 26-00485 Adopted Pass
  111. I. Mayor McNamara expressed his appreciation to Aldermen Prunty, Granath and Logemann for the work they do as educators.
  112. 10. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Rapid Rehousing (RRH) Grant Award in the amount of $374,169.00. 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 pay for approved clients’ landlord, housing and stabilization services, payroll, and administration costs. 26-00486 Adopted Pass
  113. 87 Mayor McNamara encouraged residents to participate in the annual Spruce-Up Day scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. and the combined wards Spring Clean-Up Day event at the North End City Market. He expressed his appreciation to the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Circle and the Redfern family for their continued dedication, stewardship and volunteerism.
  114. 11. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Shelter Diversion Grant Award in the amount of $113,534.00. 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 pay for approved clients’ landlord, housing and stabilization services, payroll, and administration costs. 26-00487 Adopted Pass
  115. 88 Mayor McNamara reported that Rockford Promise celebrated 97 graduates this year and welcomed 192 new scholars into the program. He expressed his enthusiasm for the program and the continued success of the students. Mayor McNamara encouraged the council members to help raise awareness of the Rockford Promise program by sharing information with their constituents at ward meetings. He also encouraged the aldermen to consider serving as mentors to participating students.
  116. 12. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Homeless Prevention Grant Award in the amount of $1,110,414.00. 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 pay for approved clients’ rent, electric and/or heating bills, budget education, staff training, payroll, and administration costs. 26-00488 Adopted Pass
  117. 13. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Department of Human Services Community Convener Grant Award in the amount of $188,000.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The award will be issued in two separate agreements covering a 12-month period. Program Year 1 - Part A provides $47,000.00 for the period from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026, and Program Year 1 - Part B provides $141,000.00 for the period from July 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used for the purpose of continuing to convene a group of community members and (Reimagine Public Safety Act) RPSA grant recipients to facilitate community-based violence prevention strategies, outreach, and service delivery costs. 26-00489 Adopted Pass
  118. X. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  119. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 111:10
  120. 1. An ordinance approving the amendment to the AP-90 Program Specific Requirements/all current and prior year Annual Action Plans. 26-00501 Adopted Pass
  121. 2. An ordinance approving the amendments to the FY 2025 - Addition of Projects and Budget Amendments. 26-00502 Adopted Pass
  122. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 111:58
  123. 1. An ordinance establishing a “No Parking Any Time Except Paratransit” restriction on the west side of North Court Street from 318 feet north of Whitman Street to 348 feet north of Whitman Street. 26-00503 Adopted Pass
  124. 2. An ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from C-3, General Commercial Zoning District and I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District to I-3, Airport Industrial Zoning District at 3321 Integrity Drive (Industrial VI Enterprises, LLC c/o Hillwood/Applicant). 26-00505 Adopted Pass
  125. 3. 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
  126. 4. An ordinance approving a Variation to reduce the rear yard setback from 30 feet to nine (9) feet in an R-2, Two-Family Residential Zoning District at 1320 21st Avenue (Manuel R. Pedroza/Applicant). 26-00507 Adopted Pass
  127. 5. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of a working farm and education center with pole barns for a community meeting place and equipment storage, two (2) 30’x 90’ passive solar greenhouses, a storage shed, a gazebo and a gravel parking area and gravel driveway in a R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District at 730 and 7xx Lincoln Park Boulevard (Kathyrn Whitacre of Nettle Curbside Compost, LLC/Applicant). 26-00508 Adopted Pass
  128. 6. An ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District to C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 215, 325, and 423 South Madison Street (City of Rockford/Applicant). 26-00509 Adopted Pass
  129. 7. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 818 6th Street (Aland S. Augustin/Mamas Food & Fuel/Applicant). 26-00510 Adopted Pass
  130. 8. An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Liquor in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 818 6th Street (Aland S. Augustin/Mamas Food & Fuel/Applicant). 26-00511 Adopted Pass
  131. 9. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a gas station and convenience store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2975 North Perryville Road (Abdulhakim Saleh Alawi/H & Mart, LLC dba H & Mart/Applicant). 26-00512 Adopted Pass
  132. 10. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a liquor store, tavern and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3523 Auburn Street (Bhupinder Singh/Sean Chinna/Central Park Tap, Inc. dba Central Park Tap/Applicants). 26-00513 Adopted Pass
  133. 11. An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG) and the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a liquor store, tavern and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 3523 Auburn Street (Bhupinder Singh/Sean Chinna/Central Park Tap, Inc. dba Central Park Tap/Applicants). 26-00514 Adopted Pass
  134. 12. An ordinance approving the Sale of Beer and Wine by the Drink (Class WB50) in conjunction with a restaurant and video gaming terminals in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 4225 Charles Street (Francisco Rivera Luna/Monica Jaramillo-Porras/La Esquinita de Oro, LLC dba La Esquinita de Oro/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00515 Adopted Pass
  135. 13. An ordinance approving a Modification of an Existing Liquor License for a 100% stock purchase in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District and R-1, Single-Family Zoning District at 2842 and 28xx 11th Street and 2845 Kinsey Street (Shantilal Patel/Ajay Modi/BJ’s Place, Ltd dba BJ’s Place/Applicants). 26-00516 Adopted Pass
  136. 14. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class NG-L) in conjunction with a restaurant in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 6565 Lexus Drive (Made Gede Sansu/Ariet Lazuardy/Lisa Prasetya/Yugen, LLC dba Yugen Authentic Japanese Restaurant/Applicants). 26-00517 Adopted Pass
  137. 15. An ordinance approving the Sale of Tobacco Products in conjunction with a convenience store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2645 20th Street (Muhammad Sagheer Ahmad/Smokes N More, LLC dba Smokes N More/Applicant). 26-00518 Adopted Pass
  138. 16. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a tavern and restaurant and video gaming terminals in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 908 West Riverside Boulevard (Harwinder Kaur/AB 2 Enterprises, Inc. dba On The Rocks/Applicants). 26-00519 Adopted Pass
  139. 17. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L50) in conjunction with a restaurant and outdoor seating area in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 6275 East State Street (Steven R. Grube/Rockford Wing Company, LLC dba Buffalo Wild Wings/Applicant). 26-00520 Adopted Pass
  140. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  141. XI. ADJOURNMENT
  142. 115 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.
  143. 142 Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Bonne was absent). The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.