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City Council

April 6, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 99 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 5:34 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call ▶ jump to 5:34
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal ▶ jump to 5:57
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Ann Rundall of Bahai Center of Rockford and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on January 20, 2026.
  9. 2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on February 2, 2026.
  10. 7 Alderman Meeks arrived at 5:41 p.m. and Alderman Durkee arrived at 5:46 p.m.
  11. 3. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on February 17, 2026.
  12. II. PROCLAMATIONS ▶ jump to 6:54
  13. 1. Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation for Zion Lutheran Church and Mark Charles Civil Rights Conference 2026. 26-00349
  14. 10 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on January 20, 2026 seconded by Alderman Granath. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann, Wilkins and Meeks were absent).
  15. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  16. A. Planning and Development Committee
  17. 12 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on February 2, 2026 seconded by Alderman Torina. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann, Wilkins and Meeks were absent).
  18. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 9:47
  19. 1. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding Plat No. 7 of Walmart Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00333 Read into the Record ▶ jump to 9:59
  20. 14 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on February 17, 2026 seconded by Alderman Granath. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann, Wilkins and Meeks were absent).
  21. 2. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: Rockford City Market, Pride Alley Party, South Main Mercado, Ironman Rockford 70.3, Vet’s Rock the Block and National Night Out. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00342 Read into the Record ▶ jump to 10:10
  22. 3. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer, regarding an amendment to the City of Rockford Code of Ordinances for Chapter 26-16. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00347 Read into the Record ▶ jump to 10:41
  23. 4. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on April 8, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on April 13, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00348 Read into the Record ▶ jump to 10:43
  24. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  25. 1. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Township. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00334 Read into the Record ▶ jump to 11:04
  26. 2. Memorandum from Charlotte Hoss, City Attorney, regarding lien waiver requests from the Winnebago County Trustee for 3617 Preston Street and 2916 Custer Avenue. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00350 Read into the Record ▶ jump to 11:16
  27. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS ▶ jump to 11:27
  28. 1. Steven McMaster expressed concerns about frequent violations of the City Council Rules and offered to volunteer his time cleaning up trash in the community if the Aldermen would update the City Council Rules. ▶ jump to 11:50
  29. 2. Julie Smith voiced her concerns regarding the negative implications data centers have on communities, the water pollution and other environmental impacts. ▶ jump to 15:19
  30. 3. Christopher Bayer spoke in opposition to the proposed data center and urged the city to hold multiple public hearings to better engage residents and give citizens an opportunity to voice their concerns. ▶ jump to 18:09
  31. 4. Denzil Wynter spoke about his recent police ride-along experience and expressed his appreciation to Chief Carla Redd for providing him with that opportunity. He shared the experience gave him a greater understanding of what officers face each day and the extent of assistance they provide to the community. He commended Chief Redd for doing an incredible job leading the Police Department. ▶ jump to 20:22
  32. 5. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and encouraged residents to stay strong and persevere through challenging life circumstances. ▶ jump to 23:41
  33. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  34. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 26:30
  35. 1. Committee recommends approval of the 2040 Future Land Use Map. 26-00318 Approved as Amended Pass ▶ jump to 26:43
  36. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Funding Agreement with Phantom Regiment, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation located at 5608 International Drive in the not to exceed amount of $100,000.00 over two years ($60,000.00 in 2026 and $40,000.00 in 2027). The funding source is Casino Foundation funds. 26-00251 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 26:51
  37. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 39:42
  38. 1. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission’s approval to establish a No Parking restriction from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on the north side of Graham Street from 70 feet east of South Main Street to 160 feet east of South Main Street. 26-00314 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 39:46
  39. 2. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission’s approval to establish a Commercial Loading Zone restriction on the south side of Graham Street from South Main Street to 70 feet east of South Main Street. 26-00315 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 40:04
  40. 3. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission’s approval to establish an Official Car Parking Only Restriction on the west side of 1st Street from 145 feet south of Walnut Street to 195 feet south of Walnut Street. 26-00316 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 40:16
  41. 4. Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission recommendation that No Action be taken on the request to establish all-way stop control at the intersection of Calvin Park Boulevard and Greenwood Avenue, thus repealing the existing traffic control of Greenwood Avenue stopping for Calvin Park Boulevard. 26-00317 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 40:34
  42. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 41:24
  43. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $10,995,740.64 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on March 23, 2026. 26-00330 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 41:25
  44. 2. Committee recommends approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for 11th Street Improvements in the amount of $169,807.00 which will be reimbursed to the city at 100%. 26-00320 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 41:41
  45. VI. OFFICERS REPORTS ▶ jump to 42:25
  46. VII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  47. A. Planning and Development Committee
  48. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  49. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 67:45
  50. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: 11th Street Corridor Improvements (Phase 2) (Bid No. 226-PW-028) to Fischer Excavating Services, of Freeport, Illinois in the amount of $9,698,143.27. The contract duration is through October 31, 2026. The funding sources are the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax and Water Replacement and Improvement Account. 26-00321 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 67:46
  51. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Gray Iron Sewer Castings (Bid No. 126-PW-017) to Zimmer & Francescon, of Moline, Illinois in an estimated annual amount of $75,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through December 31, 2026 with four (4) optional one-year extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is the Street and Water Division Operating Budgets. 26-00331 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 68:10
  52. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 1 - 2026 (Downtown) (Bid No. 226-PW-026) to Rock Road Companies, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $387,373.00. The contract duration is through June 26, 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00325 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 68:28
  53. A. Alderman Granath expressed her appreciation to Community and Economic Development Director Sarah Leys, Officer Burke and Rob Wilhelmi for their participation in the recent Ninth Ward meeting.
  54. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Rockford Family Peace Center (FPC) Roof Replacement (Bid No. 226-PW-024) to Miller Engineering Co., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $1,038,000.00. The funding sources are the Winnebago County Mental Health Tax Grant, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO Grant) Funds, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) FPC Funds. 26-00326 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 69:28
  55. 47 Alderman Granath mentioned a meeting was scheduled with the Rockford Park District on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Third Presbyterian Church to discuss possible renovations to Brown Park. She encouraged residents that live in the area to attend the meeting and provide ideas for the park.
  56. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Infrastructure VoIP Phone System to Ring Central, of Belmont, California in an estimated annual amount of $211,000.00 (based on unit pricing), for a total contract amount of $938,864.52, which includes a $95,865.00 first-year consulting and implementation fee. The contract duration is one (1) year with three (3) possible one-year extension options. The funding source is the Information Technology and Integration Operating Budget. 26-00329 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 69:29
  57. B. Alderman Beach recognized Screw City Jeeps for its incredible Easter Egg Hunt event. He reported that approximately 2,000 people attended and that more than 250,000 eggs were provided for the children. Alderman Beach also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Screw City Jeeps for creating a special area that allowed children with disabilities to participate in the event.
  58. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement (Construction Engineering): 11th Street Corridor Improvements (Phase 2) to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $593,000.00. The contract duration is through December 31, 2027. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00322 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 69:31
  59. 49 Alderman Beach explained the purpose and intent behind the current City Council schedule and noted that the changes were implemented to help the council operate more efficiently while also providing greater transparency for the public.
  60. 7. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement (Land Acquisition): Highcrest Multi-Use Path to Hanson Professional Services, Inc., of Peoria, Illinois in the amount of $120,000.00. The contract duration is through 2026. The funding sources are the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax, Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds, and Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant Funds. 26-00323 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 69:43
  61. C. Alderman Meeks commended the Edgewater Neighborhood Association on its Annual Easter Egg Hunt. She shared it was a great event and she thanked Mayor McNamara for attending.
  62. 8. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Professional Services Contract: 2026 Brownfields Assessment Assistance to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $125,000.00. The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the Community & Economic Development Operating Budget. 26-00327 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 70:01
  63. 51 Alderman Meeks recognized her father, Tommy Meeks, for his efforts commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday by focusing on his last speech and where we go from this point.
  64. 9. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of a Case for Community Investment (Built for Zero) - Intervention for Unsheltered Homeless Grant Award from Community Solutions in the amount of $132,000.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to hold payments for landlords, shallow subsidy, back pay for rents, and other flex funding options. 26-00328 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 70:17
  65. 52 Alderman Meeks mentioned the passing of Bella Nichols, an incredible 13-year-old girl who was disabled but did not let her disabilities stop her from living life to the fullest. She shared that Bella set a beautiful example for others and she requested a Moment of Silence in her honor.
  66. 10. Resolution to participate in Opioid Litigation Settlements with Six (6) Regional Distributor/Dispenser Defendants and authorize execution of the Participation Form. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-00289 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 70:43
  67. 53 Mayor McNamara then conducted a Moment of Silence. He stated Bella was beautiful, smart, kind, funny, and she showed everyone how to live life.
  68. VIII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  69. D. Alderman Bell reported he would be submitting a memorandum for consideration of a resolution requesting that the Community Relations Commission review any possible data center developments. He stated he wanted the community to have an opportunity to express their feelings and let their voices be heard.
  70. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 75:10
  71. 55 Alderman Bell shared he would like to engage in discussions about potentially changing the current council meeting schedule and how the aldermen are assigned to committees. He mentioned he was open to one on one conversations with the aldermen.
  72. 1. An ordinance approving the 2040 Future Land Use Map. 26-00335 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 75:11
  73. 56 Alderman Bell thanked the Community Action Agency and city staff for their assistance with getting the residents of Windsor Apartments adequate shelter. He asked if city staff could provide a status update on the Windsor Apartments.
  74. 2. An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement with Phantom Regiment, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation located at 5608 International Drive in the not to exceed amount of $100,000.00 over two years ($60,000.00 in 2026 and $40,000.00 in 2027). The funding source is Casino Foundation funds. 26-00336 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 75:16
  75. 57 Community and Development Director Sarah Leys reported that progress is being made at the Windsor Apartments, however, the work is not yet complete. She indicated that city staff are aware of several fire code violations and they are continuing to monitor those issues. Director Leys shared the owner of the Windsor Apartments has two additional properties in Rockford that also have code violations. She stated the Legal Department has been in regular communications with the owner's attorney regarding the violations at all three properties.
  76. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 76:26
  77. E. Alderman Tuneberg voiced his frustrations regarding issues involving an out-of-town landlord with a property in the Third Ward.
  78. 1. An ordinance establishing a No Parking restriction from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on the north side of Graham Street from 70 feet east of South Main Street to 160 feet east of South Main Street. 26-00337 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 76:32
  79. 59 Alderman Tuneberg announced the YMCA Retired Men's Club Pancake Breakfast was scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. He invited his constituents to attend and offered to pay for their breakfast.
  80. 2. An ordinance establishing a Commercial Loading Zone restriction on the south side of Graham Street from South Main Street to 70 feet east of South Main Street. 26-00338 Adopted Pass
  81. F. Alderman Bonne mentioned the Code and Regulations Committee approves a City Council schedule each year that clearly states the meeting times start at 5:30 p.m.
  82. 3. An ordinance establishing an Official Car Parking Only Restriction on the west side of 1st Street from 145 feet south of Walnut Street to 195 feet south of Walnut Street. 26-00339 Adopted Pass
  83. 61 Alderman Bonne provided an update on the progress of the renovations at the Versailles Apartment complex. He thanked the Legal Department, Fire Department, and Building Department for their collaborative efforts to address the issues at the complex. He stated several issues have been resolved but he mentioned there are still inoperable elevators and a few remaining items that need to be addressed.
  84. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 77:47
  85. G. Alderman Salgado expressed his gratitude to Mayor McNamara for participating in the recent Eleventh Ward meeting and answering questions from the residents.
  86. 1. An ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for 11th Street Improvements in the amount of $169,807.00 which will be reimbursed to the city at 100%. 26-00340 Adopted Pass
  87. 63 Alderman Salgado announced the next Livable Communities Initiative meeting would take place on May 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Patriots Gateway Community Center.
  88. IX. CLOSED SESSION ▶ jump to 78:27
  89. 64 Alderman Salgado reported the Public Works staff was working to schedule Public Feedback Sessions regarding the 6th Street and 9th Street Two-Way Conversion project. He stated additional information would be provided once the details had been finalized.
  90. A. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Pending Litigation matters.
  91. H. Alderman Durkee mentioned the SiFi trenching had resumed in the First Ward and he voiced his concerns regarding properties that had not yet been restored.
  92. XI. ADJOURNMENT
  93. 66 Mayor McNamara shared he would be sending an email to the council members providing an update on the status of the SiFi progress. He asked Public Works Director Scott Sanders to provide a brief summary of the progress taking place.
  94. 67 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.
  95. 67 Director Sanders indicated I3 was currently working to restore properties and they have received good feedback regarding their progress.
  96. 93 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 and Wilkins were absent). The meeting convened into Closed Session at 6:49 p.m. Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 6:57 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Durkee, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell and Bonne (Aldermen Logemann, Wilkins and Hoffman were absent).
  97. X. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS - CONTINUED
  98. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  99. 98 Alderman Torina moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Beach. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Logemann, Wilkins and Hoffman were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.