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City Council

March 16, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 92 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 5:40 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Chaplain Roy Whitmore and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on December 15, 2025.
  9. 2. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on January 5, 2026.
  10. 7 PAGE BREAK
  11. 3. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on January 12, 2026.
  12. 4. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on February 9, 2026.
  13. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  14. 10 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on December 15, 2025, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty and Meeks were absent).
  15. 1. Proclamation declaring the month of March 2026 to be “Social Work Month” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00292
  16. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  17. 12 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on January 5, 2026, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty and Meeks were absent).
  18. A. Planning and Development Committee
  19. 1. Memorandum from Colin Belle, Comprehensive Planning and Design Coordinator, regarding the approval of the 2040 Future Land Use Map. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00301 Read into the Record
  20. 14 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on January 12, 2026, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty, and Meeks were absent).
  21. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  22. 1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on March 17, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on March 23, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00242 Read into the Record
  23. 16 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on February 9, 2026, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty, and Meeks).
  24. 2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on March 17, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on March 23, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00243 Read into the Record
  25. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  26. 1. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer, regarding an Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers Sanitation Authority for 11th Street improvements. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00282 Read into the Record
  27. 2. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding acceptance of the Case for Community Investment (Built for Zero) - Intervention for Unsheltered Homeless Grant Award from Community Solutions. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00291 Read into the Record
  28. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
  29. 1. Robert Pace expressed concerns that a proposed data center could lead to higher utility bills. He encouraged council members to thoroughly research data centers so they can make a well-informed decision before voting.
  30. 2. Violet Johnicker
  31. 2. Amy O’Reilly spoke in opposition to the proposed data center, citing concerns about increased utility costs, potential respiratory health issues, environmental damage, and high water usage associated with such facilities.
  32. 3. Denzil Wynter recognized and thanked the all-black female U.S. Army Unit 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion that served overseas during World War II. He mentioned that unit overcame racial and gender discrimination while being tasked with sorting millions of pieces of backlogged mail for the soldiers serving in Europe. He indicated in 2022 the unit was collectively awarded with a Congressional Gold Medal recognizing their contribution and resilience.
  33. 4. Celeste Rub shared negative impacts associated with data centers including noise pollution and increased utility costs. She also expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of AI on artists trying to making a living, as well as its potential for misuse in generating harmful content.
  34. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  35. A. Planning and Development Committee
  36. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  37. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  38. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $8,477,407.67 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee held on March 9, 2026. 26-00270 Adopted Pass
  39. 2. Committee recommends approval of an Eighth Amendment to the Agreement with Associated Bank to Extend the Line of Credit Term for an Additional Year. 26-00277 Adopted Pass
  40. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Lien Reduction Request for 2213 Wentworth Avenue, Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $7,933.40. 26-00253 Adopted Pass
  41. 5. John Tac Brantley shared he took a group of children and participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and he spoke about the history of the holiday.
  42. 4. Committee recommends approval of the hiring request from the Water Division for two (2) Project Managers and one (1) Water Utility Technician in the estimated annual amount of $394,100.00. The estimated total cost, including vehicles, is $513,100.00. The funding source is the Water Fund Operating Budget. 26-00254 Adopted Pass
  43. VI. OFFICERS REPORTS
  44. VII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  45. A. Planning and Development Committee
  46. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  47. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Memorial Day Parade 26-00246 Adopted Pass
  48. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Cars and Coffee 26-00247 Adopted Pass
  49. 3. Committee recommends approval of the No Kings 3.0 26-00248 Adopted Pass
  50. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Churchill Grove Garage Sale 26-00249 Adopted Pass
  51. 5. Resolution for settlement of claim for outstanding pension payments in the amount of $53,428.00. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-00300 Adopted Pass
  52. A. Alderman Granath announced a Ninth Ward meeting would be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church located on the corner of Rockton Avenue and Riverside.
  53. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  54. 44 Alderman Granath thanked Ben Dahlmeier for his assistance in addressing a malfunctioning flashing traffic signal. She reminded residents that if they see something, they should say something and notify the City of any issues of which they become aware.
  55. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Sidewalk and ADA Repairs Package #1 2026 (Bid No. 226-PW-025) to TCI Concrete, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $112,894.75. The contract duration is through May 15, 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00259 Adopted Pass
  56. B. Alderman Torina thanked Klehm Arboretum for their hospitality in providing a meeting space for a recent Fifth Ward meeting. She also expressed appreciation to Community Officer Branden Burke, Judge Erin Hannigan, and Joshua Jeffers for their participation and thanked Mayor McNamara and City staff for attending the meeting.
  57. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City-Wide Pavement Preservation - Microsurfacing 2026 (Bid No. 126-PW-019) to AC Pavement Striping Co., of Elgin, Illinois in the amount of $490,809.90. The contract duration is through October 2, 2026. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds. 26-00260 Adopted Pass
  58. 46 Alderman Torina announced the next Fifth Ward meeting would be held on Thursday, May 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockford Park District located at 401 South Main Street.
  59. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City-Wide Pavement Rejuvenation 2026 (Bid No. 126-PW-018) to Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC., of South Roxana, Illinois in the amount of $342,026.96. The contract duration is through July 31, 2026. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds. 26-00261 Adopted Pass
  60. 47 Alderman Torina shared that she recently attended a Rockford Promise event and was inspired by the graduates and students. She expressed appreciation to Rockford Promise Leadership for their efforts to support local students and encourage them to remain in the community after graduating.
  61. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City-Wide Bridge Preservation 2026 (Bid No. 126-PW-009) to M & M Concrete, of Stockton, Illinois in the amount of $59,940.85. The contract duration is through July 31, 2026. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds. 26-00262 Adopted Pass
  62. 48 Mayor McNamara mentioned Rockford Promise graduates complete an exit survey and he reported the most recent results showed that all but 4% of graduates indicated they see a future in Rockford.
  63. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Generator and Switchgear Services to Altorfer Cat, of Addison, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $100,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) annual extension options. The funding source is the Water Fund Operating Budget. 26-00255 Adopted Pass
  64. C. Alderman Salgado announced an Eleventh Ward Meeting and Art Auction would be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Harmony Banquets. He mentioned Mayor McNamara would be present and available to answer questions from residents.
  65. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Fire Apparatus and Ambulance Supplies to MacQueen Equipment, LLC., of Saint Paul, Minnesota in the estimated annual amount of $120,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through December 31, 2026 with four (4) annual extension options. The funding source is the Fire Department Operating Budget. 26-00267 Adopted Pass
  66. D. Alderman Bell expressed his appreciation to the Public Works Department for their efforts to remove the snow and clear the streets after the snow storm.
  67. 7. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Fire Apparatus Supplies and Service Repair to JX Truck Center, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $100,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through December 31, 2026 with four (4) annual extension options. The funding source is the Fire Department Operating Budget. 26-00268 Adopted Pass
  68. 51 Alderman Bell wished Alderman Granath a Happy Birthday.
  69. 8. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Water Main Capacity - Fire Hydrant Flow Testing and Assessment (RFP No. 126-W-005) to M.E. Simpson Co., Inc., of Valparaiso, Indiana in the estimated amount of $73,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through December 31, 2026 with four (4) annual extension options. The funding sources are the Fire and Water Department Operating Budgets. 26-00265 Adopted Pass
  70. E. Alderman Tuneberg reported receiving several calls regarding changes Four Rivers Sanitation Authority is making to its billing cycles. He encouraged residents to contact Four Rivers Sanitation Authority directly if they have any issues or questions regarding their statements.
  71. 9. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Professional Services: 2026 Water System Improvements (Design and Inspection Services) to Fehr Graham, of Rockford, Illinois for an estimated budget of $2,500,000.00 for 2026, $6,250,000.00 for 2027, and $6,250,000.00 for 2028 (based on hourly rates). The contract duration is through February 28, 2027 with two (2) possible one-year extension options upon mutual consent of the City and the Consultant. The funding sources are the Water Replacement Improvement Account (WRIA) and State Revolving Fund (SRF). 26-00256 Adopted Pass
  72. 53 Alderman Tuneberg thanked Larry Pierce and the Public Works crews that worked overnight to complete a project.
  73. 10. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: 2026 Light Duty City-Wide Vehicles to Enterprise Fleet Management Inc., of Saint Louis, Missouri in the amount of $117,729.00. The contract duration is 48 months for one (1) vehicle and 60 months for two (2) vehicles. The funding source is the Water Division Capital Lease Budget. 26-00257 Adopted Pass
  74. 54 Alderman Tuneberg said he recently visited the 205 DDS Dental Clinic located near Jefferson High School. He shared that the state-of-the-art clinic provides free, on-site services to help reduce school absences and improve access to care for qualifying students. He expressed his appreciation to Dr. Oates, Dr. Tuneberg, and all the dentists who generously volunteer their time at the clinic to support students' dental health.
  75. 11. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Design Engineering Agreement: Beverly Park Floodplain Reconnection to HR Green, Inc., of McHenry, Illinois in the not-to-exceed amount of $105,936.00. The contract duration is through July 2027. The funding source is the CIP General Fund. 26-00263 Adopted Pass
  76. 12. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non-Competitive Contract: Police Vehicles to Rock River Ford, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $1,582,589.00. This is a one-time purchase of thirty-seven (37) vehicles. The funding sources are Capital Lease Funds and Police Department Operating Budget. 26-00266 Adopted Pass
  77. 13. Committee recommends approval of a Resolution authorizing the Central Services Manager to execute an extension of the Electrical Municipal Aggregation Supply Contract. 26-00269 Adopted Pass
  78. 14. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Law Enforcement Standards Board (ILETSB) FY26 Camera Grant Award in the amount of $262,464.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to cover the FY26 costs related to licensing fees and device storage costs of the current Axon Body Worn Cameras. 26-00264 Adopted Pass
  79. VIII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  80. A. Planning and Development Committee
  81. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  82. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  83. 1. An ordinance approving an Eighth Amendment to the Agreement with Associated Bank to Extend the Line of Credit Term for an Additional Year. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-00286 Adopted Pass
  84. 63 PAGE BREAK
  85. 2. An ordinance approving the Lien Reduction Request for 2213 Wentworth Avenue, Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $7,933.40. 26-00287 Adopted Pass
  86. 3. An ordinance approving the hiring request from the Water Division for two (2) Project Managers and one (1) Water Utility Technician in the estimated annual amount of $394,100.00. The estimated total cost, including vehicles, is $513,100.00. The funding source is the Water Fund Operating Budget. 26-00288 Adopted Pass
  87. IX. CLOSED SESSION
  88. A. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Pending Litigation and Labor Negotiation matters. Approved Pass
  89. X. ADJOURNMENT Approved Pass
  90. 69 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.
  91. 88 Alderman Frost moved to convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Pending Litigation and Labor Negotiation matters, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty and Meeks were absent). The meeting convened into Closed Session at 6:28 p.m. Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 6:39 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Wilkins, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Bell and Bonne (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty, Hoffman and Meeks were absent).
  92. 90 Alderman Beach moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Prunty, Hoffman and Meeks were absent). The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.