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City Council

March 2, 2026 ·5:35 PM Final

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 91 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 5:48 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  7. 5 The invocation and Pledge of Allegiance took place during the Special Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held prior to this meeting.
  8. 1. Proclamation declaring March 8 through March 14, 2026 to be “Girl Scout Week” in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00235
  9. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  10. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 0:32
  11. 8 Mayor McNamara presented the proclamation during the Special Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held prior to this meeting.
  12. 1. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Funding Agreement with Phantom Regiment, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation ("Phantom Regiment”) located at 5608 International Drive. Referred to the Planning and Development Committee. 26-00241 Read into the Record
  13. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 1:24
  14. 1. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on March 11, 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. 26-00233 Read into the Record
  15. 2. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: Memorial Day Parade, Cars & Coffee, No Kings 3.0 and Churchill Grove Garage Sale. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00236 Read into the Record
  16. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 1:39
  17. 1. Memorandum from Jamie Rott, Water Superintendent, regarding a hiring request from the Water Division for two Lead Project Managers and one Water Utility Technician. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00227 Read into the Record
  18. 2. Memorandum from Carol Jaworowski, Police Financial Analyst, regarding the acceptance of the Illinois Law Enforcement Standards Board (ILETSB) FY26 Camera Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00228 Read into the Record
  19. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS ▶ jump to 2:15
  20. 1. Joshua Valdez Doyle spoke in opposition to the Flock cameras and license plate readers, stating that the cameras function as a city-wide tracking system and it goes against citizens' Fourth Amendment rights. He encouraged the council members to vote against the proposed contract. ▶ jump to 2:59
  21. 2. Laura Eakman, Executive Director of the Music Academy in Rockford, spoke in support of the proposed funding for the Rockford Area Arts Council. She highlighted the organization’s strong leadership and vision, as well as the unique and vibrant arts community in the region. ▶ jump to 6:28
  22. 3. Victor Rivera spoke in support of the funding for the Rockford Area Arts Council. He stated that he believes in making the arts accessible to everyone and emphasized the importance of keeping the arts available to all residents. He also discussed the positive impact the arts have on students as well as the benefits of public art within a community. ▶ jump to 9:30
  23. 4. Patricia Chavez was not present. ▶ jump to 11:54
  24. 5. Christopher Bayer voiced his deep opposition to the Flock Safety Contract and he encouraged the council members to cease all business with Flock and their license plate readers. ▶ jump to 12:16
  25. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  26. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 15:51
  27. 1. Committee recommends approval of the 2026 Funding Agreement with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) as the Regional Economic Development Organization in the amount of $75,000.00. The funding source is the Redevelopment Fund. 26-00199 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 15:54
  28. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 18:05
  29. 1. Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 5 of Perryville Promenade Subdivision. 26-00200 Adopted Pass
  30. 2. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L-50) in conjunction with a restaurant and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2525 Auburn Street (Colleen Therese Kowalski/Michelle Keinz/Gyro House & More, Inc. dba Gyro House/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-00201 Adopted Pass
  31. 3. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Special Use Permit for a stand-alone coffee shop with a drive-thru with deviations from the regulations for parking and landscaping in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 73xx East Riverside Boulevard (2018DT Sandy Hollow, LLC/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-00203 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 18:44
  32. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 19:56
  33. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $11,838,332.59 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on February 23, 2026. 26-00219 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 19:58
  34. 2. Committee recommends approval of the 2026 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for a Three-year Property Tax Rebate Program for Newly-Built Residential Construction for single family, townhome, two-family, three-family and multi-family structures located in the City of Rockford and School District 205. 26-00210 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 20:11
  35. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER ▶ jump to 22:31
  36. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 22:32
  37. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Funding Agreement and Lease Agreement for 713 East State Street (Shumway Building) with Rockford Area Arts Council for 2026 through 2028 in the amount of $125,000.00 annually for a total amount of $375,000.00. The funding source is the City’s Redevelopment Fund. (LAID OVER FEBRUARY 17, 2026) 26-00086 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 22:33
  38. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  39. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 74:10
  40. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Public School District 205 (RPS 205) for vacation of an existing Right-of-Way to RPS 205, construction of revised access to Lincoln Middle School from Charles Street as part of the City’s 11th Street Phase 2 project, and reimbursement of improvement costs by RPS 205. 26-00156 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 74:11
  41. VII. OFFICERS REPORTS ▶ jump to 75:05
  42. VIII. APPOINTMENTS ▶ jump to 80:23
  43. 1. Appointment of Zsa Zsa Johnson to the Community Relations Commission to fill the seat vacated by Nikki Lynch for a term expiring December 2026. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after March 4, 2026.) 26-00145 Approved Pass
  44. 2. Appointment of Shimere Shanklin to the Community Relations Commission to fill the seat vacated by Jordan Lindvall for a term expiring August 2028. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this appointment will be up for passage after March 4, 2026.) 26-00146 Approved Pass
  45. IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  46. 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 at 3630 North Rockton Avenue.
  47. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 82:32
  48. B. Alderman Tuneberg expressed his appreciation to Public Works Director Scott Sanders for the assistance provided during the recent water main breaks.
  49. 1. Committee recommends approval of a Resolution calling for a Public Hearing and convening a Joint Review Board in connection with a new South Rockford Industrial Tax Increment Financing District. 26-00218 Adopted Pass
  50. 44 Alderman Tuneberg thanked Chris Baer of Four Rivers Sanitation Authority for his assistance in helping a Third Ward constituent.
  51. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 86:14
  52. C. Alderman Torina announced a Fifth Ward meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Klehm Arboretum located at 2715 South Main Street.
  53. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Irish Marching Society St. Patrick’s Day Parade 26-00204 Adopted Pass
  54. D. Alderman Meeks expressed her appreciation to Public Works Director Scott Sanders and the Water Department for their quick response to the recent water main breaks in the Twelfth Ward. She also thanked the Twelfth Ward residents for their patience.
  55. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Spruce Up Day at the Veteran’s Roundabout 26-00205 Adopted Pass
  56. 47 Alderman Meeks stated that she is in the process of organizing a Town Hall meeting regarding the proposed data center. She explained that information about the proposed data center will be distributed at the meeting and community members will have an opportunity to provide feedback. She stated she will share further details about the meeting once they were finalized.
  57. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Rockford Area Pride Parade 26-00207 Adopted Pass
  58. E. Mayor McNamara mentioned the YWCA held its Leadership Luncheon today and he congratulated all of the nominees and award winners.
  59. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Lifescape Classic July 4th Run/Walk 26-00223 Adopted Pass
  60. 5. Committee recommends approval of the 4th of July Celebration 26-00212 Adopted Pass
  61. 6. Committee recommends approval of the One Table: An Open-Air Dining Experience 26-00214 Adopted Pass
  62. 7. Resolution for settlement of Teshayla Moton, et al., vs. City of Rockford, Illinois, et al. Case No: 23-cv-50120 in the amount of $40,000.00. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-00237 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 110:41
  63. 8. Resolution for settlement of Michael Oros, et al., vs. City of Rockford, Illinois, et al. Case No: 25-cv-50169 in the amount of $40,000.00. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-00238 Adopted Pass
  64. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 113:43
  65. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Construction Engineering Agreement: Various Projects City Wide to Willett Hofmann and Associates, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $244,868.68. The contract duration is through November 30, 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00213 Adopted Pass
  66. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Sale of Vehicles: Two (2) Ford Explorers to BMO Police in the amount of $7,000.00 each. 26-00217 Adopted Pass
  67. 3. Committee recommends approval of the award of RFQ: Weatherization Mechanical Services (RFP No. 1125-HS-123) to Geostar Mechanical Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the estimated amount of $1,200,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through September 30, 2026 with one (1) possible one-year extension option. Price adjustments based on regional market analysis provided by Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The funding sources are DCEO, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and State Supplemental. 26-00221 Adopted Pass
  68. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Resolution to waive the fees for building plan review, building permit, building inspection and water connection/service fees for new residential construction structures on vacant land and lots throughout the City of Rockford. 26-00211 Adopted Pass
  69. 5. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Homeless System Capacity Expansion Pilot Program Grant from Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Family & Community Services provided to approved local Continuums of Care (CoCs) in the amount of $85,522.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026. The grant award, if accepted, will provide funds used to expand capacity for additional data analysis and to establish a lived experience advisory board. 26-00216 Adopted Pass
  70. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Flock Safety, to Flock Group, Inc., of Atlanta Georgia in the amount of $443,998.16. The contract duration is one (1) year with three (3) additional one-year extension options. The funding sources are the Organized Retail Crime Grant (FY26 ORC) and Rockford Police Department Intel Unit Budget (FY27-FY29 Renewal Options). (LAID OVER FEBRUARY 17, 2026) 26-00160 Adopted Pass ▶ jump to 118:52
  71. 7. Award of RFP: Actuarial Services to Nyhart Company, of Indianapolis, Indiana for a contract amount of $14,200.00 year 1, $14,600.00 year 2, $15,000.00 year 3, $15,400.00 year 4. The contract duration is one (1) year with three (3) one-year extensions. The funding source is the Finance Department Operating Budget. 26-00224 Adopted Pass
  72. 8. Award of RFP: Investment Management Services to PFM Asset Management, of Chicago, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $69,500.00. The contract duration is three (3) years with two (2) one-year extensions, with the ability to terminate for convenience by either party at any time. The funding source is the Finance Department Operating Budget. 26-00226 Adopted Pass
  73. XII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  74. A. Planning and Development Committee ▶ jump to 221:31
  75. 64 Alderman Bonne moved to convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Pending and/or Threatened Litigation, Real Estate Acquisition and Labor Negotiation matters, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a voice vote. The meeting convened into Closed Session at 7:15 p.m. Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 7:39 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell and Bonne.
  76. 1. An ordinance approving the 2026 Funding Agreement with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) as the Regional Economic Development Organization in the amount of $75,000.00. The funding source is the Redevelopment Fund. 26-00230 Adopted Pass
  77. XI. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS - CONTINUED
  78. 2. An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement and Lease Agreement for 713 East State Street (Shumway Building) with Rockford Area Arts Council for 2026 through 2028 in the amount of $125,000.00 annually for a total amount of $375,000.00. The funding source is the City’s Redevelopment Fund. 26-00116 Adopted Pass
  79. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  80. B. Code and Regulation Committee ▶ jump to 227:25
  81. 1. An ordinance approving the Sale of Liquor by the Drink (Class L-50) in conjunction with a restaurant and video gaming terminals in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2525 Auburn Street (Colleen Therese Kowalski/Michelle Keinz/Gyro House & More, Inc. dba Gyro House/Applicants). 26-00231 Adopted Pass
  82. 2. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a stand-alone coffee shop with a drive-thru with deviations from the regulations for parking and landscaping in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 73xx East Riverside Boulevard (2018DT Sandy Hollow, LLC/Applicant). 26-00232 Adopted Pass
  83. C. Finance and Personnel Committee ▶ jump to 229:01
  84. 1. An ordinance approving the 2026 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for a Three-year Property Tax Rebate Program for Newly-Built Residential Construction for single family, townhome, two-family, three-family and multi-family structures located in the City of Rockford and School District 205. 26-00229 Adopted Pass
  85. 2. An ordinance approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Public School District 205 (RPS 205) for vacation of an existing Right-of-Way to RPS 205, construction of revised access to Lincoln Middle School from Charles Street as part of the City’s 11th Street Phase 2 project, and reimbursement of improvement costs by RPS 205. 26-00178 Adopted Pass
  86. 3. An ordinance approving the AFSCME Local 1058-C Collective Bargaining Agreement for April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-00240 Adopted Pass
  87. X. CLOSED SESSION
  88. A. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Labor Negotiation and Pending Litigation matters
  89. XIII. ADJOURNMENT ▶ jump to 230:49
  90. 77 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. 90 Alderman Beach moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:39 p.m.