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City Council

February 17, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 104 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 5:33 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Chaplain Kenneth Hendley and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McNamara.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on December 1, 2025.
  9. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  10. 7 Alderman Prunty arrived at 5:35 p.m. and Alderman Logemann arrived at 5:43 p.m.
  11. 1. Proclamation declaring February 2026 to be Black History Month in the City of Rockford, Illinois. 26-00182 No Action Taken
  12. 8 PAGE BREAK
  13. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  14. A. Planning and Development Committee
  15. 1. Memorandum from Sarah Leys, Community and Economic Development Director, regarding the 2026 Funding Agreement with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-00184 Read into the Record
  16. 11 Alderman Beach moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on December 1, 2025, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee, Logemann, and Prunty were absent).
  17. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  18. 1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on February 18, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on February 23, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00142 Read into the Record
  19. 2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on February 18, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on February 23, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00143 Read into the Record
  20. 3. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Spruce Up Day 2026, Rockford Area Pride Parade, Lifescape 4th of July Classic, 4th of July Festivities, and One Table: An Open-Air Dining Experience. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00183 Read into the Record
  21. 4. Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding Plat No. 5 of Perryville Promenade Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00195 Read into the Record
  22. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  23. 1. Memorandum from Anne Wilkerson, Central Services Manager, regarding the sale of two Ford Explorers to BMO Police. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00144 Read into the Record
  24. 2. Memorandum from Charlotte Hoss, City Attorney, regarding Trustee Property Lien Waivers. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00179 Read into the Record
  25. 2. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the approval and acceptance of the Homeless System Capacity Expansion Pilot Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00181 Read into the Record
  26. 3. Memorandum from Jacob Rubin, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a lien waiver request for 2213 Wentworth Avenue. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00189 Read into the Record
  27. 4. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding the proposed 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. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00192 Read into the Record
  28. 22 PAGE BREAK
  29. 6. Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed Resolution to waive 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. 26-00193 Read into the Record
  30. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
  31. 1. Prophet Yusef
  32. 2. Paul Foss spoke in opposition to the City of Rockford providing a $200,000 incentive to First Midwest Group and McDonald's for the establishment of a McDonald's on West State Street.
  33. 3. Lisa Jackson shared her personal feelings regarding derogatory comments Alderman Hoffman made on Facebook.
  34. 4. Tamika Brown spoke against the proposed McDonald’s development on West State Street, stating that a fast-food restaurant would not address the urgent issue of food insecurity on the west side. She urged council members to consider bringing a mobile market that would provide reliable access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious groceries to support long-term health until a brick-and-mortar grocery store opens on the west side.
  35. 5. Dennis Littlejohn voiced his concerns regarding the $200,000 incentive for the proposed McDonald's on West State Street. He encouraged council members to work to bring a healthier food option for residents on west side.
  36. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  37. 1. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and gave honor to numerous talented African American individuals in the community.
  38. A. Planning and Development Committee
  39. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Preliminary Conditional Set-Aside Letter, which would lead to a Rental Development Agreement with the owner of RockRiver I Apartments. The funding source is the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). 26-00141 Adopted Pass
  40. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  41. 1. Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 2 of Puri West State Subdivision located at 41xx West State Street. 26-00139 Adopted Pass
  42. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  43. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $9,842,897.49 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on February 9, 2026. 26-00169 Adopted Pass
  44. 2. Approval of Lien Waivers for Trustee Properties to facilitate transfer of the properties from the Winnebago County Trustee to bidders in the total amount of $4,634.25. The properties included are 517 Knowlton Street (PIN: 11-27-401-006), 3904 Preston Street (PIN: 11-20-452-004), and 3122 18th Street (PIN: 15-01-432-034). 26-00155 Adopted Pass
  45. 3. 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 Laid Over
  46. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
  47. A. Planning and Development Committee
  48. 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 Laid Over
  49. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  50. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  51. VII. OFFICERS REPORTS
  52. VIII. APPOINTMENTS
  53. 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 Laid Over
  54. 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 Laid Over
  55. IX. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  56. A. Planning and Development Committee
  57. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  58. A. Alderman Hoffman stated her comments on Facebook, which the public speaker referenced, were taken out of context. She encouraged anyone interested in reading the full post to visit Alderman Bonne's Facebook page.
  59. 51 PAGE BREAK
  60. B. Alderman Torina announced the Fifth Ward meeting would be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Klehm Arboretum located at 2715 South Main Street. Alderman Torina mentioned there would be a discussion regarding Colman Yards during the meeting.
  61. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  62. 52 Alderman Torina reminded Public Works Scott Sanders that she would like a report on the streets that LT Construction has completed work on under the Workforce Initiative Program.
  63. 1. 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 Laid Over
  64. C. Alderman Beach shared this past Sunday was the judging for the 40th Annual Snow Sculpting Competition. He expressed his appreciation to the Rockford Park District for hosting the event and the numerous volunteers that helped the event run smoothly.
  65. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Sole Source Contract: Loose Equipment and Supplies to Air One Equipment, of South Elgin, Illinois in the estimated amount of $300,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year. The funding source is the Fire Department Operating Budget. 26-00151 Adopted Pass
  66. 54 Mayor McNamara thanked Alderman Beach for his years of support of the Snow Sculpting Contest and for helping to bring the event to our community.
  67. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Non-Competitive Contract: WPLS-190 Wheel Lifts to Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc., of Saint Joseph, Missouri in the amount of $60,673.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is 2026 Gaming Tax Revenue. 26-00152 Adopted Pass
  68. D. Alderman Tuneberg commented the Snow Sculpting Contest was a great event and he stated it was fantastic to see so many groups travel from out of state for the competition. Alderman Tuneberg thanked Alderman Beach for his efforts with the Snow Sculpting Contest throughout the years.
  69. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Towing and Storage (RFP No. 1125-PD-132) to Greater Rockford Auto Auction of Rockford, Illinois. There is no direct cost to the City for towing and storage services. The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) additional one-year extension options. 26-00161 Adopted Pass
  70. 56 Alderman Tuneberg mentioned he had the privilege of attending the AHL All-Star Classic held at the BMO Center. He commented the Rockford IceHogs and their management team did an incredible job during the games. Alderman Tuneberg shared the BMO Center renovations look wonderful and expressed his appreciation to the Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority (RAVE) and Legends/ASM Global for the improvements they completed on the facility.
  71. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Sidewalk Deicers/Ice Melt (Bagged Salt) to Warehouse Direct, of Des Plaines, Illinois in the estimated amount of $40,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with three (3) additional one-year extension options. The funding source is the Property Fund Operating Budget. 26-00148 Adopted Pass
  72. 57 Mayor McNamara agreed with Alderman Tuneberg that the BMO Center looks great. He encouraged anyone who has not visited the BMO Center recently to attend an event soon to see the updates and renovations. Mayor McNamara stated there is new life and energy in the center. He thanked everyone involved with completing the renovations for their hard work.
  73. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Ford OEM Automotive Parts and Supplies to Brad Manning Ford, of Dekalb, Illinois in the estimated amount of $75,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is through December 31, 2026 with two (2) possible annual extension options. The funding source is the Central Garage Fund. 26-00149 Adopted Pass
  74. E. Alderman Wilkins recognized Fatherhood United and mentioned they were holding a Dinner with Dad event at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the Northwest Community Center. She thanked T.C. Bell for keeping her informed of the events that were happening.
  75. 7. 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 $701,269.00. The contract duration is a 60-month term. The funding sources are Various Divisions Capital Lease Budgets. 26-00150 Adopted Pass
  76. 59 Alderman Wilkins thanked Fire Chief Tyo and the Fire Department personnel who responded to a chaotic situation this past week and she commended them for their professionalism and dedication to serving the community.
  77. 8. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Communication Equipment to GenComm Inc., of Madison, Wisconsin in the amount of $75,975.60. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is the Fire Department Capital Budget. 26-00153 Adopted Pass
  78. 9. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Demers MPX170 Ford F550 4x4 Diesel Type I Ambulance to MacQueen Equipment, LLC., of Saint Paul, Minnesota in the amount of $423,555.00. This is a one-time purchase. The funding sources are Capital Lease Funds/Fire Department Capital Budget. 26-00154 Adopted Pass
  79. 10. Committee recommends approval of the Engineering Agreement Supplement #1 (Land Acquisition): 11th Street Corridor Improvements (IDOT Section) to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the supplemental amount of $369,267.00, for a new contract not-to-exceed amount of $1,198,370.00. The contract duration is through 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00157 Adopted Pass
  80. 11. Committee recommends approval of the Engineering Agreement Supplement #2 (Land Acquisition): 11th Street Corridor Improvements (City Section) to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the supplemental amount of $242,789.00, for a new contract not-to-exceed amount of $2,366,043.00. The contract duration is through 2026. The funding source is the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax. 26-00158 Adopted Pass
  81. 12. Committee recommends approval of the Engineering Agreement Supplement #1 (Land Acquisition): Auburn Street Improvements ) to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the supplemental amount of $121,286.00, for a new contract not-to-exceed amount of $1,006,661.00. The funding source is the General Fund: 2022 Surplus. 26-00159 Adopted Pass
  82. D. City Council
  83. 1. Motion to Reconsider ordinance 2026-24-O approving the Amendment to the Development Agreement with First Midwest Group (Machesney Investment LLC) and McDonald's for the establishment of a McDonald's at 4103 West State Street in the amount of $200,000. The funding source is 2025 Casino Plan Funds / Economic Development High Risk Area. 26-00180 Approved Pass
  84. 67 PAGE BREAK
  85. X. CLOSED SESSION
  86. A. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in Order to Discuss Collective Negotiating Matters
  87. XI. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  88. A. Planning and Development Committee
  89. 1. An ordinance approving the Preliminary Conditional Set-Aside Letter, which would lead to a Rental Development Agreement with the owner of RockRiver I Apartments. The funding source is the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). 26-00176 Adopted Pass
  90. 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 Held out
  91. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  92. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  93. 1. An ordinance approving Lien Waivers for Trustee properties to facilitate transfer of the properties from the Winnebago County Trustee to bidders in the total amount of $4,634.25. The properties included are 517 Knowlton Street (PIN: 11-27-401-006), 3904 Preston Street (PIN: 11-20-452-004), and 3122 18th Street (PIN: 15-01-432-034). 26-00177 Adopted Pass
  94. 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 Held out
  95. 3. An ordinance approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFSCME-C regarding the payment of a one-time non-reoccurring retention incentive to Head Start staff pursuant to the Head Start Staff Incentive Policy using grant funds. (SUSPEND RULE 9). 26-00190 Adopted Pass
  96. 4. An ordinance approving the payment of a one-time non-reoccurring retention incentive for non-union employees of the City of Rockford Head Start program pursuant to the Head Start Staff Incentive Policy using grant funds. (SUSPEND RULE 9). 26-00191 Adopted Pass
  97. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Approved Pass
  98. 81 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. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  100. 86 PAGE BREAK
  101. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  102. 92 Alderman Frost moved to convene into Closed Session in order to discuss Collective Negotiating matters, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a roll call vote (Alderman Durkee was absent). The meeting convened into Closed Session at 7:21 p.m. Mayor McNamara reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 7:32 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell and Bonne (Alderman Durkee was absent).
  103. 93 PAGE BREAK
  104. XII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES - CONTINUED