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September 8, 2026 ·5:30 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 106 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 Neal called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal
  7. 5 The invocation was given by Pastor Karla Garcia from Gomez Chapel AME Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Neal.
  8. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on August 10, 2026.
  9. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  10. 7 Alderman Durkee arrived at 5:49 p.m., Alderman Logemann arrived at 6:47 p.m. and Alderman Hoffman departed the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
  11. III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  12. A. Planning and Development Committee
  13. 1. Memorandum from Anna Carlson, Economic Development Manager, regarding the adoption of a proposed Ordinance for the Termination of the Springfield Corners Redevelopment Project Area and the Dissolution of the Special Tax Allocation Fund for the Springfield Corners Tax Increment Financing District. Referred to Planning and Development Committee. 26-01119
  14. 10 Alderman Bell moved to accept the Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on August 10, 2026, seconded by Alderman Bonne. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Durkee and Logemann were absent).
  15. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  16. 1. Memorandum from Rudy Moreno, Historic Preservation Commission Secretary, regarding the proposed Landmark Designation of 2520 North Main Street. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-01077
  17. 12 There were no proclamation presented at this meeting.
  18. 2. Traffic Commission’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 9, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on September 28, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-01109
  19. 3. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 15, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on September 28, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-01085
  20. 4. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on September 15, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on September 28, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-01086
  21. 5. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: Rockford Police Department Trunk or Treat, Earthrise 815 Sustainability Conference, and Festival of Lights. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-01108
  22. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  23. 1. Memorandum from Joshua Versluys, Assistant City Attorney, regarding the proposed sale of City-owned property located at 710 North Church Street pursuant to the Mow-to-Own Program. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01076
  24. 2. Memorandum from Owen Carter, Deputy Director of Operations for Health and Human Services, regarding the acceptance of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) DHS Employment Barrier Reduction Fund Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01083
  25. 3. Memorandum from Carol Jaworowski, Police Financial Analyst, regarding the acceptance of the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01106
  26. 4. Memorandum from Diana Hernandez, Children Exposed to Violence Project Manager, regarding the approval of a Lease Agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01107
  27. 5. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding the proposed formation of the Rockford Regional Tourism District. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01117
  28. 6. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding a proposed Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Loves Park, City of South Beloit, and Village of Cherry Valley regarding the Rockford Regional Tourism District. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01118
  29. 7. Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer, regarding a proposed Intergovernmental Agreement with Winnebago County for the Public Safety Building Sidewalk Construction. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01131
  30. 8. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding a proposed contract with Moetivations, Inc. for 911 Police Dispatch Services. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-01132
  31. IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
  32. 1. David Scott voiced his concerns regarding permanent ballots being mailed to residents.
  33. 2. Kenneth Dickens was not present.
  34. 3. John Tac Brantley spoke about working with the Rockford Park District to raise funds for a monument to be place at Camp Grant.
  35. 4. Larry Washington voiced his frustrations with the Rockford Mass Transit District.
  36. 5. Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and spoke about the heroic efforts of the New York City First Responders on September 11, 2001.
  37. V. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  38. A. Planning and Development Committee
  39. 1. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Funding Agreement with Living Well Center of Northern Illinois in the amount of $100,000.00 annually for a period of three (3) years not to exceed a total amount of $300,000.00 to support the establishment of a Senior Center located at 1111 South Alpine Road. The funding source is Casino Funds. 26-00968 Adopted Pass
  40. 2. Committee recommends approval of the proposed amendment to the Funding Agreement with the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (GoRockford) extending the term of the agreement from an expiration of 2028 to an expiration of 2032 and the continued lease of 102 North Main Street. This is an extension of four (4) years from the existing agreement and lease. (LAID OVER SEPTEMBER 21, 2026) 26-00969 Referred back to committee
  41. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  42. 1. Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 2 of Hopkins Subdivision for the property located at 1522 Rose Avenue. 26-01033 Adopted Pass
  43. 2. Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 5 of Hickory Crest Subdivision for the property located at 4750 Pepper Drive. 26-01034 Adopted Pass
  44. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Final Plat of Culver’s 11th Street Subdivision for the property located at 3218 11th Street. 26-01035 Adopted Pass
  45. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Annexation of 2010 New Milford School Road. The owner of the subject property has requested connection to City water resulting from a failing well. 26-01038 Adopted Pass
  46. 5. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of an expansion of the existing automotive/truck vehicle inspection and vehicle/truck repair shop in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2318, 2320, 2326 Starr Street, 2305 Kishwaukee Street (Nathan Erb for Phil’s Garage/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-01021 Adopted Pass
  47. 6. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Special Use Permit for automobile repair and maintenance facility in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2619 Charles Street (David Walters/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-01023 Adopted Pass
  48. 7. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a Special Use Permit for a mural in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 314 Prairie Street (Megan Huels for Cahoots/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-01025 Adopted Pass
  49. 8. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval for a: a. Variation to reduce the required off-street parking spaces from two hundred (200) parking spaces to ninety-four (94) parking spaces; b. Variation to reduce the minimum required landscaping street frontage width from ten (10) feet to five (5) feet; and c. Variation to reduce the required number of shade trees from ten (10) trees to five (5) trees in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2640 North Main Street (Joel Zirkle for North and Main Market Company, LLC/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-01026 Adopted Pass
  50. 9. 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 6059 East State Street (Jin Jian Qiu/Pho Lane Rockford, Inc. dba Noir Dragon Modern Asian Kitchen/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-01027 Adopted Pass
  51. 10. 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 6061 East State Street (Jin Jian Qiu/Tokyo Sushi Rockford, Inc. dba Tokyo Sushi Rotary Lounge/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-01028 Adopted Pass
  52. 11. 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 5811 Forest Hills Road (Ruben Jaramillo/Maria Fernandez/Tacomex, LLC dba Tacomex/Applicants). Subject to conditions. 26-01029 Adopted Pass
  53. 12. Committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s approval for a Modification of an existing Liquor License for the expansion of an existing business to the second floor in an R-2, Two-Family Residential Zoning District at 320 Kent Street (Sandra Berumen/Aragona Corporation dba Aragona Club/Applicant). Subject to conditions. 26-01032 Adopted Pass
  54. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  55. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $9,707,390.16 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee held on August 24, 2026. 26-01062 Adopted Pass
  56. 2. Committee recommends approval for the addition of the city-owned property located at 638 Whitman Street (PIN: 11-14-361-005) to the City's Mow-to-Own Program. The property will be part of a Mow-to-Own Agreement between the City and the adjacent property owner, Jessica Cortinez. 26-01043 Adopted Pass
  57. VI. OFFICERS REPORTS
  58. VII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  59. A. Planning and Development Committee
  60. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Spaces to Places Program, which is intended to reduce commercial vacancies and support small business growth by providing temporary rent assistance for new or expanding businesses. The city will reimburse security deposits and 50% of rent for up to 12 months for a total funding level of up to $20,000.00 per business. The program will have $300,000.00 designated from 2026 and 2027 Casino Funds. (LAID OVER AUGUST 17, 2026) 26-00763 Adopted as amended Pass
  61. 2. Committee recommends approval of the designation of Sarah Leys, Community and Economic Development Director, as Certifying Officer for Environmental Reviews submitted to HUD. 26-01039 Adopted Pass
  62. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  63. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Boylan Homecoming Parade This event is scheduled for Sunday, September 20th. The event time will be 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The parade route will be the following: St. Francis Drive from Campus Hills Boulevard to the Boylan High School entrance on Muldoon Drive. 26-01037 Adopted Pass
  64. A. Alderman Meeks announced she was holding a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. She indicated the meeting was for Twelfth Ward residents but anyone one was welcome to attend.
  65. 2. Resolution for settlement of Cornelius Williams vs. City of Rockford, Case No: 24-CV-50315 (N.D. IL) in the amount of $25,000.00. (SUSPEND RULE 9) 26-01078 Adopted Pass
  66. B. Alderman Granath expressed her appreciation to the Labor Day Parade event organizers. She commented it was a great event.
  67. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  68. C. Alderman Tuneberg shared he participated in the Annual Jaime Cox Ride and he thanked the organizers for their efforts.
  69. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: Traffic Signal and Street Lighting Electrical Services (Bid No. 720-PW-058) to Helm Electric, of Loves Park, Illinois and William Charles, of Rockford, Illinois in the estimated annual amount of $50,000.00 (based on unit pricing). The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) possible one-year extension options. Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only. The funding source is the Traffic Section Operating Budget. 26-01063 Adopted Pass
  70. 61 Alderman Tuneberg thanked the Ken Rock Community Center for
  71. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Network Cloud Storage to CDW Government, of Vernon Hills, Illinois in the total contract amount of $745,000.00. The contract duration is three (3) years. The funding source is the Information Technology and Integration Operating Budget. 26-01058 Adopted Pass
  72. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchase Contract: Data Analytics, Solutions and Services to Darkhorse Emergency LP, of Edmonton, Canada, in the amount of $89,500.00 for year one and $49,500.00 annually thereafter, plus an annual CPI increase. The contract duration is through April 30, 2029 with two (2) possible one-year extension options. The funding source is Fire Department Operating Budget. 26-01065 Adopted Pass
  73. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Engineering Agreement Supplement #2: Auburn Street Corridor Improvements (Land Acquisition - Phase 3) to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the additional amount of $226,788.04, for an amended total of $1,233,449.04. The contract duration is from September 2026 through December 2027. The funding source is General Fund: 2022 Surplus Funds. 26-01049 Adopted Pass
  74. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Engineering Agreement: 15th Avenue over Rock River Bridge Replacement (Construction Engineering) to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $2,366,368.00. The contract duration is 2027 through 2029. The funding sources are State Grant Local Project Funding (LPF) Funds, Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds, and Water Replacement & Improvement Account (WRIA) Funds. 26-01050 Adopted Pass
  75. 6. Committee recommends approval of the Resolution approving supplemental appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code - 15th Avenue over Rock River Bridge Replacement (19-00631-00-BR) in the additional amount of $2,000,000.00 for a total of $4,000,000.00. 26-01051 Adopted Pass
  76. 7. Committee recommends approval of the Rejection of Bid/Solicit New Bid: Public Works Materials (Bid No. 726-PW-059). Only one bid was received for asphalt material only. Staff will need to re-bid to ensure both stone aggregates and asphalt materials are included. 26-01055 Adopted Pass
  77. 8. Committee recommends approval of the Rejection of Bid/Solicit New Bid: Coronado Elevator Replacements (Bid No. 626-PW-051). Only one bid response was received. The bid was significantly higher than the anticipated project cost. 26-01056 Adopted Pass
  78. 9. Committee recommends approval of the reimbursement of TIF increment generated from improvements to the Armory at 605 North Main Street to the Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) for a period of up to three (3) years. 26-01057 Adopted Pass
  79. 10. Committee recommends approval of the City-State Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Construction between the City of Rockford and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the 15th Avenue over Rock River Bridge Replacement with an estimated City share of $4,187,743.00, funded by $3,836,743.00 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds and $351,000.00 in Water Replacement Improvement Account (WRIA) Funds. 26-01052 Adopted Pass
  80. 11. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) Family Crisis Grant Award in the amount of $25,597.94. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will provide funds used to administer a request vetting process, complete applications, facilitate the grant award process, distribute funds, and provide financial oversight. 26-01053 Adopted Pass
  81. 12. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care (COC) Planning Grant Award in the amount of $189,675.00. The grant requires a 25% cost match in the amount of $47,418.75, which will be funded with Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Funds. The grant term is from December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will provide funds used to provide monitoring, improving, and enforcing performance and compliance. 26-01054 Adopted Pass
  82. 13. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care (COC) Rapid Youth Housing Grant Award in the amount of $129,089.00. The grant requires a 25% cost match in the amount of $32,272.25, which will be funded with Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Funds. The grant term is from November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will provide funds used to pay for approved clients’ rent, deposit, budget education, staff training, payroll, and administration costs. 26-01061 Adopted Pass
  83. VIII. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  84. A. Planning and Development Committee
  85. 1. An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement with Living Well Center of Northern Illinois in the amount of $100,000.00 annually for a period of three (3) years not to exceed a total amount of $300,000.00 to support the establishment of a Senior Center located at 1111 South Alpine Road. The funding source is Casino Funds. 26-01068 Adopted Pass
  86. 2. An ordinance approving the amendment to the Funding Agreement with the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (GoRockford) extending the term of the agreement from an expiration of 2028 to an expiration of 2034 and the continued lease of 102 North Main Street. This is an extension of four (4) years from the existing agreement and lease. 26-01069 Held out
  87. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  88. 1. An ordinance approving the Annexation of 2010 New Milford School Road. 26-01090 Adopted Pass
  89. 2. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development consisting of an expansion of the existing automotive/truck vehicle inspection and vehicle/truck repair shop in an I-1, Light Industrial Zoning District at 2318, 2320, 2326 Starr Street, 2305 Kishwaukee Street (Nathan Erb for Phil’s Garage/Applicant). 26-01091 Adopted Pass
  90. 3. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for automobile repair and maintenance facility in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2619 Charles Street (David Walters/Applicant). 26-01092 Adopted Pass
  91. 4. An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a mural in a C-4, Urban Mixed-Use Zoning District at 314 Prairie Street (Megan Huels for Cahoots/Applicant). 26-01093 Adopted Pass
  92. 5. An ordinance approving a Variation to reduce the required off-street parking spaces from two hundred (200) parking spaces to ninety-four (94) parking spaces, a Variation to reduce the minimum required landscaping street frontage width from ten (10) feet to five (5) feet; and a Variation to reduce the required number of shade trees from ten (10) trees to five (5) trees in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at 2640 North Main Street (Joel Zirkle for North and Main Market Company, LLC/Applicants. 26-01094 Adopted Pass
  93. 6. 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 6059 East State Street (Jin Jian Qiu/Pho Lane Rockford, Inc. dba Noir Dragon Modern Asian Kitchen/Applicant). 26-01095 Adopted Pass
  94. 7. 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 6061 East State Street (Jin Jian Qiu/Tokyo Sushi Rockford, Inc. dba Tokyo Sushi Rotary Lounge/Applicant). 26-01096 Adopted Pass
  95. 8. 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 5811 Forest Hills Road (Ruben Jaramillo/Maria Fernandez/Tacomex, LLC dba Tacomex/Applicants). 26-01097 Adopted Pass
  96. 9. An ordinance approving a Modification of an Existing Liquor License for the expansion of an existing business to the second floor in an R-2, Two-Family Residential Zoning District at 320 Kent Street (Sandra Berumen/Aragona Corporation dba Aragona Club/Applicant). 26-01098 Adopted Pass
  97. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  98. 1. An ordinance approving the addition of the city-owned property located at 638 Whitman Street (PIN: 11-14-361-005) to the City's Mow-to-Own Program. The property will be part of a Mow-to-Own Agreement between the City and the adjacent property owner, Jessica Cortinez. 26-01067 Adopted Pass
  99. IX. CLOSED SESSION
  100. A. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in order to Discuss Pending and/or Threatened Litigation matters
  101. X. ADJOURNMENT
  102. 93 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.
  103. 100 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. The meeting convened into Closed Session at 7:40 p.m. Mayor Neal reconvened the meeting back into Open Session at 7:58 p.m. and the following aldermen were present: Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Torina, Prunty, Neal, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell and Bonne (Alderman Hoffman was absent).
  104. 101 MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS CONTINUED
  105. 102 Code and Regulation Committee
  106. 105 Alderman Bonne moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Bell. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Hoffman was absent). The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

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