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City Council

July 20, 2026 ·5:35 PM Final

Council Chambers

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 110 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 Legal Director Angela Hammer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Bell moved to nominate Alderman Granath to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for this meeting. Alderman Bonne seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Aldermen Frost and Hoffman were absent).
  5. B. Roll Call
  6. C. Acceptance of the Journal
  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. Journal of Proceedings for the Special City Council meeting held on July 13, 2026.
  9. II. PROCLAMATIONS
  10. 7 Alderman Frost arrived at 6:04 p.m.
  11. III. PUBLIC HEARING
  12. 1. Public Hearing Concerning the Intent of the City Council of the City of Rockford, Winnebago and Ogle Counties, Illinois to Sell Not to Exceed $103,000,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source). 26-00880 Discussed
  13. IV. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  14. 10 A vote was not taken on the Journal of Proceedings during this meeting.
  15. A. Planning and Development Committee
  16. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  17. 12 There were no proclamations presented during this meeting.
  18. 1. Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on July 21, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on July 27, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00826
  19. 2. Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting to be held on July 21, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on July 27, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00827
  20. 3. Memorandum from Martin Bloom, Project Manager-Permits and Special Events, regarding upcoming special events which include: 815 Day Block Party, Polish Fest and PCI Employee Picnic. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00882
  21. 15 Mayor Pro Tem Granath then asked for public comments concerning the proposed issuance of the Bonds. Teresa Hill stated she was opposed to the City providing help and issuing bonds for private businesses and urged the Council members to prioritize the needs of residents, especially the South Main residents that were being displaced. Steven McMaster voiced his opposition to the sale of the bonds for the Hard Rock Casino Convention Center and Hotel. He stated the risk for this project is too great and urged the Aldermen to pause projects that residents do not support and to act in the best interests of all Rockford residents. Hannah Underhill expressed her desire for the City to use tax revenue on wheelchair accessible sidewalks and other projects that meet the needs of the community instead of giving funds to benefit corporations. Christopher Bayer stated that the City of Rockford is not a bank and should not extend loans to private businesses. He stated that the Hard Rock Casino is performing well and is profitable and that its owners should secure financing on their own. He reminded City staff the City is facing a tight budget and should prioritize its spending. He urged the Council members to vote against the issuance of $103,000,000 General Obligation Bonds for the casino. Stephanie Caltagerone stated the casino is making a profit and does not need the City's assistance to obtain funding for the Convention Center and Hotel. She expressed her concerns regarding the City providing TIF Districts to financially stable companies. She reminded the Council members that TIF Districts were meant to be used to support projects that couldn't move forward without the TIF funds and she stated the City continues to provide TIF incentives for companies that do not require financial assistance. She stated that the City of Rockford funds and residents' tax funds should not be used to fund or bankroll private businesses. Terry Mercer spoke about the City of Rockford's history of making poor decisions. He urged the City Council to stop funding wealthy individuals and profitable businesses and prioritize the needs of the residents. Robert Pace shared that he understands the need for a Convention Center and Hotel in order for Rockford to compete with the casino in Beloit, Wisconsin but he stated that the City should not be responsible for funding the project. An unidentified female resident indicated the decision regarding the issuance of the bonds should be placed on a ballot so the Rockford residents can vote on whether they want their tax dollars to support this project. She stated that decision should not be left up to the City Council. Michael Lager mentioned there are many Hard Rock Casinos throughout the world and he stated that it should be Hard Rock's responsibility to secure funding for the Convention Center and Hotel without involving the City of Rockford. Patti Bremer expressed her frustrations about the City's Police and Fire Departments being underfunded and understaffed while the City is considering to provide $103,000,000 to the Hard Rock Casino to fund the expense of the Convention Center and Hotel. She spoke against casinos and expressed concern regarding the negative impact of gambling addiction. She stated the City is not a bank and urged the City Council to not spend the citizen's tax dollars frivolously. Morgan Guzzedo, a college student, expressed her desire for the City Council to prioritize its spending toward supporting college students who are working to better themselves through education and who hope to made a positive impact on the community rather than supporting a casino that negatively impacts families and can contribute to gambling addiction. Shelia Zwiefelhofer voiced her concerns regarding the City’s consideration of issuing bonds for the Convention Center and Hotel and emphasized the importance of the City maintaining transparency with its residents. At the conclusion of the public comments, Alderman Torina moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Beach seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Hoffman was absent). The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. The meeting returned to regular business at 7:04 p.m.
  22. 4. Memorandum from Alderman Jonathan Logemann regarding a proposed resolution establishing a moratorium on data centers and directs the City Administrator, and designees, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of best practices for regulating the development, expansion, and operation of data centers within the City of Rockford. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee. 26-00901
  23. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  24. 1. Memorandum from Joshua Versluys, Assistant City Attorney, regarding a Lease Agreement between the City of Rockford and Theresa McDermott d/b/a Souljah Wellness for the property located at 211 Elm St., Section A. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00881
  25. 2. Memorandum from Tretara Flowers, Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, regarding the approval of the Subrecipient Agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00891
  26. 3. Memorandum from Charlotte Hoss, City Attorney, regarding the consideration and approval of the State Line Area Narcotics Team Interagency Agreement. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00895
  27. 4. Memorandum from Jamie Rott, Water Superintendent, regarding an IEPA Revolving Loan Fund Application Approval and Authorizing Ordinance(s) for Lead Service Line Replacements. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00896
  28. 5. Memorandum from Carol Jaworowski, Police Finance Analyst, regarding the acceptance of FY27 Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Grant Award. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00897
  29. 6. Memorandum from Angela Hammer, Legal Director, regarding approval of the Fifth Supplemental Indenture Resolution regarding the Industrial Project Revenue Bonds (Wesley Willows Project), Series 2011. Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. 26-00899
  30. V. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
  31. 5. Kari Humphrey spoke against a potential Data Center and the proposed TIF District. She mentioned she lives close to that area and she expressed her concerns regarding noise pollution and the potential hard to birds and other local wildlife.
  32. 1. Jeff Tilly, President of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners, referenced letters that he and Dan Olson submitted to the Council members objecting to the proposed TIF District. He voiced his concerns regarding the qualifying factors that were used in determing the TIF District.
  33. 2. Jim Roberts expressed his desire for the community to come together to work through the difficult decisions the City of Rockford was facing. He also voiced his concerns regarding the amount of water a potential data center would require in order to operate the facility.
  34. 3. Christopher Bayer spoke against the proposed TIF District. He emphasized the need for the City to modernize its zoning codes and establish regulations for potential data centers, including standards addressing water usage and noise pollution.
  35. 4. Grace Bayer voiced her opposition to the proposed TIF District and a potential AI Data Center. She urged the City Council to protect the City's residents at all costs and vote against a Data Center.
  36. VI. NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS
  37. A. Planning and Development Committee
  38. 1. Committee recommends approval of the proposed Funding Agreement with Goodwill in partnership with IBEW Local 364 for Electrical Workers Trades Program to better prepare individuals for IBEW application process in the amount of $85,172.00. The funding source is Casino Funds. 26-00663 Laid Over
  39. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  40. 1. Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 2 of Rosewood Subdivision. 26-00828 Adopted Pass
  41. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  42. 1. Committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $18,293,651.23 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee held on July 13, 2026. 26-00833 Adopted Pass
  43. 2. Committee recommends approval of the request to use up to $200,000.00 of Casino Funds to assist in qualified relocation funds. 26-00834 Adopted Pass
  44. 3. Committee recommends approval of the proposed sale of the city-owned property located at 218 South Independence Avenue (PIN: 11-21-285-004) under the City’s Mow-to-Own Program to Christie C. Williams. 26-00836 Adopted Pass
  45. D. Legislative and Lobbying Committee
  46. 1. Committee recommends approval of the renewal of a Professional Services Contract with Zephyr Government Strategies for $10,000.00 per month for the City of Rockford’s 2026 Lobbying Services. 26-00669 Adopted Pass
  47. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER
  48. A. Planning and Development Committee
  49. 1. Committee recommends approval of an ordinance terminating the Global Trade Park South Redevelopment Project Area and the Dissolution of the Special Tax Allocation Fund for Global Trade Park South Tax Increment Financing District. 26-00764 Adopted Pass
  50. 2. Committee recommends approval of an ordinance approving the South Rockford Industrial Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area. 26-00765 Adopted Pass
  51. 3. Committee recommends approval of an ordinance designating the South Rockford Industrial Redevelopment Project Area. 26-00766 Adopted Pass
  52. 4. Committee recommends approval of an ordinance adopting Tax Increment Allocation Financing for the South Rockford Industrial Redevelopment Project Area. 26-00767 Adopted Pass
  53. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  54. 1. Committee recommends denial of the Annexation of 14xx Edson Road, 15xx Edson Road, 16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. The subject property is currently agricultural farmland. The contract purchaser plans to develop an industrial subdivision on this land. 26-00715 Adopted as amended Pass
  55. 2. Committee recommends denial of the Annexation Agreement for 14xx Edson Road, 15xx Edson Road and 16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. 26-00716 Adopted as amended Pass
  56. 3. Committee recommends denial of the Zoning Map Amendment from County AG to I-3, Airport Industrial Zoning District at 14xx Edson Road, 15xx Edson Road, and 16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street (Venture One Acquisitions, LLC/Applicants), thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation of approval. 26-00717 Adopted as amended Pass
  57. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  58. VIII. OFFICERS REPORTS
  59. IX. APPOINTMENTS
  60. 1. Reappointment of Jeremiah Griffin to the Community Action Advisory Board as a private sector member for a term ending June 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 1, 2026.) 26-00695 Approved Pass
  61. 2. Reappointment of Mary Cacioppi to the Community Action Advisory Board as a private sector member for a term ending July 2029. (Pursuant to Rule 18, this reappointment will be up for passage after July 1, 2026). 26-00696 Approved Pass
  62. X. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
  63. A. Planning and Development Committee
  64. 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 Laid Over
  65. B. Code and Regulation Committee
  66. A. Alderman Beach welcomed Alderman Bonne back to City Council after a long medical leave.
  67. 1. Committee recommends approval of the RockYard Music Fest 26-00829 Adopted Pass
  68. B. Alderman Tuneberg welcomed Alderman Bonne back to the City Council meeting.
  69. 2. Committee recommends approval of the RAMP River Run 26-00830 Adopted Pass
  70. C. Alderman Durkee requested the Police Chief Redd and Fire Chief Tyo provide long-term projections regarding coverage as the City expands to the South and East.
  71. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  72. D. Alderman Prunty announced a Sixth Ward meeting would be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the House of God Church at 840 Brooke Road. She mentioned one of the topics of discussion would be Lead Service Line Replacement.
  73. 1. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: 2026 City-Wide Pavement Marking (Thermo) (Bid No. 526-PW-045) to Precision Pavement Markings, Inc., of Pingree Grove, Illinois in the amount of $85,211.70. The contract duration is through October 2, 2026. The funding source is Motor Fuel Tax Funds. 26-00840 Adopted Pass
  74. E. Alderman Bonne
  75. 2. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Bid: City Wide Street Repairs Group No. 6 - 2026 (Alleys) (Bid No. 626-PW-050) to Stenstrom Excavation in the amount of $434,060.50. The contract duration is through October 2, 2026. The funding source is 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax / Parking Fund. 26-00841 Adopted Pass
  76. F. Alderman Meeks commented the aldermen took an oath to tell the truth.
  77. 3. Committee recommends approval of the Award of RFP: Environmental Review and Assessment Services (RFP No. 326-CD-021) to ECS Midwest, LLC., of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Professional Environmental Engineers, Inc., of Saint Louis, Missouri, and Specialty Consulting, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois in the annual estimated amount of $84,450.00. The contract duration is one (1) year with four (4) possible one-year extensions. The funding sources are Various Grants. 26-00838 Adopted Pass
  78. G. Alderman Salgado
  79. 4. Committee recommends approval of the Award of Joint Purchasing Contract: Command Vehicle Upfitting to MacQueen Equipment LLC., of Saint Paul, Minnesota in the amount of $90,671.36. This is a one-time purchase. The funding source is Capital Lease Funds / Fire Department Capital Budget. 26-00842 Adopted Pass
  80. H. Alderman Bell
  81. 5. Committee recommends approval of the Renewal of Contract: Neighborly Software (Grant Management System) to Benevate, LLC., of Atlanta, Georgia in the amount of $29,672.00. The contract duration is from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The funding sources are the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Grants, and the Community & Economic Development Operating Budget. 26-00839 Adopted Pass
  82. 67 Alderman Bell expressed appreciation to the many citizens that have engaged ...
  83. 6. Committee recommends approval of a plan of acquisition of 4100 East State Street by the Rockford Board of Library Trustees. (LAID OVER JULY 20, 2026) 26-00835 Laid Over
  84. 7. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Violent Crime Victims Assistance (VCVA) Grant Award in the amount of $63,505.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to fund continued support for a full-time Front-Line Crisis Navigator. 26-00843 Adopted Pass
  85. 8. Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Department of Justice (DOJ)/Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Grant to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program Award, Fiscal Year 2025 in the amount of $500,000.00. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029. The grant award, if accepted, will be used to fund one full-time Family Peace Center Legal Advocate and one part-time Case Manager. 26-00844 Adopted Pass
  86. 9. Award of Bid: South Pierpont Avenue Resurfacing 2026 to T.C.I. Concrete, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $503,373.43. The contract duration is through October 9, 2026. The funding source is Lincolnwood TIF Funds. 26-00886 Adopted Pass
  87. 10. Approval of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant-Funded Subrecipient Agreement with Rosecrance (2003) in an amount not to exceed $193,320.00. The agreement term is from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. If approved, the funds will be used to provide eligible clients with housing and supportive services, and administrative costs. 26-00887 Adopted Pass
  88. 11. Approval of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant-Funded Subrecipient Agreement with Rosecrance (Consolidated) in an amount not to exceed $1,049,712.00. The agreement term is from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. If approved, the funds will be used to provide eligible clients with housing and supportive services, and administrative costs. 26-00888 Adopted Pass
  89. 12. Acceptance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care Rosecrance Consolidated Grant Award in the amount of $1,074,080.00. The grant does require a cost match in the amount of $268,520.00, which will be provided by Rosecrance. The grant term is from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. If accepted, the funds will be used to provide tenant-based rental assistance and administrative costs. 26-00889 Adopted Pass
  90. 13. Acceptance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care Rosecrance 2003 Grant Award in the amount of $201,379.00. The grant does require a cost match in the amount of $50,344.75, which will be provided by Rosecrance. The grant term is from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. If accepted, the funds will be used to provide tenant-based rental assistance and administrative costs. 26-00890 Adopted Pass
  91. XI. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
  92. A. Code and Regulation Committee
  93. 1. An ordinance approving the Sale of Packaged Liquor (Class PKG) in conjunction with a grocery store in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2614 and 2600 Kilburn Avenue (Somabhai Patel/Shiv Dristi, LLC dba Jasmine Pantry/Applicants), subject to conditions. 26-00812 Adopted Pass
  94. 2. An ordinance related to the Annexation of 14xx Edson Road, 15xx Edson Road, 16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. 26-00791 Adopted Pass
  95. 3. An ordinance related to the Annexation Agreement for 14xx, 15xx and 16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. 26-00792 Adopted Pass
  96. 4. An ordinance related to the Zoning Map Amendment from County AG to I-3, Airport Industrial Zoning District at 14xx, 15xx, and 16xx Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street (Venture One Acquisitions, LLC/Applicants). 26-00793 Adopted Pass
  97. B. Planning and Development Committee
  98. 1. An ordinance approving the Funding Agreement with Goodwill in partnership with IBEW Local 364 for Electrical Workers Trades Program to better prepare individuals for IBEW application process in the amount of $85,172.00. The funding source is Casino Funds. 26-00785 Held out
  99. 2. An ordinance approving the termination of the Global Trade Park South Redevelopment Project Area and the Dissolution of the Special Tax Allocation Fund for Global Trade Park South Tax Increment Financing District. 26-00783 Adopted Pass
  100. 3. An ordinance approving the South Rockford Industrial Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area. 26-00784 Adopted Pass
  101. 4. An ordinance designating the South Rockford Industrial Redevelopment Project Area. 26-00786 Adopted Pass
  102. 5. An ordinance adopting Tax Increment Allocation Financing for the South Rockford Industrial Redevelopment Project Area. 26-00787 Adopted Pass
  103. C. Finance and Personnel Committee
  104. 1. An ordinance approving the request to use up to $200,000.00 of Casino Funds to assist in qualified relocation funds. 26-00864 Adopted Pass
  105. 2. An ordinance approving the sale of the city-owned property located at 218 South Independence Avenue (PIN: 11-21-285-004) under the City’s Mow-to-Own Program to Christie C. Williams. 26-00865 Adopted Pass
  106. D. Legislative and Lobbying Committee
  107. 1. An ordinance approving the renewal of a Professional Services Contract with Zephyr Government Strategies for $10,000.00 per month for the City of Rockford’s 2026 Lobbying Services. 26-00866 Adopted Pass
  108. XII. ADJOURNMENT
  109. 94 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.
  110. 109 Alderman Frost 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 9:08 p.m.

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