City Council - Regular Meeting

This evening, we are fortunate that we have Pastor Chad McKenna of St. Mark's Lutheran Church to provide us with an invocation. And Pastor, there's one microphone due to our technology difficulties that we have been having. It's just right over there. Thank you.

Right. Oh, is this on?

God our Creator, as we the people of Rockford and its elected officials gather this evening, we pray that wisdom and compassion prevail in all decisions. With technology rapidly transforming languages, relationships, institutions, and forms of power, we pray that your people choose, in the words of Pope Leo XIV, which projects to work on and in what manner so as to safeguard and value the grandeur of humanity that has been given to us as a gift. We pray for our neighbors, both human and otherwise, that all creatures would thrive in our city and our county. We pray for our water table and our rivers, that they remain healthy for generations to come. And on this first night of Pride Month, we give thanks for the many ways our community chooses equality over inequality, inclusion over exclusion, and invitation over exploitation. And we pray with hope for the day when all people can live fully as they have been created, to be celebrated and loved in communities rooted in compassion, We lift up all these things in the name of our Creator. Amen.

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Clerk, could you please call the roll?

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We have a quorum this evening just want to remind council in the public we have had some Technology difficulties specifically with our audio. So when we get to the public speakers, there is one Microphone on the back my back left your back right of council chambers that is transmitting for our YouTube and online features For council members, just ask that you would speak up. We have microphones set throughout the chamber so that your audio can be caught for our online features as well, but ask that you speak up so we can all hear you. Is there a motion to approve the journal of proceedings for the special city council meeting held on May 11th, 2026? We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say aye. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed? OK. Next, we have one proclamation this evening for Pride Month. We're fortunate this evening that we have members of our kaleidoscope employee resource group with us to receive the proclamation. Whereas the city of Rockford is committed to ensuring the right of every citizen to experience equality and live free from discrimination in a more inclusive and just society. And whereas the city of Rockford embraces and welcomes all people of diverse backgrounds as a critical aspect of fostering a vibrant community. And whereas, the city of Rockford will continue to support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, aro, and ace citizens, not only in June and Pride Month, but throughout all of the year. Our LGBTQI plus citizens help contribute to the city's life, prosperity, and overall well-being while continuing to fight for their rights and the rights of other marginalized groups. And whereas, we gratefully acknowledge the city of Rockford's employee resource group, kaleidoscope, city departments, and community organizations who have helped bring LGBTQIA plus history and community stories as well as educational materials to help us all be more consciously aware of the LGBTQI plus impact on Rockford. And whereas the city of Rockford stands proudly with its citizens, organizations, and employees as they work to improve the services and rights of the community. Now, therefore, I, Thomas P. McNamara, as the mayor of the city of Rockford, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2026 to be Pride Month. Would you like to share a few words?

Sure. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for your continued support of our community, for the employer resource groups that you've helped bring to the city through HR. We just appreciate everything that you do.

Appreciate you. Is there events? Do you have anything this weekend that we should know about?

This weekend, yes. We're going to have the Pride Parade that's going to be going down State Street, and then we'll also be having Pride Fest.

Fantastic. Awesome. Thank you so much. Appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we're going to move to petitions and communications. We'll go to Planning and Development Committee and Alderwoman Neal.

Thank you, Governor. Item 1 is a memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed funding agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions to expand the and all items will be referred to committee. Item two was a memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, city administrator, regarding a proposed funding agreement with Goodwill in partnership with IBEW Local 364 for electrical workers trade program to better prepare individuals for the IBEW application process. Item three, memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, city administrator, regarding a proposed funding agreement with farmers rising in partnership with City Center Market for the establishment of a mobile grocery store. Item 4 is a memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed funding agreement with City Foundation for Early Bird Social Work Development Program at Auburn High School. Item 5 is a memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator, regarding a proposed funding agreement with Zion West for Youth Training and Mowing Program to better prepare individuals for future opportunities. Item 6 is a memorandum from Joshua Versalize, Assistant City Attorney, easement to comment at 850 South Forest Avenue. Item seven is a memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding the proposed development agreement for 1322 East Bay Street.

Thank you. Next, we're going to go to Code and Regulation Committee and Alderman Bell.

Thank you, Mayor. We have six items under Code and Regulations Committee. Item 1, Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, regarding authorization to allow the zoning officer to file text amendments for multiple sections of the zoning ordinance referred to Code and Regulations Committee. Item two, memorandum from Scott Capavilla, planning and zoning manager regarding plat number five of Wood Hill subdivision, referred to Code and Regulations Committee. Item number three, traffic commission's agenda for the meeting to be held on June 10, 2026. Admittance from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulations Committee meeting on June 22, 2026, referred to the Code and Regulations Committee. Item number four, memorandum from Martin Bloom, project manager, permits and special events. regarding a program renewal request for the River District Association and City of Rockford Street Parklet program, referred to the Code and Regulations Committee. Item number five, memorandum from Alderman Tamir Bell regarding proposed amendments to the committee chair and vice chair selection process, referred to the Code and Regulations Committee. Item number six, memorandum from Angela Hammer, lead director, regarding a proposed lift assist ordinance, referred to the Code and Regulations Committee.

Thank you. Next, we'll go to Finance and Personnel Committee and Alderman Frost.

Thank you, Adam. These will all be referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee. Number one is a amendment from Shreeves-Hunter regarding proposed revision to the City of Rockford Rules and Regulations. Number two is a amendment from Todd Cagnoni regarding the allocation of funding for a community healing center, trauma-informed services for youth impacted by violence in Rockford. Number three is also from Mr. Cagnoni regarding a request for allocation and reallocation of cannabis dollars for Health and Human Services Department. Number four is a memorandum from Angela Hammer regarding a MOU through the city and the Board of Education for school resource officers. Number five is a memorandum from Olin Carter regarding the recommendation for funding for a HUD emergency solution. Number six is a memorandum from Olin Carter regarding acceptance of a grant award for DCEO. governmental grant. Number seven is the memorandum of Olin Carter regarding acceptance of the homeless system capacity expansion pilot program. Number eight is also from Olin Carter regarding the acceptance of two grant awards for weatherization, PY27. And nine is the memorandum from Todd Cagnoli regarding the allocation of $200,000 in partnership with The Rave to reduce user costs for community events at Davis Park. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, we'll go to legislative and lobbying and Alderman Prenti. Thank you. Next, we'll move to our public speakers. We have five public speakers this evening. want to remind our public speakers there's a microphone on the my back left your back right uh you'll have three minutes to address the city council uh at the end of your time i'll ask that you close your comments and our first speaker this evening is ren medina hey so i don't know if you can tell that's inaccessible so somebody could open this back door for me absolutely

Making a deal with the devil always comes with a price, council, and you can no longer double it and pass it to us. Rockford has a long history of profiting off the murder of children and innocent humans all over the world, starting right here in our own backyards. You use our city as an excellent pawn for helping war-hungry pedophiles. Rockford has been involved in sustaining every world war as our economy continues to be hinged on war's existence. It might not be making screws this time that hold together the war machines, but data centers and out-of-state investors exploiting our communities. Still Tom parades around the political stage to say that Rockford's an incredible place to live. But it's not your family who will die from the eco-waste, Tom. It's mine. Seven minutes from the proposed TIF district and inevitable data center you continue to gaslight us all about. It is the birds who frequent the area for migration yearly. It is our children who rely heavily on water sources that are healthy and clean. Much like the crops we're forced to grow because food prices are so high and there is not an affordable grocery store in my part of town at all. We are begging you to stop. Industrialization deals with big tech are already demanding more of our money and more of our farmland while the people of Rockford never receive the supposed benefits our city leaders promise. We get higher utility bills, astronomical living costs, and we're left out to dry. We've been paying a price for your gain we're not willing to pay any longer. We want clean water. We want to hear the birds in the morning and wish them safe travels every fall. We do not want the noise and the light pollution that will make our disabilities significantly worse. We want to live a quiet, peaceful life. Don't give Rockford's beauty to another smoke screen. We implore you to hear us and say no to the TIF district and any associated developments. Say no to the expansion of industrialization and the death of our ecosystems and public physical and mental health. Rockford deserves a better future. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Our next public speaker this evening is Maggie Watson. Our next public speaker this evening is Maggie Watson. Is Maggie Watson with us? OK. We'll move to our next speaker and come back. Our next public speaker is John Tack Brantley.

Good evening, Mayor. Can you hear me? Good evening, our audience and our citizens of Rockville, Illinois. I'm blown away about 250th anniversary for the United States of America. United States of America was not founded. It was conquered, and it was raped, And they told lies. They've been telling lies ever since. And when we use, for example, right now, Donald Trump want to take $5 billion to make gold out of horses on Washington, DC, when he cut the food program and he cut a social social program. You looked around and after, uh, first of all, let me back up. I want to thank Jay. from Rockford Power District. Four years ago, he said, anything that you need, Brother John, let me know. He came through. Now we have the Lutheran Diocese blessing us. We have the Catholic Diocese blessing us. Now I stand with them wholeheartedly. Did y'all learn anything from Flint, Michigan? Why would you want to build a plant on Camp Grant? Camp Grant was founded where they housed the World War II and World War I African-American soldiers. On top of that, you had 2,500 POWs at Camp Grant. Half of Camp Grant was loaned to the airport. The other part was loaned to the woods. They sold part of the plant grant to the woods. That plant grant should not be the place to put whatever it is that she's talking about, the data center. Camp Grant should have a monument there. On top of that, the only place the African-Americans could go was Booker Washington Reservation. Booker Washington Reservation. They couldn't go to the downtown area. They couldn't go across the river. It wasn't until 1979, the early 80s, before a black police officer could arrest a white person without a white officer being there. It wasn't until your father was in office before we could even go across the bridge. How dare you give funds for the casino, you give funds for the Peace and Justice Center, Then you open up a store that's owned by foreigners. Every grocery store, liquor store, and gas station is owned by foreigners. What happened to you helping Opossum Brown with the Rockford Memorial Hospital? It's the first hospital that was here in Rockford. You help others but not help us. Our shortcoming is, and I'm looking at y'all, because we don't vote. You see all the white people sitting here? They come together. You see the Hispanics? They come together. Our black people, we do not come together. And then you have a lady that every time when I get ready to speak, she say is fool. First, she used to say, well, you can't talk. So we don't want to hear what you got to say.

Thank you.

I'm going to be back. But I'm very highly disappointed with her blocking me from speaking.

Thank you. Our next... Our next public speaker this evening is Patty Bremer. Patty, if you're able.

My name is Patty Bremer. I'm here against the data center. And if it passes, it will crush the public trust and our local leaders. I object to the questionable secretive land acquisitions which are happening to the zoning department. I'm concerned about a disaster plan for the data center, what will happen to us residents. Illinois state lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday that enacts critical protections against the most catastrophic risks that the AI systems pose to public safety. The bill will require developers to be transparent and comply to industry studies and give the chance of catastrophic risk. This was past Wednesday. Recently, the data center has been in the works for years. Winnebago County Chairman Joseph Gerarelli stated, the proposal is a result of long-term coordination. It's taken several years of working together with federal, local, and state delegation. He described it as a wonderful addition and said the county is doing everything possible to make it a reality. I had a wonderful talk with a mayor today asking about what our disaster policy is, which is the same question I submitted last week. And he said, we don't have one because without an official proposal, we can't make one. So I find that odd. I've only heard about this data center for maybe six weeks, but this has been in the works for years. Also, it will terribly deprive our drinking water. Under state law, there is an access to safe and cleaning drinking water is a right of all Illinois residents. Providers are required to maintain transparency. If a contaminant is found, they've got to notice people within 30 days. So, the side effects of data centers on humans and animals. Physical and psychological side effects include anxiety, depression, the feeling of being, this is what people have stated they have gone through, the feeling of being microwaved.

Thank you, Ms. Bremer.

From the inside out.

Thank you.

Was that my three minutes?

It was. OK. Thank you so much. Our next public speaker this evening is Robert Pace.

I'm going to start with my ending statement since I want to make sure I don't run out of time. I'm requesting that all data center-related reviews and votes be placed on a six-month moratorium. This includes any approvals related to that proposed data center. This will provide enough time for our elected officials to become very familiar and knowledgeable about what these data centers are really all about. Data centers are in place to micromanage all of our activities from travel to finance to social network presence. These data centers' main function is to evaluate our activities and measure them against the pre-approved behaviors the owners of these surveillance centers create. They are part of the social credit scoring system that will determine what we as individuals will be allowed to access. The new monetary system soon to be announced will be a digital system, and our money will have programmability. That means that they can determine what we can and can't buy. These technocrats running these government-approved systems will be able to tell us how and where we can spend our money. These data centers are not a benign instrument. We will lose our autonomy over our lives, as well as the globalist vision of the future they're creating becomes our realities. These data centers are about shaping our behaviors. Everything we do will be evaluated. This new system of government will also be about permissions. It's all about the new technocracies that is soon to become our new governance system. That is if we allow it to happen. Thank you.

Thank you. Is Maggie Watson with us? Maggie Watson. OK. Thank you. Next, we'll go to new committee reports. We have nothing under planning and development, so we'll go to Code and Regulation Committee and Alderman Bell.

Thank you, Mayor. We have five items under new committee reports. Item one, committee recommends approval of the final plat number one of South Avon subdivision for the property located at the southwest corner of South Avon Street and Chestnut Street and the southeast corner of Short Elm Street and South Avon Street. Item number two, committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation of Approval for a special use permit for the outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles. And B, variation to eliminate concrete or asphalt paving and replace with gravel for outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles area in an I-1 light industrial zoning district at 3382 South Alpine Road. Kamal Abedrabo is the applicant subject to conditions. Item number three, committee recommends approval Sustaining Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation of a special use permit for a planned unit development consisting of a mixed-use development of 350 residential dwelling units with lower-level parking, a courtyard with open space and recreational facilities, and three freestanding commercial buildings in a C2 limited commercial zoning district at 53XX East State Street. Place boundary for Kevin Olson Is the applicant subject to conditions? Item number four, committee recommends denial of the sale of liquor by the drink class L50 in conjunction with a video gaming facility in a C3 general commercial zoning district at 3011 Auburn Street. Stacey Johnson, Fat Daddy's Gaming Hall, LLC, doing business as Fat Daddy's Gaming Hall. Are the applicants thus reversing the Liquor and Tobacco Advice Report? Item number five, committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board of Appeals approval for the sale of liquor by the drink class, class MGL, in conjunction with an event space in an R4 multifamily residential zoning district at 716 Thank You council we have five items before us is there any discussion on those five items alderman frost Either

Is this the one that was mentioned that there is a provision in there that it would be paid by November 2026?

I think that's one. Director Hammer, was that accurate that it would be paid by November?

Yes, that's correct. Is there any reason why the paving can't take place now when the plants are open?

I believe the issue was they just paved a portion of the property recently due to the cost they were asking for

Okay, Alderman Bell.

On item two, Your Honor, I just want to ask this question. I think I asked maybe a week ago offline, but I just want to ask again for clarification. This part that is not paved is in the back part of the facility, is that correct?

Is it visual to the street or the customers understood director hammer Alderman Toomberg then alderwoman Neal Thanks mayor Item to be so if we vote in favor of this

it specifically states to eliminate concrete or asphalt paving and replace with gravel so if we vote for this is that in the agreement that even though we're voting for this for them to have gravel that they still must complete that by november director hammer thank you that's correct it is a condition of approval that it must be paved by november

We have a motion we have a second on a Changing that denial to an approval. So then if that goes forward a yes as a yes and no as a no Is there any discussion on that change? those in favor of that change say aye those opposed okay we have one opposed to that no two three opposed to that still passes is there any other discussion on the five items before us clerk could you please call the roll

Sogal.

Aye.

Meeks. Aye. Bell.

No on 4, aye on the rest.

Items 1, 2, 3, 12 ayes. Item number 4, 8 ayes, 3 noes. Item 5, 11 ayes, 1 noe.

Thank you. Next, we're going to go to Finance and Personnel Committee and Alderman Frost.

Thank you, Aaron. Number one, the committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $13,402,796.72 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting, which was held on May 26, 2026.

Thank you. Counsel, there's two items before you. Is there any discussion on those two items? Alderwoman Meeks.

Thank you so much, Your Honor. I feel like item number two for the supplemental appropriation is by Christmas time for me, and I just want a little bit more time to review it. So I'd like to make a motion to lay over item number two.

There's a motion to lay over item number two. Is there any? Second. There's a motion and there's a second. That'll be automatically laid over. We're down to one item. Is there any discussion on the one item remaining? Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Jersey. Aye. Logeman. Aye.

Excellent. Next, we're going to go to unfinished business. Committee reports laid over. And go back to Alderman Bell.

Thank you, Mayor. We have one item under unfinished business. over item one committee recommends approval of the special use permit for a planned unit development consisting of four four unit buildings and two eight unit buildings in an r1 single family residential zoning district at 515 south alpine road uh sahar kasim is the applicant thus reversing the zoning board of appeals recommendation of denial subject to conditions laid over may 18 2026 and uh before i finish uh This development was amended to be six four units We have one item before you for clarification to that item mr. Cagnone could you outline?

What the item is before council?

Yes, Your Honor. As Alderman Bell had stated, the original proposal was for four four-unit buildings and two eight-unit buildings. They have amended that plan by submitting a revised site plan and stating such to the Zoning Office. Thank you, is there any discussion older woman meets Mr. Cagnone Not where property is being developed Is

can anyone tell me like the distance of where the flood area is and will the development in any way impact the issues that currently exist along keep creek here so our development team you know reviewed the proposal that would include the zoning office and the public works office and recommended approval as not having any negative

Alderman Beach.

Thank you, Your Honor, for giving my voice tonight. First of all, I want to say thank you to the council for the patience in laying this over so there could be further discussion. I also want to thank all the people that sent notes to me asking this to not go through. Because as a result of that, I think there's been great compromise that has come as a result. And so we certainly will be supporting the compromise that's here, and I wanted to say that thank you to this council. As I have it, I didn't talk to Todd or to you, Your Honor, but the proposal now is only 24 attached single family homes, plus existing home at the top of the hill. which I wish I could own, the nice house up there. The proposed plan leaves the wooded limestone bluff undisturbed. The corner of Alpine and Larson is set aside for stormwater retention such that nothing will ever be built on that corner, which was a concern of many people. adjacent to the park undisturbed. The new driveway, as was originally proposed, is being placed further to the west from the intersection of Larson and Elkhine, making traffic even easier to come in and out. So I wanted to say Thank you sir other discussion on the one item before you Alderman Durkee Director hammer

It just recently took place We will circulate an updated report to reflect

No, there's six four unit attached homes individual homes

I believe that's what he said. I had a hard time catching it, but I believe that's what he said.

Okay. I thought I heard the number 24, but I get where the number 24 comes from.

Okay.

Thank you. Thank you.

Alderman Bell. Just curious, would it be proper to make an amendment to this item to reflect what we are actually voting on?

Director Hammer.

Yes, if there is a motion to amend the item to reflect six four-unit buildings and strike four four-unit buildings into eight-unit buildings, that would be helpful for transparency and clarification.

Can I move exactly what she said? You can.

So we have a motion. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. Director Hammer, could you repeat it one more time for clarity for all the council?

Yes. to replace six-unit buildings and strike four four-unit buildings and two eight-unit buildings.

Thank you. We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion on the amendment? Alderman Beach.

Thank you, Your Honor. Do we need them? all that criminal amendment?

Director Hammer.

That would be helpful. I have not received information about

Alderman Beach before you get into that. Do you mind just we'll clean this up and then we'll come back and add that to it Thank you, sir We'll add if it's okay with counsel my thought is take what director hammer stated a Vote on that and then we'll come back and we'll allow you to make another amendment and you can include all of that Is that under fair and understand? I just want to make sure it's clear for everyone what they are Alderman Bell

I'll speak for myself, but I think that we should get it cleaned up prior to moving forward at all. I don't know what council thinks.

Understood. Would it be okay with city council if we provide this in writing to Director Hammer? Director Hammer would have some time. We have a number of items coming up. We can come back to this item with it in writing before you.

Okay.

OK. With your permission, we will go on to officers' reports, and we'll hold that amended item. Any opposition to that? OK. Next, we'll go to officers' reports. Alderman Neal? Or Alderman Dirk?

Hey, I just wanted to talk to the folks in the room. I did talk to Mark Bonney today. He did send his regards to everybody. He's doing well. He also wanted me to tell you that everybody that took care of him were Republicans, so he's changing his party. He is doing very well, making good progress.

He already made it clear.

Thank you. Other reports? Alderwoman Prunty.

of the class of 2026.

I look forward to, I hope you are looking forward to the next phase of your journey, and I wish you well. Thank you.

Thank you. Alderman Tarina.

Thank you. A couple things. First, Fifth Ward Walkers was a six-week walking club that we created in partnership with the Park District. It's gone really, really well. Would you give me? But it's been going great and the final week, this is the final week, so if you're interested in coming to walk in a safe environment on the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex track, that'll be open this Thursday, June 4th, from 4.30 to 6.30. I also want to announce my next ward meeting. And that will be Thursday, July 2nd at 5.30 p.m. And that will be held at the Montague Street Library.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Other reports? Alderman Meeks.

Thank you so much. Just want to... Remind everyone that the Juneteenth celebration is coming up on June 19th at Cinesipi Park. I don't have the information in front of me, but I'm just going to base it off of many years of knowledge. 1 p.m. Cinesipi Park every year. And then the premier performance of Cameo will be held at the Hard Rock Casino beginning at 7 p.m. So just want to throw that out there. I hope anyone that can make it. This is an event for everyone. So we hope that everyone can attend. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Other reports? Alderman Bell, then Alderman Neal.

Sure. I had a few. I'll just give one. I'm super excited to partner with the Rockford Fire Department on Thursday, June 11th at 11 a.m. to 12 30 at Rockford Fire Department Station 6 at 3329 West State Street for Firefighter for a Day. You all will be getting an email from me, but just really quick, you'll have an opportunity to put on gear and go through a obstacle course and learn a little bit more about what our firefighters go through on a daily basis as well as it's an opportunity for us to highlight the launch or opening of the application process starting I believe today, Chief, right? June 1st or is it June 9th? Coming up next week. So June 11th, I'll be sending out the information to all of you here coming up in the next day or so.

Alderman Neal.

Thank you, Your Honor. I just wanted to give a major shout out to State of the Mind Institute. Kevin Thomas and his team threw an amazing mental health awareness event this weekend called Shades of Green at the Rockford Public Library. They had a great turnout. They had great speakers. And I just love the atmosphere and everything was said in that room. So I just wanted to give a shout out to them for putting on an awesome event.

Thank you. Alderman Beach, then Alderman Meeks,

I was just wondering if Alderman Bell went up on that ladder like you did.

He should. He'll have the opportunity, it sounds like. Alderman Meeks.

Mayor, can I ask a question on the floor? Can you tell me if the date was confirmed when the South Industrial TIF will come back to the Planning and Development Committee?

Thank you. Mr. Cagnoni, do you have a confirmation of a date of when that TIF would come back?

We anticipate that we will be prepared to refer it two weeks from tonight. So it will be estimated in three-ish weeks.

Can you give that date? I'm sorry.

Thank you. Any other reports? Alderman Bell?

One more, sorry. I just wanted, today I had the opportunity, and thank you to each of you who came out. I know I saw a whole lot of them. uh granted mayor i saw you in passing chief um chief fred thank you for coming out and um the community healing center at the irving strong house hosted their annual summer block party amazing opportunity for our young kids in the 13th board and the surrounding area to come out and have a block party with all the good food and resources um we had a chance to play basketball on the nice court they have in the backyard and thanks to the arts council for their support in painting that mural on the court so i wanted to say that and since it's in front of us national night out if chief wasn't gonna say it sorry sorry for stealing your thunder uh but august 4 2026 i hope to see everybody out there thank you any other reports next or alderwoman neil

South main Mercado's on Sunday, there's a pride parade and pride party on Saturday One with a host of other events taking place this weekend any other reports?

Alderman Bell. No? You looked like you.

I said one. I gave three. I will. Okay. Fine. Number four. I had an opportunity to just want to give a public thanks to Gold Rock Group in their work with Iron Man. I've had many, many complaints from pastors in churches throughout my ward and on the west side. As last year, it was... A bit difficult to get to church on Sunday, and thanks to Gold Rockford, they're helping with coordinating logistically with our police department to ensure that our churches, our majority of them at least, can have worship on Sunday. I also want to just highlight, I know our public works director is not here and I'll be talking to him offline about this, but the River District in our meeting this morning, thank you Alderman Goldman for also being in attendance at the River District meeting, but there's a desire for signage as it relates to the panhandling and so we'd love to get some signage in the downtown area as we've seen a increase in panhandling in the downtown area and while I'm on signage asked a few times about dumping signs and Looking forward to having those here in the next week or two.

Thanks any other reports OK. Next, we'll go to appointments. There's a number of appointments. We have appointment of Frank Buckman to the Fire Pension Board for a term ending April 2029. We have appointment of Brad Benedict to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending June 2029. appointment of LaFakiria Rauter to the library board, replacing Henrietta Dotson-Williams. Appointment will be effective July 2026 and run the remainder of that through June 2029. Then appointment of Stephanie Neeson to the library board replacing Colleen O'Brien. The appointment will be for a term effective July 2026 through June of 2029. We have an appointment of Michael Vasconis to the library board for a term ending June 2029. Appointment of Greg Harley to the mechanical board for a term ending June 2031 appointment of Roberta holds worth to the Rockford area venues and Entertainment Authority board for a term ending June 2031 we have appointment of Brian Kruski to the traffic commission to fill vacancy created by the resignation of Don Bissell and that will be it for a term ending October of 2026 and Appointment of Tom Okita to the Traffic Commission for term ending May 2031. Appointment of Craig Sockwell to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Liquor Tobacco Advisory Board for a term ending June 2031. Is there any discussion on the items before you? Alderman Meeks. So several so several of these all the one makes we recently approved I'll say within the last eight months They were finishing terms of people who had left There's a number of them in this group alderman

Kind of answers what I'm going to say. Just in quick math, 70% of these are reappointments. And thank you all for asking that question to give some clarity for myself. I guess from a marketing standpoint, and again, to have these conversations offline about marketing, but would love to get a post out on social media and maybe in your monthly email about openings for these commissions.

Yeah, we took your advice, did that last time, and got several. And would love ideas from council as well. That's a good idea. Any other discussion? Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Durkee?

Aye.

Logeman? Aye. Tuber?

Aye.

Frost?

Aye.

Tarina? No.

I'm going to say aye on three and ten, no on the rest.

Frenzy.

Aye.

Neal. Aye. Granite. Aye. Beach.

Aye.

Sogato.

Aye.

Meeks. Aye. Duff. Aye. And one, two, eleven, nine, ten.

Excellent next we'll go to motions and resolutions. We have nothing under planning and development committee and we'll go to code and regulation committee and alderman belt

Thank you, we have two items. Number one, committee recommends approval of the Rockford Fire 9-1-1 run. This event is scheduled for June 6th from 8.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The run will be held at 391 North Trainer Road. Item two, committee recommends approval of Cyclone Second Street and the I-DOT resolution. This event is scheduled for September 13th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Roads will be closed at 7 a.m. The route will be as follows, southbound on North Second Street, I'm Illinois 251 from Auburn Street to East 8th Street. I place these two items before you.

Council, we have two items before us. Is there any discussion on those two items? Clerk, will you please call the roll? Durkee. Aye.

Liegeman. Aye. Toomer.

Aye. Frost.

Aye. Tarina. Aye. Princey. Aye. Neal.

Aye. Granite. Aye. Beach. Aye. Delgado.

Aye.

Weeks.

Aye.

Bell.

Aye.

Next, we'll go to Finance and Personnel Committee and Alderman Frost.

Thank you, Aaron. Number one is award of joint purchasing contract for police vehicle computers, docking stations, printers, and components of CVS office technologies in the amount of $153,000. and the police department capital budget. Number two is the award of joint purchasing contract for Panasonic laptop bundle and extended warranty for field training officers to CBS in the amount of $36,900. This is also a one-time purchase. Funding source is the police operating budget. Number three is the award of joint purchasing contract for police vehicles equipment installation to Dana Safety Supply in the amount of $439,388. This is a one-time purchase. joint purchasing contract for police radar privates and custom signals in the amount of $39,870.46. This is a one-time purchase and the funding source is a capital lease fund. Number five is a change order to activate Church Street and Main Street two-way conversion to GMT infrastructure. The original contract was $799,242.56, and this proposed supplement number two is for $708,236.27, bringing the amended contract total to $1,859,000. The change order includes additional consultant services for right-of-way acquisition, appraisal, and land acquisition negotiations, title commitments, and right-of-way plans for approximately 42 parcels along the corridor, as well as additional survey and design work required to address IDOT review comments related to drainage plans, ADA ramps, and maintenance of traffic plans. The funding sources are the 1% infrastructure sales tax and the state of Illinois jurisdictional transfer funds.

Thank you. Council, any discussion on the five items before you? Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Durkee. Aye. Bozeman. Aye. Tubert.

Aye.

Ross.

No 1-5. Aye.

Aye. Beach?

No, I'm five. Aye.

Salgado? Aye. Meeks? No, I'm five. Aye. Russ?

Bell?

Oh, aye.

Items one through four, 12 ayes. Item five is seven ayes.

Next we'll go to new business. We have nothing under planning and development. We'll go to code and regulation committee and alderman Bell

Four items before us. Item one, an ordinance approving a special use permit for the outdoor storage of an operable passenger vehicles in variation to eliminate concrete or asphalt paving and replace with gravel for outdoor storage of operable passenger vehicles area in an I-1 light industrial zoning district. At 3382 South Alpine Road, Kamal Abedravo is the applicant, item number two, an ordinance approving a special use permit for a planned unit development consisting of a mixed use development of 350 residential dwelling units with a lower level parking in a courtyard with open space and recreational facilities and three freestanding commercial buildings and a c2 limited commercial zoning district at 53 xx the state street place boundary for kevin olsen is the applicant item number three an ordinance approving the sale of liquor by the drink class ngl in conjunction with an event space In our form multi-family residential zoning district at 716 and 7xx Indian Avenue Sean Cox Elizabeth Cox copper lantern LLC doing businesses copper lantern Are the advocates item number four?

So council we have three items before us is there any discussion on those three items I Alderman Bell.

Yeah, just having, I mean, in committee and the last time we just voted on it today, haven't heard anything about the 350 unit development. Just want to say as a regent myself, super excited about this development along East State Street. I'm very confident that it will help attract more students to Rockford University and also those coming into our community or those who want to maybe downsize or and move into these units. So super excited about this massive development along East H. Thanks.

Alderman Meeks.

I may have just missed this, but was there a proposed rent for the 350 units that the proposal for the rent would be?

Director Lies.

It's market rate, right? So we're not amounts included, but it'd be market rate.

So when we say it's market rate, what does that mean? Is there a number average for our community?

What does that mean? It basically means when the units are live or ready to be rented, the owner would look at what the average is in that area for a one-bedroom, a two-bedroom, and a three and set the rent that way. It's not limited like when you're using federal funds in some way or that. You could go under a certain amount. They don't have a limit. They have to function on it.

Okay, so and we don't have an idea of what the average would be in that East State Street area? I do not. I could look into that for you, though. I guess, yeah, maybe if I could just get like a comparison of what, say, the Versailles apartments are going for and just kind of get an understanding of. Sure. I think this is great and I'm not. Alderman Trina then Alderman Beach

Alderman Beach.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other discussion on the three items before you? Alderman Frost.

I just had a question. The item that was reversed of property at 3011 Auburn Street under a new . Does that need to wait until next week?

It waits until the next week.

Thank you.

Any other discussion? Clerk, will you please call the roll on the three items?

Dirksen.

Aye. Excuse me. Aye.

Logan? Aye. Tuber?

Aye.

Frost?

Aye.

Tarina? Aye. Frenzy? Aye. Neal?

Aye.

Granite? Aye. Beech?

No, I'm free.

Salgado?

Aye.

Meeks? Aye. Bells?

Aye.

Items 1, 2, 12 ayes. Item 3, 11 ayes, 1 no. Thank you.

Hammer is it okay if I move beyond the fourth item and go to finance and personnel if the council does not oh You're right. Thank you. So that item has been laid over director hammer. Do you need additional time? So council we're gonna distribute the amended item and we are gonna go backwards and We're going back to the unfinished business committee reports laid over under code and regulation committee. We'll allow council some time to review it. We'll give council a minute to review it, and then we'll have Alderman Bell read it in. Appreciate your patience with this one. It's been a fluid development, and I'm excited that we're getting it to a point. Before everyone.

Thank you.

So again, thank you for your patience on that and the work as Alderman Beach outlined previously, the patience and the work that's been done to get it to the point that it is right now. Alderman Bell, could you read it in in its entirety for council under unfinished business committee reports laid over?

Sure, just really quick for a point of clarification. We did not vote to amend this verdict, did we?

Did not so well ultimately need an amendment to this item So if you could my understanding correct me if I'm wrong You should read in the originally listed item and then we'll need a motion To amend which is what is in the newest document that you have in your hand So you're asking if I can read it from its original package. That's my understanding Thank you, sir

We're under unfinished business committee reports laid over item one Committee recommends approval of the special use permit for a planned unit development consisting of four four-unit buildings and two eight-unit buildings in an R1 single-family residential zoning district at 515 South Alpine Road. Zahara Kassim is the applicant, thus reversing the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation of denial subject to conditions laid over May 18, 2026. And I'll move to make a motion to amend this plan unit development for an R1 single family residential zoning district for the property described as 515 South Alpine Road to be a six, four unit development. with these following conditions. One, must meet all applicable building and fire codes. Two, the planned unit development shall consist of six four-unit buildings. Three, submittal of a civil engineering plan for roadway site development and drainage for staff's review and approval. Four, submittal of a stormwater management plan for staff's review and approval. Five, submittal of a detailed landscape plan for staff's review and approval. 6. Submittal of a planned unit development final plan for staff's review and approval. 7. Must develop buildings in accordance with most recent proposed elevation submitted as Exhibit E and H. 8. The new driveway must be placed farther from the intersection at Larson. Alpine than the existing driveway, making traffic easier for ingress and egress. 9. The proposed plat must leave the wooded limestone bluff undisturbed. 10. The corner of Alpine and Larson is set aside for stormwater retention such that nothing will be built on the corner by the stoplight. 11. The proposed plat must leave the wooded perimeter adjacent to the park undisturbed.

So we have a motion is there a second We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion on that item before us?

alderman bets Just want to make sure to the alderman in the tenth award that this Motion in the amendment aligns with what you believe should be Alderman Beach

Thank you under number 10 should be by what corner Director hammer He said on item 10 should we identify what corner Yes, I don't have that information So if someone would provide that, we would identify it

Does one of our staff have the ability to look up that corner on their Google so they can tell us the street so we can add that corner in for Alderman Beach?

I believe it's for the site plan. Oh, thank you.

Any other discussion? So we have a motion and a second to amend this item. All those in favor of amending this item, please say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed? So now we have one item before us that's been amended that you pretty much just voted on. Is there any discussion on the one item before you? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Okay. Now we are going to fast forward. And again, thank you for your patience on this. And we are going to go... Under new business ordinances, under code and regulation, go back to Alderman Bell. And Alderman Bell, you get to read in that new item again, the amended.

Under new business ordinances, item four, code and regulation committee. This is a little bit different, so I'm just making sure that I read the right thing. 515 South Alpine Road, R1 single family residential zoning district for the property, 515 South Alpine Road, six four unit development. One, must meet all applicable building and fire codes. Two, the planned unit development shall consist of Six for unit buildings. Three, submittal of a civil engineer plan for roadway site development and drainage for staff's review and approval. Four, submittal of a storm water management plan for staff's review and approval. Five, submittal of a detailed landscape plan for staff's review and approval. Six, submittal of a plan unit development final plan for staff's review and approval. Seven, must develop buildings in accordance. With most recent proposed reservations submitted as Exhibit E and H, 8, the new driveway must be placed farther from the intersection at Larson and Alpine than the existing driveway, making traffic easier for ingress and egress. 9, the proposed plat must leave the wooded limestone bluff undisturbed. 10, the corner of Alpine and Larson Set aside from stormwater retention such that nothing will be built on the corner by the stoplight 11 the proposed plat must leave the wooded perimeter adjacent to the park undisturbed I place this one item before you Counsel is there any discussion on the one item before you?

Clerk could you please call the roll on the one item before us? Excellent. Is there a motion to adjourn? We have a motion. Is there a second? We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion? No discussion. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, have a wonderful night.