City Council - Regular Meeting

This has been a collection of stickers for a while so let's go back to Roscoe.

It's been building over the years, and it's been layering it. This is when I was trying to get Wally.

Good evening everyone. We will call to order the city of Rockford's regularly scheduled City Council meeting for Monday, June 15th 2026 Again this evening we have we're still on a delay. We are waiting for equipment to come back for our audio So you're not going to hear the audio project, but it will project into our online viewing So folks watching on YouTube or through our website will be able to hear you. But in this room, it will not project. With that being said, this evening we are fortunate that we have Chaplain Roy Whitmore with us to provide an invocation.

God, we thank you, Lord, for this day, this gathering. We thank you for our mayor. Thank you for our city council. And we thank you, Lord, for this city. Lord, we welcome you, Lord, to be with us, Lord, with the knowledge and wisdom that we need to do the people's business. And we are so grateful to give you praise and honor in Jesus' name. Thank God. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Cooper.

Here.

Ross. Here. Serena. Here. Frenzy. Here.

We have a quorum for this evening it will move on to Item C the acceptance of our journal is there a motion to approve the journal of proceedings for the City Council meeting held on May 26 2026 We have a motion we have a second is there any discussion Seeing no discussion all those in favor say aye Those opposed excellent Next

So, this evening we have two proclamations. Our first proclamation is for

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that as of January 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the states currently engaged in rebellion against the Union shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free. And whereas, more than two and a half years later on June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were free. And whereas, the term Juneteenth is derived from a blend of words using the month of June and the date of the 19th. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest running African American holiday. Juneteenth became a federal holiday and where all are declared equal, not only in freedom, but also in justice.

By celebrating Juneteenth, African Americans share the pride of their rich history and culture.

As we all celebrate our history going forward, slavery is eliminated, but our past will never be forgotten. Now, therefore, I, Thomas P. Maxwell, as Mayor of the City of Rockford, do hereby proclaim, June 19, 2026,

You made me do it. Good evening mayor, city council members, and attendees. My name is LaTanya Cross. I am the chair of the Achieving Black and creating spaces where all employees feel valued and empowered. Thank you again for recognizing Juneteenth and issuing this proclamation. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress. It serves as an important reminder that while freedom was delayed for many, the continued pursuit of equality, opportunity, and belonging remains as a shared responsibility. We are grateful to the city of Rockford for acknowledging the significance of this day and for supporting efforts that honor black history, culture, and contributions within our organization and throughout our community. We encourage everyone to take the time to learn, reflect, celebrate, and continue building a stronger and more inclusive community together. Feel free to visit the ABLE ERG table, the Juneteenth table downstairs in the City Hall lobby,

I was actually hoping she was going to sing. She has an amazing voice. With that, our next proclamation this evening is Comprehensive Community Solutions, and we have a number of members of their team with us today.

You can even sneak in that door right there.

workforce development, and community engagement. And whereas, CCS has remained steadfast in its mission of building human capital, communities, and affordable housing, working to create pathways to sustainable wages, self-sufficiency, and long-term success for youth and families throughout the Rockford community. And whereas, CCS has provided life-changing opportunities to more than 1,200 youth through its nationally recognized YouthBuild program, equipping and meaningful career pathways while contributing more than 450,000 hours of community service. And whereas through innovative programs such as Rock for Work, Elva Program, Align and Free Program, and Tanya's House, CCS has addressed critical community needs, including workforce readiness, violence prevention, trauma-informed care, and housing stability for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. And whereas, with a dedicated team of professionals and community partners committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services, the impact of CCS extends beyond individual success stories, contributing to safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and a more vibrant and economically stable community for all of Rockford residents. Now, therefore, I honestly imagine as the mayor of the city of Roger, do hereby recognize the 34th anniversary of Comprehensive Community Solutions. And I just want to say, we certainly highlighted the amazing work and the mission of the organization, but getting to know the staff at CCS, you guys are phenomenal. We pour all of your heart and love into every person that,

improve the individual lives but also our community will you like to share a few words i appreciate it thank you uh so 25 years ago comprehensive community solutions gave me an opportunity in 2001 to enroll in the youth build rocket program and that opportunity have changed my life so stepping into the role of the ceo in 2020 was my payback to that organization for transforming my life and transforming the life of where it is now, impacting over 100 young people a year and making sure that they have the tools that they need to impact the future of Rockford. Because we understand that Comprehensive Community Solutions is that if we want to reach the goal of being a top 25 city, it takes all of us putting all of our strength into pouring into our young people so that our young people can be prepared to take on their torch in the future. Tomorrow, 11 o'clock, we're having a celebration for our anniversary, and everyone at City Council is invited to attend. Hope to see you tomorrow.

Thank you.

Thank you. Next, we're going to go to petitions and communications. And we'll begin with Planning and Development Committee and Alderwoman Neal.

Thank you, Your Honor. I don't think you can say that. Item 1 is a memorandum from Anna Garrison, Economic Development Manager, regarding the adoption of an ordinance determining the global track park in ordinances for the South Rockford Industrial Thank you next we're going to go to Code and Regulation Committee and older woman Prunty Agenda for the meeting to be held on June 16, 2026

on June 22nd, 2026. Liquor Tobacco Advisory Board's agenda for the meeting to be held on June 16th, 2026 and minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Coal Regulations Committee meeting on June 22nd, 2026. Member Random from Joshua versus Assistant Attorney Assistant City Attorney regarding the annexation of 14XX Edison Road, 15XX through 16XX Edison Road, and a portion of 8631 11th Street. Memorandum from Joshua Versuz. Assistant City Attorney regarding the annexation agreement for 14XX Edison Road,

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

Thank you. All these maps will be referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee. Number one is a memorandum from John Wenstrom regarding the approval to purchase two police vehicles. Number two is a memorandum from Andrew Hendricks regarding a request for permission to solicit A firm to develop a minimum of three single family designs in place for the city to take ownership of a new single family residential infill program. Number three is from Andrea Hendricks. Request permission to solicit for a design bill and they developed eight units on the property at 9661 Court Street. Number four is a memorandum from Olin Carter regarding approval of an IG into the city and the Rockford Housing Authority, which Rockford Housing Authority will facilitate weatherization services. And number five is a memorandum from Angela Hammer regarding a request to authorize amendment of agreement with asking vote for 1058 regarding financial incentives for telecommunicators. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, we're going to move to our public speakers. Again, want to remind our public speakers that the microphone in the back, it's back my left, your right, is not going to project you out, but it'll allow us to make sure that you're communicated to and your voice can be heard on our website and on our YouTube channel. We're waiting for that equipment to come in so that we can replace all of the audio equipment here. Also reminder to our public speakers right now. There's only one microphone. So if you are able Please use that microphone my back left your back, right? You have three minutes to address the City Council at the end of that three minutes. I'm gonna ask that you close up your comments our first public speaker this evening is Ken Dickens a

Yes, sir. Good evening. I see what you're saying. It's awkward. They can hear, but I can't really hear myself. I just want to greet everyone this evening in their respective places, Mayor, and everyone else in their positions. I want to preface everything I say because I think some people have, some people publicly, maybe possibly even here, think I have an extra grind with Mary McNamara. I don't. They think that the things that I say at times are personal. None of this is personal. None of it is. It's business. And as the mayor, as a citizen, I just hold the mayor, as well as everyone else that holds a position in here, I just hold you accountable to assist us as the citizens of Rockford. Now, with that being said, I was going to speak on the data centers, and I'll sign up to do that again, because there's some information the city's definitely going to need to consider not doing that. And once I give you the information, you're going to understand why you do not want to go in that direction. I want to say in regards to Juneteenth, I'm going to switch gears and go there. Many of you in this room may not know this, but I'm going to take the time to say this because you are in this room today. We had a deficit of $3.8 million. We had a grant, the cannabis grant, some of you are familiar with that, of $2.6 million that was used towards the deficit, so it was basically thrown in a hole. The money was withheld for nearly two years, and I, along with others, did not know why it was not given out publicly. Why am I saying this? Because cities that will thrive going forward, because we are in a recession and it will take approximately 10 to 20 years to climb out of it, cities that will thrive in America, hear what I'm telling you, cities that will thrive in America are the cities that will be able to prop up and promote opportunities for their people. That's literally how they're going to move forward. People are going to choose where they're going to live, where they're going to raise their children, where their kids are going to grow up at based on the opportunities that they see available in those communities. You can get a job pretty much anywhere. Now, it's a matter of if it's something you want to do, that's left for debate. But cities are going to be scrutinized from here on out, at least for the next 20 years, based on the opportunities available. That cannabis grant is an opportunity for those impacted by the war on drugs. It was not used that way for two years. I urge the council and the mayor to never, ever throw that opportunity away. You don't know how it's going to impact the community of Rockford as a whole. You don't know how many businesses, how many jobs are going to be created, how it's going to impact the community. You don't know who's going to send their child here or who's going to make a decision to move here and make a future here in this city. If Rockford cannot take a very hard look at the opportunities that it has across the board for everyone, We as a city won't move forward. It will be impossible as a city to move forward by choosing some and forgetting others. I don't know what the council's intention is for the cannabis grant moving forward, but please do not let that opportunity diminish or see it as something nonchalant. It is the largest opportunity for the African American community in Rockford.

Thank you.

It is the largest opportunity in the city of Rockford for African Americans.

Thank you. Thank you. Our next public speaker this evening is Jim Accurso? Accurso. Accurso.

Very good, Mayor. Very good. Thank you. Thank you for letting me speak. I am a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery. We are here to let homeowners renters and business owners and some nonprofits in Winnebago and the surrounding counties who sustained damage due to the severe storms of April 17th Let them know that they can be eligible for our long-term low-interest disaster loans We can help businesses with physical damage up to $2 million. We can help homeowners with up to $500,000 for damage to their physical property, homeowners and renters up to $100,000 for the contents of their homes. These are loans from the US government, from the Treasury. There's no fee to apply. There's no obligation to take the loans if they're offered. And folks have up to 21 days to accept the terms of the loans. The deadline to apply is July 17th. We recently had a disaster loan outreach center in Lena, which we closed last week. Folks can still apply online. I have information, I think I've shared it with the city as well, but I could leave some flyers. Folks only need collateral for loans, that are above $14,000 or damage for above $14,000, the amount of money that we're going to give to them. However, they will not be denied if they don't have collateral. We won't deny folks if they have a high credit score. We look at their ability to repay, and we would hope that folks could come on in or go online and apply. The interest rates are 4% for businesses, 3.625 for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters. So we typically help up to 60% of the loans that we write are for homeowners and renters. The remaining 40% support businesses and other nonprofits. Folks can apply at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov through July 17th, like I said, for the physical damage loans. There is a grace period after that, but we encourage folks to come in, to apply online before that date to get things moving quicker. We're not going to duplicate any benefits from insurance or other sources, but if folks have already settled up with insurance, and again, there may not have been a lot of damage here in Rockford proper, but if anyone took any water damage or hail damage on that specific date, April 17th, they could be eligible for these loans. Additionally, they have an additional two years to get up to 20% in documented physical damages for mitigation funds. So if folks put in place measures to keep future water damage from coming in their house or trees, take out trees, landscaping option, landscaping activities, we can help in that regard too. So again, we're the federal government. We're here to help. These are taxpayer dollars that are being repurposed and we would like folks to consider applying to date. We have taken, um, sorry about this. 44 Illinoisans have applied for loans. We've offered six here in Winnebago County, 36 in Stevenson County.

So thank you. Thank you. Our next public speaker this evening is Kelly Lewis.

I'm very short and quiet.

My name is Kelly Lewis and I live on Friday Road next to the site where Monarch Energy is planning to build a hyperscale data center. I want to start by saying something I have not been able to say here before which is thank you. When I heard the city announced it would not allow data centers to benefit from a TIF district, residents heard you. I want to acknowledge that genuinely because I think credibility runs both ways. but i also want to be honest about something i've spoken with many community members this past week and not everyone is ready to call this a win but not because they don't want to but because trust once broken doesn't repair itself with one vote and the reason trust broke in the first place is well documented for almost four months residents were told publicly that no planning had occurred regarding the data center the emails over the last 14 months have told a different story the inducement letter in may of 2025 a development agreement being negotiated by july weekly coordinated calls between city officials county officials a lobbyist and monarch ceo a constant throughout all while we were told there was nothing to discuss That is a wound that hasn't healed, and I don't think it's fair to ask residents to simply move on from it without something more than a policy change. So tonight, I have two requests. First, the mayor has stated that the new language especially prohibits data centers from receiving TIP assistance. Before that vote, I would ask that we be specific about what that language covers. The FOIA records show over a year of coordination on infrastructure surrounding this site, water main easements, utility extensions, and road access along Edson Road. Does expressly prohibiting data centers cover infrastructure and utilities that directly serve this project? Does it cover indirect benefits to the site, and does it apply to future amendments to this district? If the answer to all of those is yes, I would ask that it be stated on record before a vote occurs, not summarized but specific. If the language holds up to the scrutiny, then this council deserves full credit for it. The second request is what I believe would actually begin to rebuild trust in this room and in this community. Release the full FOIA records regarding the data center project and not just the ones we have been able to find with considerable time, effort, and some creativity. Make it public, put it on the city's website so that every resident can read the same records that I've been reading. You have shown that you can listen. The residents who are still angry are not asking you to undo the past. They are asking you for a chance to see it clearly and to believe, based on evidence rather than reassurance, that things are different now. That's what transparency looks like. That's what we're asking for. Thank you so much.

Thank you. The next public speaker this evening is Teresa Wilmot.

I appreciate that this is lower now. Also, there is a handout that was given to each of the Alder people.

Thank you.

The majority of the surface of the earth is covered with water, but only 3% of that water is fresh without salt. And that tiny fraction, 30.1% is in underground storage, most of it in aquifers. I thought that an aquifer was like an underground lake or river. No, an aquifer is made of rock. Different kinds of rock are layered under the soil. Some layers are a barrier to water, the confining beds on illustration A, and some store water in cracks and crevices. These aquifer layers resemble a sponge. All of Rockford's drinking water comes from groundwater. Our unconfined aquifer is rocks and gravel left after the last ice age, named the Rock Valley Aquifer. This aquifer is about 100 feet thick. Under the first confining bed is the Ordovician aquifer of sandstone, laid down about 450 million years ago. Under the second confining bed is the Cambrian aquifer, even older. Being sandwiched between impervious rock layers increases water pressure. The large capacity wells in Winnebago County access these deep aquifers with wells up to 2,000 feet deep. Illustration B shows what happens over time as wells tap an aquifer. The bottom drawing shows the well tapping water only at the bottom of the aquifer and the rock gradually drying out at higher levels. This shows the cylinder of depression. Recharge, or replacing water in aquifers, is much slower in confined aquifers, which are covered with impervious rock and can take hundreds or thousands of years. Now look at illustration C on the back. Water in these ancient aquifers moves slowly under gravity from higher depths in Wisconsin to lower ones south in Chicago. The city of Chicago and its near suburbs use Lake Michigan for water, but the outer suburbs use our ancient aquifers. Before 2019, there were 30 to 40 data centers in the Chicago area. Today, there are 210. Thank you. OK.

Our next public speaker this evening is Bobby Holsworth.

DJ in the house. Thank you.

My name is Bobby Holsworth and I'm a founding member of the transform Rockford steering committee. Transform Rockford was created from a love for our community and its residents, as well as an acknowledgement of inherent opportunity that we share. We knew that Rockford could come together honestly, collaboratively, and intentionally to shape a strong future. Transformation does not happen by accident. It happens when people say. No, thank you. That's not good enough to the status quo when state stakeholders believe something better is possible and collectively step forward to do the hard work that is required to make it real. We also know that transformation is not easy. It requires discipline, courage, and people who are willing to work together selflessly. Each of us can take pride in the fact that this is what has occurred in Rockford. And this is worth celebrating. It is worth pausing to honor what has occurred here since 2013, when disappointment seemed to prevail. Transform Rockford created the 1834 Alliance for the purpose of acknowledging the progress now evident in our community. Last week, we announced two honors. If you haven't done so already, I hope you will watch the two documentaries that were created for the honors, which are on our website, as I cannot, in my few words tonight, do justice to the full stories. Here are the teasers. The Transformers Honor was awarded to the downtown transformation that has occurred over several decades. We see it all around us, the amazing difference our downtown presents today from where we were years ago. Just think about how strongly the heart of our community now beats. Our venues, restaurants, shops, residential properties, our local businesses. So many positive outcomes, wonderful places and spaces to live, work, and play. In our downtown documentary, we reflect on what can be harder to see, the years and sometimes decades of vision, leadership, partnership, persistence, and courage that made these outcomes possible. The Transformers honor goes to many, including all of you. The city through its mayors, council members, and staff play a critical role in our transformation. We would not be here today and could not have a vision of a better tomorrow without you. The Igniter's honor was awarded to the Rockford Promise. Again, the honor goes to many. We honor the people at the Rockford Promise organization, and the educational partners that are making the promise a reality for our students. We also honor the city. Thank you, Mayor McNamara. Thank you, council. Thank you, staff, for your support through the sustained financial investment you have made, and in your words and deeds. Thank you.

Thank you, Bobby.

Thank you.

Next, we're going to move to new committee reports, and we'll go to Planning and Development Committee and Alderwoman Neal.

Thank you, Your Honor. Item 1, committee recommends approval of the funding agreement with City Foundation for Early Bird Social Work Development Program at Auburn High School in the amount of $25,000. The funding source is in Zion West for a youth training and mowing program to better prepare individuals for future opportunities in the amount of $25,000. The funding source is cannabis funds. Item three, committee recommends approval of the development agreement with Court Construction for the rehabilitation of 1322 East State Street in the amount not to exceed $100,000. The funding source is the Jackson School TIF District.

Thank You counsel we have three items before us is there any discussion on those three items clerk could you please call the roll no one three Thank you. Next, we're going to go to Code and Regulation Committee and Alderwoman Prunty.

Thank you.

Item number one, committee recommends approval of plot number five of Woodfield Subdivision for the property located at 5101 and 5115 Woody Branch Lane. The committee recommends denial of a sale of packaged liquor class PKG Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2614 and 2600 Kilburn Avenue, from Maya Patel and Scheib District, LLC, doing business as Jasmine Pantry, Africans, thus reversing the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's recommendation of approval. Committee recommends, item number three, committee recommends sustaining the zoning board's appeals approval for the special use permit for a planned unit development for an RV and fifth wheel only community in an R1 single family residential zoning district at 2530 2710 and 2720 South Main Street, Thank You counsel we have four items before us is there any discussion alderman Toomberg I

Thanks, Mayor. I would like to make motion on item number two to reverse that from denial to approval.

Please.

Second.

Okay, Council, we have a motion and we have a second to really, in essence, change item number two from a denial to an approval, so then a yes vote will be a yes and no vote will be a no on that item. Is there any discussion on that amendment? Seeing no discussion on that, all those in favor of that, please say aye. Aye. Those opposed?

Aye.

OK. Ayes had it. So it'll be changed from a denial to an approval. Is there any other discussion alderman Neal? Did you have your hand and then alderman bill? Alderman alderman Neal and now come right to alderman bill.

I Didn't have the opportunity to speak up on this when it first came to committee. So I just wanted to Speak on it tonight. I have had a chance to speak with And they are doing a significant amount of work and at that property to improve it and to make it better for the community in which it sits in. They've been established for 25 years. I haven't had any issues whatsoever with the property. But I will say moving forward, moving out in solidarity with the alderman of the west side of Rockford who don't want to see it just saturated with a bunch of different liquor stores and tobacco stores, I will be more I won't be as I'll be giving it more thought moving forward as to what we are saying as to with these licenses moving forward. Just so we have that clear understanding and we're standing in solidarity with each other. So I just wanted to say that.

Thank you. Alderman Bell.

Thank you, Mayor. I'll speak on item number three. I think even since going back to committee, right, we've, I think committee laid this over one or two times. I think staff held it out for another week or two. This is one that is very interesting, I think, and complex as well, and really understanding all of the details. Hearing from multiple sides of the community, whether that be colleagues, city administration, and residents, or advocacy groups. For me, I'd like to lay this over. But before that motion, I want to ask our city administrator Can you kind of walk us through why you all are recommending this for approval?

Thank you. Mr. Cagnoni. That doesn't work.

A lot of years of doing that, so I apologize. I didn't speak up. You know, our staff recommended approval of the special use permit request after review of the long-range plan. proposed plan as well as understanding the current condition of the existing facilities recognizing that this was an opportunity to reinvest in this property i know that there's been additional conversations with the applicant with a number of aldermen where even since the original application was submitted the applicant had agreed to additional terms and conditions to allow for additional that may want to move out of the facility as well as other operational conditions of the overall application. So for those reasons, that's why we support it.

Thank you.

Thank you. Do you have those terms? Do you know what those provisions or the terms are and what has changed maybe from committee to today?

So I do. And one, there was an extension of time related to the buyout that was voluntarily offered by the applicant. Understanding that this is a mobile home park, there are specific state statutes that provide occupants a one-year notice to vacate. as I recall, up to 90 days to get an incentive to help with relocation costs for the current residents as a voluntary basis. Additionally, in communications with the attorney, I can read that all recreational vehicles and fifth wheel units located on occupied sites in development shall be directly connected to public sanitary sewer system and public water system during occupancy. and gray water or black water shall be discharged on site except through the approved sanitary system in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. No waste dump stations shall be permitted on site. All recreation and fifth wheel units located within the development shall be maintained in good repair and appearance and shall be roadworthy and commercially manufactured for residential occupancy. Units exhibiting significant deterioration, visible damage or inoperability will not be permitted. Recreation of vehicles and fifth wheel units shall remain mobile and highway capable at all times to rooms dead sheds decks permanently fixed to the ground car parks separate awnings lean to structures or similar structures shall be permitted all units shall remain licensed title and capable of immediate removal no lease or occupancy agreement shall exceed 12 months in duration the applicant shall provide a voluntary resident transition assistance program to facilitate facilitate relocation support of existing occupants at the property transition use the program distributed among the residents choosing to accept the voluntary relocation in lieu of the one-year period of occupancy, a date by which residents must elect to participate, which will be determined based upon the completion of the purchase of the property by the applicant, which I understand is in July. The SEP PUD shall be null and void if the property is not purchased by the applicant.

And is that incentive to move the dollar amount attached to that, does that go... So if there's a single person, is it the same for a single person compared to an individual who has four individuals living in their household?

That is my understanding.

Okay. Do you believe that we have the current affordable housing stock to meet the needs of the residents as they... would essentially be displaced and given an incentive to move?

Certainly understanding housing is at a premium. I believe we do have units available, but price point is always a continued issue.

So no.

I didn't say that. I can't give you an affirmative yes or no.

So I'll be honest. This has been an issue for me that I may have not spoken loudly around this chamber or committee, but have had conversations with colleagues. And I know this is not in my ward. I also want to give a thank you to the alder person in the fifth ward for engaging with the residents and sharing back information, especially during committee time. But for me right now, I'm going to make a motion to lay this item out.

There's a motion to lay over. Is there a second? We have a motion and we have a second Will that be automatic I think it is yeah, okay automatically laid over. Thank you Council we still have three items before us Any discussion on those all the one weeks I

I don't know if this is a question for the finance director or a question for the chief, but the lift assist ordinance and the fees that will come from that, will this possibly help supplement or replace the revenue that was lost with the ambulance fees back in, I think, 2025?

I can take a stab at that. So we're anticipating that this probably would have reached that level of revenue recovery. Right now we have two facilities that we're looking at that would involve five-month period. And so where we see this starting out very slowly over the years, we would hope that and anticipate that rules may change in the future where we'd be able to recoup more costs in the future, but at this time, I don't think that it would probably compare to the ambulance revenue that we're able to get.

And is there an estimate of what that revenue could look like? For this year? Yeah.

I could definitely work those numbers and get those to you. I think the ordinance states $470,000 for lift assist, and right now we're looking at maybe two potential charges over the next. But that could increase after we get past that threshold of $470,000.

Any other discussion on the three items that remain before you alderman Beach?

Sir other discussion on the three items that remain before you clerk. Could you please call a roll?

No one, two, aye.

Aye on the rest.

Rossi? Aye.

Neal?

Aye.

Grinning? Aye. Beach?

No one, two, aye on the rest.

Sotano?

Aye.

Neese? Aye.

Bell?

No one, two, aye on the rest.

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

Thank you, Mark. Number one, the committee recommends approval of vouchers in the amount of $9,207,129.56, as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on June 8, 2026. Number two, the committee recommends approval of an IG with the organization for police services. The term is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Number three, the committee recommends approval of revisions to the city of Rockford rules and regulations, including the addition of definition of bill list. Number two, revised residency section. Number three, addition of the cellular phone usage. Number four, addition to police for usage of computers, the internet, email. And number five, addition to the Victims Economic Safety and Security Act. Thank you council is there any discussion on the three items before you alderwoman Meeks I

I was just curious, did we go into an agreement with First Midwest Group or did we go into an agreement with Sunil Puri?

Mr. Cagnoni?

We did go into a development agreement with First Midwest Group for the redevelopment of the former Rockford product site as well.

Okay, so I just I guess I got lost because the vouchers show as the recipient versus I think I'm used to seeing first Midwest group in that line.

So Carrie can vote the voucher to see what the circumstances.

It was like 201,000. So it all matches the TIF. So I knew it was for the TIF. I just got confused because I'm so used to seeing first Midwest group versus a name.

Once that's all confirmed. Can you just email that out to all? Thank you. Thanks other discussion alderman Beach

I would like to know sometime how the Rockford Quincy Department got involved in providing services to the Rockford school district. And if there would be any interest at all in discussions of beginning to eliminate that in the future so that we could take the officers into full-time service in the city of Rockford.

Thank you. We can certainly, I don't know the history of when we first began, and I know Chief Sanders is filling in for Chief Redd. We can certainly get that information to you.

Would I need to bring forth a resolution to study that, or can we just?

We can just give it to you. I just, I don't know it off the top of my head, the history of it, and I know Chief Redd is not here due to some family issues, so we'll just make sure that you get it. Okay. Thank you so much, sir. Absolutely. Thank you. Other discussion on the two items before you? Clerk, please call the roll.

CERTY.

Aye. ZIMMER. Aye. FROST. Aye. TWAINAN. Aye. RENTI. Aye. NEAL. Aye. GRANNON. Aye. BEECH.

Aye.

SOTADA.

Aye.

Thank You next we'll go to unfinished business committee reports laid over and back to alderman frost Thank You counsel we have one item before you is there any discussion on the one item alderwoman meets

Yeah, I just wanted to briefly say thank you so much to Carrie, I'm sorry, Director Hagerty, for just allowing me the time to review and taking the time to kind of go through everything and how it's all laid out. I just, I really do appreciate, once I figured out how to navigate it, It did begin to make more sense to me And so I do very much look forward to the budget advisory team that we're forming to really get a full understanding But I just wanted to say thank you for allowing the time Excellent, thank you any other discussion clerk, could you please call the roll?

Thank you next we're gonna go to officers reports alderwoman Tarina First I want to say this last week I gave a lot of thank yous, specifically regarding the RV park, and I did not thank Director Parham. And Holy Spirit woke me up and was like, you didn't thank her. And I have to thank her because... There was a staffer that was sent from Healthy Human Services, but she also showed up herself. And I don't necessarily always expect you as department heads to do that on a Saturday morning. So I really, really appreciated you doing that and showing care to the residents. So thank you. I wanted to make sure that I acknowledged you. The next thing is the Fifth Ward does have a board meeting coming up. It is on Thursday, July 2nd at 5.30 and we're holding that at the Monaco Street Library and the address is 1238 South Winnebago Street. Let's see. The next thing is I attended my first Pride parade and I think that's probably one of my favorite events in Rockford. Really fun. really fun, really colorful, really exciting, but I just loved the positive, loving environment that was created there. I mean, this thing has gotten huge too. I was really impressed but I really just felt like it was a place for all. And those are the types of environments that we should continue to cultivate in our community. And I absolutely loved it. So I just want to acknowledge the organizer. I don't even know who organized that event to be honest, but shout out to the organizers of that event because it was really, really well done. And I was glad that I went for the first time and it will not be my last time at that event. Another event that I have to acknowledge that took place And the fifth ward is the South Main Mercado. Absolutely just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful event. Understand that I'm a person that represents a ward where people have feared to come to our side of town. So for the main gateway into your city to be ultimately shut down for a huge festival that brings people from all over the city to just enjoy one another, get to know each other and build community and eat and drink and dance. People were dancing in the street. That was a beautiful, beautiful sight to see and experience. And it made my heart very proud that it happens in my ward because they could have had this festival anywhere. It could have been North Maine, Ocado, but it's South Maine, Ocado. So just Huge congratulations to all of the members that volunteered for the South New Mercado team. Such an excellent team, such an excellent job. We will all probably touch on this, and I think that we all should. Iron Man was this weekend. I volunteered. The job that they give me is to be like concierge for people that check into the embassy suites So it's really fun to meet families that are looking for fun things to do in Rockford. And I'm always excited about giving people suggestions on where they can eat and where they can go and spend their leisure time. So, so phenomenal to meet. these different people that are coming into our city representing so many different countries and states. But overwhelming sentiment that I heard from all the people, literally every single person that I met, they all said, you guys are so nice here. And I love that that's what people are leaving with when they come into our communities, that they think that we're nice people. So I just love the energy of community that's cultivated in our city. And it's something that I want us to do every single day. I want that spirit of excellence and welcoming to be something that we always have. So phenomenal job to, again, everyone that was a part of the Ironman because it's starting to get to the point now where people are saying, this is my favorite event. This is my favorite event now. And it's really a three-year contract, so we don't know if we're going to have it forever. But hopefully, we can have it for more years because it does Thank you other reports Alderman Toonberg then alderwoman granite

Thanks Mayor. Congratulations to our fire department for having what looks like to be a great recruiting class that was just initiated. So hats off to that. It was a fine event on Friday that some of us were able to attend. Also the Ironman, great time. I was and was there as well. And also next, or this upcoming Saturday in the fifth ward is the Swedish Midsummer Fest at the Swedish Historical Society. Someone here on council is the five time defending Swedish pancake eating champ. And I can tell you, believe it or not, it's not Alderman Bonney. So if anyone cares to come out, I think that is about 11 a.m., is that eating contest, and it is free. So if anyone cares to challenge the defending champ, I'm sure they're welcome.

I just want to I Want to add that I was personally concerned about how I was parenting my children because they were spraying down All the runners on Harlem Boulevard and I was like, oh man That seems like a lot of water and all the runners were loving it and they only sprayed the people who wanted the water and I was concerned about it, though, and then I walked down and saw what Alderman Thunberg was doing to the runners with a hose. I felt a lot better about my kids with their very small stream of water out of a squirt gun. So, yeah, I can attest. He was certainly very active in that race. Alderwoman Grant.

I'd like to take a following of Alderwoman to read up, but I would also like to thank the city staff for all the work that they did in putting windmills and other things that we're able to hand out and all the coordinated effort with that was really great and she is correct it is a fantastic parade so anybody who would like to join us next year it's fun for all and then also Ironman I was able to hand out some water and other things at the end of the race yesterday and It was fantastic to see all the great celebrations that were being had by the families and everybody else. So it was a great event for Rockford. So get out there next year. There was a lot of free people, so maybe you could, Mr. Altman-Thunberg, you could figure out some of your pancake thing and maybe do something like that for your event next year.

Thank you other alderman Bell This Saturday on June 20th from 12 to 4 o'clock on At Fairgrounds Park, Fatherhood United will be doing their third annual family field day. And so we'd love to see all of you out there enjoying community. Yeah, all of their information is on fatherhoodunited.org or on Facebook. I'll also be sharing it.

That's it. Thank you. Alderman Neal.

I just wanted to announce, I guess the Fifth Warden is really popular because they are also having a block party June 20th as well from 12 to 7. It's a block party. The Vets Rock the Block is what it's called. It's hosted by the American Legion Post 340 Auxiliary. So that's going to be at 1010 South Main Street this coming Saturday.

Thank you. Other reports? Alderman Salgado.

Yeah, just real quick, inviting residents into Leavenford. Tomorrow we're having our meeting on the 6th and 9th Street two-way conversion feedback session. There's been a lot of talks about the one way being converted to two-way and vice versa or leaving it the same way. So I'm inviting folks to come out. It's going to be at the BFW on 7th Street, 922 7th Street, 6 o'clock. Hopefully folks can come out and express their opinions. on the matter. Thank you.

Thank you. Alderman Beach, then Alderman Durkee.

Thank you, Your Honor. It's really overwhelming to think about the some 30 countries from around the world that come here for airmen. I'm just wondering if we can do anything in the city now to reach back out to those 30 countries, thanking them for their participants, and also talk a little bit about Rockburn. I mean, I just can't believe it's that international that comes here. And I thought maybe we could maybe figure out some way to take a look backwards and say to them thank you for their participants.

Thank you. Alderman Durkee.

Thank you, Your Honor. Just a matter of information for the council. You may recall I had some discussion in the past about Firefighter Manning and some of the needs for service. This past weekend, unfortunately, Station 4 had to shut down Medic 4 and Station 5 had to shut down Engine 5. So anything west of Alpine was served by one medic and one truck, which means that the west side, we're pulling staff and firefighters from the west side out to far east, which increases coverage on the west side i um i did uh i got a number of calls from firefighters and in fact uh the chief over the weekend um because of that um it i don't know i know the chief i called her and talked with her she knew i was going to bring this up so i don't know What that means for the future, if this is going to be a routine thing or not, but I'm glad to hear that we have firefighters wanting to join our department to keep our manning up. But that's a problem, having one medic, one truck east of Alpine on a weekend.

Thank you. Chief, can you touch on that, what took place this weekend, how often that happens, how recruiting is going?

No, absolutely. And thank you for the conversation. And as you all are aware, over the past several years, we've been preparing for a lot of retirements this summer. employee benefit where our firefighters have been waiting for this to mature. And so we've been anticipating a large amount of retirements in the summer of 2026. With that, council had approved the addition of 12, 12 and 12 over a three year period. And so we did increase that level of staffing. January 1st of 2025, we were able to add Engine 5 and the additional ambulance at Station 4 under a pilot program with that additional staffing. And so what we've seen is kind of a little bit of a unique situation this summer as the beginning of those retirements started on June 7th. with promotions and appointments taking place, and that creates a lot of movement, not just within shifts but across shifts, and does create some different opportunities for us to have some disruption in how we staff our apparatus daily. And on that particular day, Saturday, we had 21 firefighters normally scheduled to be off and an additional 10 due to sick or long-term injury or transfer days that we had due to appointments. It's definitely something that we've got an eye on. It's never a great... feeling to have to shut down a resource that's definitely provided a big impact and a positive impact to the community, as Alderman Durkee stated, east side to the east of Alpine. And so we know that Engine 5 and the AGM have had a tremendous impact on how we serve the community. And so it's definitely not something we want to happen often. And we'll be watching as, you know, These retirements continue to occur, and our FTE, based off the 2026 budget, goes back down to its original level. While I say it happens often, we'll be keeping an eye on that, and we'll update you if we see that that trend may be occurring.

Thank you. Any other officers' reports? Alderman Meeks.

Thank you so much. I just wanted to once again invite... Everyone to the Rockford Juneteenth celebration, which is held this Friday, begins at 1 p.m. at Siniseki Park. And then the celebration will continue at the Hard Rock Casino. Doors open at 6 p.m. And... The opening act, Soul Revue, will take the stage at 7.30 until 8 p.m. And the concert featuring Cameo officially begins at 8.15. But I do want to make a note that the Juneteenth festivities at the park will still continue on past 6 p.m. for youth. for those not old enough to get into the Hard Rock Casino. So I just wanted to clarify that there were some, I think maybe some scam tickets that might have been out into the community that listed awkward or different start times for Cameo. So I just wanted to clarify that the doors open at 6 p.m. and Soul Review takes the stage at 7.30 and Cameo opens at around 8 p.m. And then I also want to shout out the IWBC. This weekend I will be singing the national anthem, but they will be having an event at Byer Stadium or Byer Field. So that would be Saturday, June 20th. Thank you other reports would just add to a couple of those one

Bayer Stadium The gates will open at 1 o'clock. They have a host of events or they have someone doing a really wonderful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner But there should be a whole host of events taking place there. There will be a baseball game highlighting the restoration that it's been taking place at Bayer Stadium Also as many of you mentioned Absolutely wonderful event more than 2,000 athletes nearly over 1,200 volunteers and then having the opportunity to go throughout the city and to see just residents coming out of their home to support athletes and take part in Ironman was really fantastic want to say sincerely. Thank you to Certainly go Rockford and their team but also I think every single department at the city of Rockford played a significant role In some form or fashion and just want to say thank you many early mornings and Incredibly long days and just appreciate the fine work that the city of Rockford team go Rockford and so many other partner Organizations did to pull off that international event. So, thank you Next we will move to appointments. They're all laid over till July 1st So then we will move to motions and resolutions and we have nothing under plan development So we'll go to code and regulation committee and all the woman fronty Thank you Council we have one item before us. Is there any discussion on that one item? I clerk will you please call the roll thank you next we're gonna go to finance and personnel committee and alderman frost

Number one, the committee recommends approval of an award of bid for citywide street repairs group number five to stem from excavation amount of $392,950.99. It is through September 18th, 2026 and the funding source of property funds and casino funds. Number two, the committee recommends approval of award of bid for CW, CW excavation of hauling package to services in the amount of $58,625. The contract is due August 20th, 2026. The funding source is a CIP general fund. Number three, the community recommends approval of the rental on traffic control devices to FCS in an estimated annual amount of $400,000 based on unit pricing. It's a one-year contract with four possible one-year extension options. Annual price adjustment for CPI is a concerted contract. The only funding source are various departmental opportunities. Number four, the committee recommends approval of a rejection of a bid for the Coronado Performing Arts Center interior lighting repairs phase one. Only one bid response was received. Number five, the committee recommends approval of the rejection of a bid for the head start, early head start child care meals. The bid received did not meet the required nutrition specs. Number six, the committee recommends approval of board of RFP for HUD emergency solutions grant. The Health and Human Services Department received a grant amount of $195,000.54. The funding is as follows. Institute of Community Alliance, amount of $30,000 for Homeless Management, Information Systems and Administration Costs, Shelter Care Ministries, an amount of $40,420 for Emergency Shelter Operations and Services and Admin Costs, and Remedies for New England Alliance, amount of $5,000 for Shelter Operations. There's a one-year contract and funding source is the HUD ESG. Number seven, the community recommends approval and extension of the contract for building code consulting services to fire safety consultants in the amount of $57,000 for consulting services and $9,600 to $10,800 per month for backup code official services. It's a six month contract and the funding source is the construction services development budget. 8. The committee recommends approval of an authorization for the reallocation of $200,000 in partnership with RAID to reduce user costs for community events at Davis Park. 9. The committee recommends approval of the allocation of funding in the amount of $350,502.76 for the Community Healing Center to provide trauma-informed services to youth impacted by violence in Rockford. The funding will support operations from October 1, 2026. Through September 30, 2027, the funding sources reallocated ARPA funds from the Excel Center and order signage. Number 10, we recommend approval of reallocation of $250,000 in previously approved cannabis recreation tax funds and allocation of additional $100,000 in 2026 cannabis recreation tax funds for poverty reduction and childhood education through the Health and Human Services Department. Number 11, the community recommends approval and acceptance of a DCO, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, state self-employment grant award amount of $4,030,301. The grant does not require a cost match. The grant term is for June 1, 2026 through August 30, 2027. Number 12, the community recommends approval and acceptance of an IDHS, Family and Community Services Homeless to pass the expansion pilot program in the amount of $85,522. It does not require a cost match. The grant term is from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Number 13, the committee recommends approval acceptance of a DCO, weatherization state supplemental grant award in the amount of $480,759. It does not require a cost match. The grant term is from June 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Thank you council we have 14 items before us any discussion on those items Alderman Salgado

Thank you, Your Honor. Just real quick on number five. I know we talked about it on committee. This is in regards to the early Head Start child care meal plan that we rejected bids. Just wanted to see if Director Farhan could let us know if there have been any changes on that. I know they were going to say they were going to resubmit one of the persons that did not bid. did not wasn't aware of it and so forth but just any impacts that this might have I know that sometimes we extend our contract and we go with with that individual that does that for us but just wanted to see if there was anything else director so thank you for your question the current vendor for our meals at our own hip start site was not

Thank you. Any other discussion?

Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Excellent, thank you next we're gonna go to planning and development committee and alderwoman Neal I

Thank you, Your Honor. Item 1 is an ordinance approving the funding agreement with City Foundation for Early Bird Social Work Development Program at Auburn High School in the amount of $25,000. The funding source is cannabis funds. Item 2 is an ordinance approving the funding agreement with Zion West for a youth training and learning program to better prepare individuals for future opportunities in the amount of $25,000. The funding source is cannabis funds. Item 3 is an ordinance approving the development agreement with Court Construction for the rehabilitation of 1322 East 8th Street and the amount not to exceed $100,000, the funding sources of Jackson School and Tip District.

Thank you. Council, we have three items. Any discussion on those three items? Clerk, could you please call the roll?

No on one, aye on two and three.

Tuber? Aye. Ross? Aye. Serena?

No on three, aye on one and two.

Thank you. Next, we're going to go to Code and Regulation Committee and Alderwoman Prunty.

Thank you.

An ordinance approving the sale of liquor by the drink class L50 in conjunction with a video gaming facility

That was laid over yep. Yeah, you're good

Thank you, I Hope I did did I make a mistake so item two was laid over not item one.

I'm sorry if I misspoke to you I

Yeah, so on item 1 it will include I'd all 14 conditions that have been placed on item So item 1 you'll be approving with all 14 conditions item 2 and I'm sorry to have cut you off item 2 We've previously laid over item 3. It's a lift assist, which is before you as it stands Is there any discussions on item one or three?

Is that typical for something like this conditions those 14 Conditions I don't know if all 14 are typical Are there any specific ones that are different?

Right and he's wondering if there's any of the 14 that are there if any of them not typical for No

Thank you, of course any other discussions on items one or three Clerk could you please call the roll on items one and three?

Yeah

Thank you next we're gonna go to finance and personnel committee and alderman frost and

Council you have three items before you is there any discussion on those three items Could you please call the roll?

Next I will go to alderman frost. I believe you may have something for us this evening