City Council - Regular Meeting

So good evening everyone. We will call to order the city of Rockford City Council meeting for Monday, June 29th, 2026. As I call that meeting to this meeting to order would just say if you are standing up you cannot stand up in this room. There are seating downstairs that are that is available. I will also tell you we have public speakers. We also have a hearing so as people are done there will be seats that open up and you can come in and certainly fill in those seats. But if you do not have a seat right now, you cannot stand in the middle of those aisles and council chambers. So I'll give you a minute or two to move up. So at this time, you can't be standing in the aisles. So I'd ask that you leave. And as seats open up, you can certainly come in. I know there's many important items on the agenda. Thank you. As we begin this evening, we have Chaplain Ken Henley, who will provide us with an invocation.

Let's pray. Father in heavens, we come before you tonight. We thank you for this place we have to come to. Thank you for our leaders of this community as they go about their business trying to keep the city safe. Lord, we just pray that you be a light in their path as they go. And then, Lord, we ask that you would be with all of our fire department and our police department, Lord, as they go about their business to keeping us safe. Lord, help us to look to you for our help and for our strength in everything we do. Blessed in this meeting tonight, we pray, Lord, for we ask these things in Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

You cannot stand or bring in the chairs in the middle of the aisle so people can get in and out of council chambers. And those doors will have to close. There is a TV out front in the lobby that you can follow along. And as seats open up, you can certainly come in and take in any seat that is open. You do. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you. And if you have not been to a council meeting in the last several weeks, I do want to make you aware we will all try to lift our voices. We have had a number of issues with our audio internally. We do have microphones that are up. They are not to project inside this chamber, but they are to go out to our Facebook as well as our YouTube channel so that folks who are following online can be able to hear us I will tell you it is frustrating for you as someone who's in this chamber It will be at times hard to hear we will try to raise our voices so that you can hear everyone who is speaking We are set, knock on wood, that our audio will be back on for our meeting on July 13th. We are hoping all of the equipment comes in as scheduled and that there are no delays and certainly do appreciate all of your patience and council certainly appreciate your patience as we work through this as well. With that being said, clerk, could you please call the roll? Here. Here.

Here. Here. Here. Here.

Thank you. We have a quorum for this evening's meeting. Is there a motion to approve the Journal of Proceedings for the City Council meeting held on April 6, 2026? Second. We have a motion and we have a second. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed? We do not have any proclamations this evening, so we're going to move to our public hearing. I'm going to turn over the chairmanship for this public hearing to Alderman Logeman. And the public hearing is on the proposed annexation of 14XX, 15XX, and 16XX Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. And at this time, I'll have Alderman Logeman call that hearing to order.

Order the public hearing tonight a public hearing is being held tonight pursuant to 65, Illinois compiled statutes For the agreement to annex for the following property 14 xx 15 xx 16 xx Edson roaned at a portion of 86 31 11th Street and a portion of 15-35 400-00 3 Notice of this hearing was given by publication in the Rockford Register Star on June 8, 2026. That notice informed citizens of Rockford that the Rockford City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 29th at 5.30 p.m. in council chambers and on the second floor at Rockford City Council Hall, located at 425 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois, for consideration of a proposed annexation agreement for 14XX, 15XX, 16XX, Edson Road, and a portion of 8631 11th Street. Comments must be specific to the purpose of the hearing comments regarding a data center are not related to the purpose of the hearing I'll repeat Comments must be specific to the purpose of a hearing and comments regarding a data center are not relate are not related to the purpose of the hearing this annexation agreement contains a provision that prohibits the establishment and or operation of a data center on the subject property Are there any comments or questions from council members on the annexation? Are there any questions or comments from the public? Seeing none, I conclude this public hearing for annexation agreement. Alderwoman Prenti.

Thank you. So this is a public hearing about Something that's on the agenda tonight for a reversal. Is that my understanding? I'll move it over. Director Hammer. Thank you.

The statute requires that we hold a public hearing for all organization agreements.

So that's the purpose of the public hearing. But it's also gone before committee and committee denied it?

That's correct. It is on the agenda tonight as a denial from committee's recommendation.

And then there's a letter here from the chair of code and regulations that's going to ask for a reversal of the denial. Yes. Why are we asking for a reversal of the denial?

So it was a unique set of circumstances last week in which Bill had three members of the program.

Any further comments from the Alderman or the public?

Go ahead.

My name is Gloria Blakely. I live in this town. I just want to say that the fact I think that you guys are doing the tricks that they're doing all across the country, hiding behind little rules and things, tripping up the public right before they're able to speak about something that they obviously all care about. Just the disrespect for your people, for your community, what we're all saying, what I've heard, I haven't heard anyone say anything good about it. And the fact that you guys are giving us this runaround, you guys are hiding behind these little rules and things, it's just, there will be repercussions. You can't get away with treating your community like that. And that's all I have to say.

Any further comments from aldermen or the public?

My name is Theresa Hill, and I live in Rockford. And my concern is that one of the biggest problems we studied in 2016 on the Transform Rockford teams were the urban sprawl. And that's exactly what we're doing again. And I just want to know, are we going to need a million dollar fire station? Or it probably costs more than that. So there's all kinds of considerations because that area is not close to a lot of things and I just hope that it has been taken into consideration and that the entire city does not have to pay for this sprawl.

Any further comment from aldermen or residents of the public? Seeing none, I conclude the public hearing for the annexation agreement for the property located at 14XX and 15XX.

I'm just reading on a Facebook group that says what you aren't telling us is that once the new TIF is approved, Monarch will have the ability to develop a data center without a vote because the land in question will be zoned for that. that it's semantics that we're not really being told the truth of what you guys are doing in time to protest.

My name is Mark Good. I'm with Venture One Real Estate. I am the contract purchaser for this property. I have signed an agreement with the city to not do a data center here. That won't be built on this property We are also the developer of several business parks in the region one loves Park one in Cherry Valley and we're very proud of what we've brought to the community and And I will commit to you tonight that we will not have a data center on this property. What we are planning on building are industrial distribution facilities, similar to what we've done in other areas where we've brought in Microsoft or Danfoss that employ people as industrial workers, which is a high paying job. We've built about 3 million square feet over the last 10 years here and have invested heavily in the community. and we look forward to doing it again on this property. So I greatly appreciate the opportunity to hear all your comments, but I can address them to you that we won't do a data center and we are very transparent and we'll be very open about what we are planning to do here and be happy to answer any of your questions. Thank you for hearing me.

Hi, so that man owns 10% of the TIF district. So that's not actually the rest of the 90% that's owned by Monarch. There are data centers that cool the center through wind and not through water. And then they're powered by solar, not electricity. Our electricity will go up with the data center, and the water will be gone. We're not going to have enough. Rockford, we are good because of the river. But without the river, we are not going to...

Hello, my name is Stephen McMaster.

I'll be speaking later tonight as well I wanted to reiterate that venture one only owns 10% of the land roughly speaking and that this This annexation agreement is part of a larger conversation. This is part of the conversation about the entire TIF district. This is part of the conversation about the data center. When we're talking about investing this much money, this much time and resources of government staff, we need to be transparent and honest about what this conversation and what this public hearing is actually about. In addition to that, I'd like to point out that the last time this city held a public hearing, it was shut down while people still wanted to speak. I realize that you don't want a conversation about the data center to happen now. But when is that conversation going to happen? As far as I know, this public hearing is available for all public comments, including comments about a data center. I understand that they're not relevant to this discussion, but if I'm not mistaken, we can make them. So if anybody wishes to come up and make any comments they want, they are perfectly able to do so.

good making comment about the success of businesses that he has been partnered with, opened, seen success with, I find it very interesting that they all have one thing in common. They were bolstered up by an artificial foundation of tax incentives. And to me, it's not really saying a whole lot that you put a run on the scoreboard if you started at third base. So maybe And I don't think I'm alone here that all of us are supportive of businesses, but do it like the rest of us do. Start at the bottom and work your way up. There are no handouts, and we're not supportive of it. So just don't do it.

Thank you. Any further comments from the public? Seeing none, I close the public hearing for the annexation agreement at 14, 15, 16. That's it. Thank you.

Right, we were kicked out and so we couldn't see. I want to keep my words very short and concise. All I want to say for the general public is that we just want clear verbiage that this is not allowed here, that it will not be allowed in the future. All we're asking for is clear verbiage with just the plain and simple answer that we're looking for. Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello, I'm Lyric Ellis. I am a single mom to a disabled student of RPS 205. My daughter is in the 88th percentile for testing scores in our district. I was very proud of her for her to be accepted to the gifted program this coming school year. It has been proven that students' test scores in areas close to data centers are declining after data centers are built. We already know that water is going to be affected and water scarcity is already an issue, but do we want to impact the education of our children by ruining their education with adding a data center? We're thinking of the impact on ourselves currently with our drinking water, but are we thinking about the impact of future generations? Are we thinking about the impact of their ability to think, their ability to go to school and work and function so that we have a future for them to come home to? We need to think about that.

Alderwoman Prenti.

Thank you, Chairman.

I have received a text stating that the audio visual that's coming over line is off and that the audio and the visuals are not matching, and so it's kind of hard to understand what's going on, and I don't know if that's impacting the people out there as well.

Thank you. Director Hughes is on it right now. I would remind the public that comments must be specific to the purpose of the hearing. Comments regarding a data center are not related to the purpose of the hearing. Further public comment?

And I said that to see if we could just give our tech people a minute to get those people, so those people have an opportunity to catch up as a delay.

an issue that we don't move so fast

Good point, thank you, Alderman Prenti. I think we'll proceed, if that's the will of council overall, we'll proceed to hear the comments from the public. I know I just saw Director Hughes step out to address the issue. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, Alderman Prenti, but I think in the interest of just moving things along here, we'll continue to hear from the public unless there are a majority of objection from council overall. Seeing not a majority, we'll continue to hear from the public. Ma'am? Ma'am, would you like to approach and speak regarding the annexation agreement?

Hello. My name is Amber Dewey. I'm speaking today because last public hearing, none of you were here except maybe one or two. You need to be held accountable for silencing the community. So I'm going to tell you my speech from the last public hearing that you guys weren't at. I know it's a little snug in here, but please stand up if you oppose this TIF district. Thank you. We are here. I live along the Rock River, and our drinking water comes from our well. I have two little ones, and instead of being with them, I have to spend my time urging the council members that the people entrusted to make the right choice. I'm sure you already know the vast repercussions of this TIF district and data center. So all I want to say is think about the children that are being affected by this. Think about the grandchildren that are being affected by this. because ultimately your decision is going to affect their future. Be brave. Have the courage to say no. I know money is tempting, but money is not everything. It's not. These people's lives are everything. The people's lives that you are affecting are everything. How are you going to vote on this TIF district if you don't already have pre-development in mind? You do. Remember who you work for, the community. And I've been a little frustrated about the setup here, because You aren't looking at our faces when we're speaking to you. Thousands of people have signed against this TIF district. The countless letters that you have received and don't write back to. The hundreds of voices you have tried to silence by not giving it your all and showing up for the community. So please, listen to us. Thank you.

Thank you. Any further public comment?

I also, this doesn't work, so I'm not going to pretend to use it. I also spoke at the last public hearing where there were only two members of council present, so I'm also going to read that again since you're all here. Hello, my name is Grace Bayer, and I do not want to be here. I have a full and wonderful and rich life despite the short-sighted, reckless, and self-serving decisions made by elected officials and politicians at every single level of our government. I recognize, though, that we are all connected and I am here in solidarity as a fellow human being. I am also here as a neighbor to a lot of people who will be suffering some very real and immediate consequences of the decisions that are made in these very chambers. I have sat here and listened to the good people of Rockford appeal to your hearts and your minds. They've used science, they've used data, they've read headlines and news reports. But I'm here to appeal to the thing that I believe you as politicians honor first and foremost. And that thing is your own self-interest. We'll start with the basics. Laying the groundwork for a hyperscaler data center and corporate neighbors of the hyperscaler data center will affect you all as well. Our elected officials, they're just like us. They need clean, drinkable water to survive. Their bodies are not immune to pollution. Their property values can also decline. They are vulnerable to a changing climate. To anyone paying attention, and probably most people on this side at the backs of our politicians, it has become abundantly clear that you don't actually want to deal with those pesky thoughts and opinions from your constituents. So here's what I'd like to ask you today. Do you think you'll hear from us less when our utility bills climb higher? Do you think that you will hear from us less when the water pressure in our homes drops off? Do you think you'll hear from us less after the city has to ask residents to ration their water use so computers can be cool instead? Do you think you'll hear from us less when visible toxins pour from our faucets? Do you think you'll hear from us less when there is around the clock noise and light pollution? Do you think you'll hear from all of us less when our wells are poisoned or run dry? Do you think you'll hear from us less when the electric company tells us we're on our own because they need to redirect their service delivery away from our homes and toward a hyperscaler data center like they just did in Lake Tahoe? As I talk to my friends, and my family, and my coworkers, and my neighbors, and hell, even as I talk to strangers, they all have the same question in mind for all you politicians. And that question is, what is in it for you?

Hi. I can't say that I don't want to be here because I'm here every week anyway. It's very interesting. I would have to say that week after week, I kind of see that you guys will ask a lot of questions about social programs that I don't think anybody's standing up to protest. I understand it's not the same. There's logistics behind it. But you're arguing and putting it off and putting it off. And there are programs the community wants. So I'm not quite sure why you won't listen on this issue. We've heard from a couple of people on this issue who have been loud, and we haven't heard a whole lot from anybody else. We see the back of their heads every week. We don't see any sort of comment. It's exhausting. That's the part that's exhausting, not showing up and making our voices heard, because we know who listens. We pay attention, and we know. So I don't get that part either. Another thing is that 10%. There's 10% of this that we're voting on. And as far as I'm concerned, that 10%, I feel bad for them because I understand. You want to keep that relationship. It's a great relationship. It brings the city of Rockford money. If they were for Rockford, they would not want this data center. They would not want this tip. They would work it out to where they would somehow be with the community that they are getting taxpayer funds from.

Thank you.

I introduced myself before.

A lot of comments are made about data centers. We're not doing data centers. I will say this from the environment perspective. I can only act on what I've actually brought to your community. About three years ago, we built a building for Microsoft in one of our business parks. Has anyone heard of LEED? It's LEED environmental status. We built a LEED platinum building, which is the highest standard environmentally pure building you can build for Microsoft. There are only five of them in the entire state of Illinois. That's who we are. And so when you talk in general about data centers and not annexing the property where we would like to build buildings, like that for a company like Microsoft or Werner Foods, who's a staple in your community. Every industrial job that we bring to your community provides three additional jobs in the area in terms of retail, doctors, service providers. Buildings will be built by union labor all of our buildings are so again I'd like to separate what we're trying to accomplish here in Rockford for your concern about data Well, I think that the annexation agreement tonight is about our property not a data center property if I'm right So and and and the buildings we build I'll answer I

No, sir, just please address.

Yeah, I'm happy to answer questions after the meeting before the meeting or whatever but from my perspective We're building what I would consider to be a very class a industrial building made of free gas at the last a long time Our buildings, when full of tax, will be about $2 to $3 million a year in taxes. Not all of that is coming back in the TIF, which goes into public infrastructure and maybe some incentives, but to bring the company here to hire people from the community, which in the buildings we've built here in Rockford, and I've been investing here for 25 years, so I'm fairly familiar with the area, we've brought about 1,500 new jobs to the community in the buildings we've built. Why don't you start? Sir no just address We can Please address center of the room I'm happy to answer the question about tax incentives Sir are your comments complete I can be done if you want me to

You can continue to talk, but please just address.

The reason that we provide tax incentives through a TIF to companies is that it's a very competitive environment out there. This community of Rockford has lost many jobs to Wisconsin. In Beloit, it's lost many jobs to other areas in Iowa. And almost every one of the business parts I develop have some form of incentives through economic development to attract major corporations like a Microsoft, like a Berner, like a FedEx.

to the community.

Right now, this plant is paying about $5,000 in taxes a year. When my buildings are built, they'll pay approximately two to three million dollars a year. Some go to the Senate. The majority of it over time will go to supporting services in the area. And that's the benefit to the community for pure, good quality industrial buildings where many of you may work now. And that's the kind of buildings we build. And I really would appreciate the thought process that When you build a really good industrial building in an area that lasts a long time, it provides a lot of jobs and benefits to the community. And we don't use a lot of water. We don't use, typically, a lot of power, like at the Edison. So I appreciate you giving me the opportunity. I am personally available to answer any questions, anytime, anywhere, about the benefits of good industrial buildings being built in a community.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Real quick, the annexation.

Yes. Real quick, again, comments regarding a data center are not related to the purpose of the hearing. The annexation contains a provision that prohibits the establishment or operation of a data center on the public property. Thank you. Real quick about the annexation.

Right. I lied. It's about the data center. You have a very condescending attitude, sir, the way you're snapping your gum.

Why don't you spit it out?

It's very condescending. If this data center gets built, the decision will haunt you like a specter everywhere you go. You'll feel no peace. the Walmart, your gym. We will remember your faces. We will hate you if you do this. It will destroy our town. It is a pivotal decision in our town. If you do it, there's no going back. We're not going to vote you in. You're saying, we love millionaires and billionaires. You're hoping to get a piece of the pie. You want money. You want money? You want money? You all want money. Who knows what kickbacks you're getting? Whose cousin is building the data center? Liars. All of you in this crescent moon of lies. And I hope to God you don't build this. I hope to God.

I just have a question. I'm not actually sure if this is the right area to ask this or not, but my name's Karen Schwitters.

Some of you know me. I vote in every single election. I do want to say that. I'm actually just asking about the feasibility study done by Fairgram in 2015 on this area that showed It was a soils testing and evaluation that showed that it needed remarkable amounts of improvement to build any type of industry here. Are you all familiar with that study and the details of it and the cost that it said that it would take to make all of that land feasible to build on? All of you council members, are you familiar with the 2015 study by Fair Graham? No. OK. Do you think that since this study was done in 2015 and to my knowledge has not been updated, that it might be prudent of you to review this study before you make a decision on a TIF or any industrial development or development of any kind in this district? It is a 90-page document that outlines wetlands in that area, soil types, endangered species, water runoff, whether or not it can support certain types of infrastructure. It all seems very relevant. I would think that it would be a significant document for you to consider and look over. So I just wondered how many people were familiar with it. I can give you the docket name. March of 2015, project number 14-655.

I'm just saying that we shouldn't do nothing on greed. Greed, the Bible says that we have troubles because we outsmart ourself. So we got to really look into this. Remember the West State when we had all those houses y'all tore down? The people ain't even got houses no more over there, it's all roads. And people had to bought their houses and they were already paid for. And they could have had paid, my mother's house was paid for, she could have gave me wealth. So y'all gotta think what you're doing because it hurts people. I don't understand this data center, so I'm not up here for this data center because I really don't understand. But because they chose you guys, you guys got to do what your heart really say, not what man say, but what your heart says. Because what your heart says is what God is going to make you pay for the rest of your life. So you better listen to Jesus Christ and not man, and don't let greed get in your mouth.

Any further comment from the public? Seeing none, I close the public hearing for the annexation agreement.

Thank you.

Evening next we'll go to petitions and communications. We have nothing under planning and development committee.

So we will go to Code and regulation committee and we have alderman Logan Three items item number one memoranda from Scott Capovilla planning and zoning management Traffic Commission's agenda for the meeting to be held on July 8th, 2026 and minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on July 13th, 2026, referred to Code and Regulation Committee. And third and final item, item number three, memorandum from Martin Bloom, project manager, permits and special events regarding upcoming special events for Rock Yard Music Fest and Ramp River Run, referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

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

Thank you. All these matters refer to the Finance and Personnel Committee. Number one is the memorandum from Jennifer Cacciapaglia regarding the acceptance of a Department of Justice Office on Finance Against Women Grants. Can you speak up, please? I cannot hear you. I'm speaking rather loudly. All right. criminal justice response program this year at 25 in the amount of $500,000 for the project period of 36 months. Number two is a memorandum from Jennifer Caciapaglia regarding the acceptance of the Illinois Attorney General Office Violent Crime Victims Assistance Grant Award. Number three is a memorandum from Joshua Versailles regarding the proposed sale of city-owned property located at 218 Independence Avenue. Number four is a memorandum from Charlotte Haas regarding the consideration and approval of a plan of acquisition of 4100 East Day Street by the Rockford Board of Library Trustees. And memorandum number five is a memorandum from Scott Saunders regarding a settlement for 401 East 8th Street. Thank you.

Thank you. We'll just remind council, as you are speaking, speak as loud as you can so folks can hear in this room. It can be difficult. Also, for those individuals who are still standing, we can't have you stand. So I'd ask that you either exit out that door so that you can listen to it that's being broadcast. But you can't stand inside council chambers at this time. Folks, let's have some order. Alderman Frost, let's focus on the center of this room. All right, we have public speakers this evening. We have public speakers this evening. I want to remind our public speakers, the microphone on my left, your right is the one that will transmit and be able to be heard online. So please use that microphone if you are able to. Also want to remind our public speakers that you have three minutes to address the city council. At the close of that three minutes, I will ask that you close your comments and that you conclude. Our first public speaker this evening is Stephen McMaster. I just want to ask a question.

Mayor.

Mr. McMaster, do you mind if I wait one second and then answer a question? Alderwoman Prunty.

Thank you. My agenda here and my agenda

So your agenda was updated around noon. So that would be usually with new petitions. You're great. And Mr. McMaster, three minutes and you can begin. Thank you for your patience. Absolutely.

Kind of curious how we get notified of changes that are occurring right now. Can I see what the updated document is? Or does the 48-hour agenda posting period mean nothing to you guys? No? Cool. Anyway.

That's all right.

I appreciate you. I kind of want to touch on, obviously, the data center. That's why all of us have been here and have been here for weeks. You have seen these signs when there's no conversation regarding the data center or that area whatsoever. These people care, man. Like, very clearly, we're all here because we're passionate about our community. None of us are receiving a penny from this data center deal or from this TIF district or from any of this. Venture One, he stood up here and said that he really wants this TIF district to go through. Let's just take everybody at their word. Let's say that Monarch Energy is right. They're going to build a data center in that area of the TIF district. And let's say the mayor is right, and they're not going to get a single penny of tax increment financing from this TIF district. That dude who's up there, Venture One LLC, if you approve this, he gets a check for $51 million. Starting right now. Like, if it doesn't go to the data center, it only goes to that other 10%. Like, I would love to have a conversation with you, Ms. Meeks. I would appreciate that to happen before you vote on the TIF district. Just for the record, the only people that I have heard talk positively about this TIF district are the gentleman set to receive $51 million, at least, and Ryan LLC. Just if I go to Ryan LLC's website, because I know most of you missed this at the second public hearing, the main page starts with liberating our clients from the burden of being overtaxed, freeing their capital to invest, thrive, and grow. I don't want those people representing the will of us. Very clearly, they're more interested in big business succeeding than the populace. When we talk about things we can do with tax money, things we can do around this chamber, you have to understand that this is $51 million that we could provide to big business. Or perhaps we could use that money for programs like CCS or for the mobile food pantry. We do actually need things in the city of Rockford. We need you people to care about the things that we care about in the city of Rockford. When you communicate for over a year with Monarch Energy behind the scenes to figure out if maybe something can happen or maybe it can't, that's spending taxpayer dollars against the wishes of the taxpayers. I understand that there's some information that you don't want to share, some information that Monarch or whoever wants to keep close to the jest.

Thank you, Mr. McMaster. Your time's expired. Thank you. Our next public speaker this evening is Kathleen Monteleone.

This one?

Yeah.

Good evening, Mayor McNamara and city councilmen. My name is Kathleen Monteleone, and I represent the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. I also serve on the task force for food insecurity. Thank you for this opportunity to speak tonight. As a person's zip code should not determine their health outcomes. Yet in our community, where people live often determines whether they have access to healthy foods that prevent disease and support healthy lives. When more than half of the adults in our area are living with at least one chronic health condition, access to healthy food is no longer just a social issue. It is a public health issue. In Winnebago County, 11 low-income census tracts are classified as food deserts. Many of these neighborhoods are also food swamps, where unhealthy food options greatly outnumber stores offering fresh, nutritious foods. As a result, for many residents, especially older adults and families with children, accessing fresh foods, vegetables, and other healthy foods remain a daily challenge. The health consequences are real. More than 53% of adults in our area are living with one chronic health condition or more, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diet-related illnesses. These conditions reduce quality of life, increase healthcare costs, and place a growing burden on families, healthcare providers, and our community. The mobile grocery store offers a practical, evidence-based solution by bringing healthy foods directly into neighborhoods with limited access. It removes transportation barriers and helps residents make healthier choices. Research has shown that mobile grocery store programs can increase fruit and vegetable consumption and improve overall community health. What excites me most is this opportunity for partnership. As a member of the healthcare community, I'm eager to work alongside the mobile grocery store to provide health screenings, health education, technical assistance for data collection when needed, and connections to community resources. Together, we can meet people where they are and address health challenges before they become a medical crisis. As you consider your decision tonight, I encourage you to think about the long-term impact. We can continue paying the costs of chronic disease after it occurs, or we can invest in prevention today. The mobile grocery store is more than a vehicle delivering food. It is a health intervention. It is an investment in a healthier family, healthier neighborhoods, and healthier Rockford. Healthy communities begin with healthy food. Tonight, if you have the opportunity to invest in both, please do. Because a person's zip code should not determine your health outcomes. Your decision will get you through. Thank you.

Thank you. The next public speaker this evening is Shelton Kaye. Our next public speaker this evening is Shelton Kaye.

SHELTON KAYE, Good evening. My name's Shelton Kaye. I'm the Executive Director of the Rockford Regional Health Council. Before I start my talk on CCS, I would like to say that I'm also a member of the Food and Security Task Force and am also a major component of the Mobile Grocery Store. My main part that I find the most intriguing about it is it's going to help us learn some of the needs of the community as it goes and finds out where the most need is. And we'll really have some proven data to say that this is where we may need to build another grocery store. But I'm here tonight to talk about CCS. I spent 30 years in social service here in Rockford working at Crusader, dealing with the underserved, the homeless, people who are struggling in life. And I'll tell you, there are a few organizations that I always heard something positive about and was really told that had impacted someone's life, and that was CCS. They really have made a big difference in improving our community, improving other people's lives. And that's why I joined them as a board member. But in my role as executive director of the Rockford Regional Health Council, I've been involved with the Violence Prevention Coordinated Council, as well as the Gun Violence Safety Committee that NICNI and the League of Women Voters have put together. And in both of those situations, we have had incredibly active participation from the young people at CCS. They really feel a connection with our community. They would really like to help us grow, thrive, make an improvement, really do things to encourage the younger folks who are behind them, who are watching them through mentoring and just being out there in public. So I really believe that it is important for the city to fund this program because it's saying to these kids, your city supports you. Your city believes in what you're doing, encourages you to be a part of this, and to continue contributing. It's not because you're a victim of trauma. It's not because you're dealing with mental illness, which I'm sure a lot of these kids are. But I think they're finding the answers through their involvement with CCS, through the relationships they build, through talking to other people. to getting that comfort level to talk to adults. And that way, they are more receptive to counseling and hearing what's going on and being a part of this community. So my main reason for supporting this is I think we need to tell these young people we as the city of Rockford really support you and what you're doing and appreciate your involvement. So that continues. Thank you.

Our next public speaker this evening is Antonio Ramirez.

Good evening, everybody here. For the city council, I bear a little gift.

I think you should pass these out. Stories from our young people that have participated in our programs at CCS.

I'm here not only to support CCS as a board chair. We just recently celebrated 34 years of CCS being in Rockford. About 26 years ago, I had the fortunate of being an alum of CCS through a program that many of you may have heard of over the last 34 years called YouthBuild. That's one of the first programs that was created under CCS. Now having other programs under CCS, being a part of the board, it means a lot to me because I don't share too much of my story in Rockford because I don't think they're ready. I don't think Rockford is ready, but I do share it through the work that I do in my community. Oftentimes through grants and funding, we have to report numbers, we have to report how effective these programs are, but I don't think you see the long-term impact. myself being raised in Rockford, going through many different changes in life, from parents divorcing at a young age, being a victim of the gang violence in Rockford, and still being here today. I can probably tell you in two hands how many times I've been close cause of not being here today. But because of CCS, around the time that I needed it, I needed a change in my life. The caseworkers, the staff, the work that they provided me in changing my life and transforming my life to be a leader in my community, not damaging my community, was big. The long-term effect is this. I've helped my city through different programs through the YMCA Boys and Girls Club. Like myself, William, our CEO, going through the program has helped many youth through other programs and organizations. This funding is going to support those young people that just need that person that can hear them, that can show that love, that support. And because of that, not only have I been able to help other young people through other organizations, it's also helping change my children, my children's success now. I might not have been as successful as I wanted to as a young person because I had to go through some challenges in life. But I make sure through the skills training, the development, the support. And at the time, I didn't know I needed the mental health support. But we had staff members and caseworkers that were there to listen. Right before I became a father for the first time, they equipped me. They told me, stay the course. You have something in you, Antonio. I was getting ready to quit. I'm not going to lie. And they showed me, you stay with us. We're going to support you. They showed me a list of apartments and I needed a house. They showed me a list of jobs because I needed a job because I was going to be a father. They didn't give up on me. And I look back and I said, they didn't have to do that for me. And because of that, I've stayed the course not only after graduation, just for a short time, I came on as a staff. Thank you, Mr. President. So please support it. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next public speaker this evening is Jessica VanDiver. JESSICA VANDIVER- All right.

I don't think I could adjust that. Okay, so my name is Jessica Van Diver. Many of you have seen my face several times, and I'm not speaking about me today. I'm not speaking about how our community feels that we are failed. I'm speaking about the voices, the faces that you guys don't know. We have Dulce, we have Paul, we have Vicky, we have Dave, we have, who else is here today? We have Eddie. We have people who aren't here, people who we know you guys are pushing through with the, somebody's Dexcom keeps going off. Anyways, sorry, know it from experience. Anyways, people of disability, people of low income who you guys, you guys are pushing through with the manufacturing home being shut down. And yes, it's a manufacturing home, not a mobile home part. And what we're asking is that you guys add a stipulation. Pass it if you may. We've already reached out to John Plant. We've already asked him to hear our voices. And what he said was, when the sale goes through, he'll talk to us. How is that fair to us? Our request is for a fair and reasonable chance to not become unhoused families. 35 families, that's what you guys would be putting on the street. It's 35 families of low-income disability. I'm a single mother who works third shift. Literally, I'm leaving here, probably going to get an hour of sleep. Then I have to drive all the way out to Monroe Center, where I will be spending the next nine hours training somebody to do my job, while I'm also raising two children who are not mine, because I've opened up my home just to hear it get shut down. We've had silence. We've had cold shoulders. We've been given crappy offers, say to less. $4,000 doesn't move you into a home. In fact, they want us to make $4,000 a month just to get a home. The average person in this group is on Social Security. We're asking for a fair chance. Do as you might, do as you will. But my biggest question is, I actually wrote it down, whether you're willing to stand up for us or you're willing to let us continue fall and then pick up the cost of unhoused families. Because it's a bigger cost to have housed families than it is unhoused.

Thank you to all of our public speakers this evening. Next, we will go to new committee reports, and we will go to Planning and Development Committee and Alderman Durkee.

Thank you, Your Honor. Under Roman numeral 6A, Planning and Development Committee number one, the committee recommends denial of the proposed funding agreement. IBEW Local 364 for Electrical Workers Trade Program to better prepare individuals for IBEW application process in the amount of $85,172,000. The funding source is the casino fund. Number two, the committee recommends approval of the proposed grant of easement 4th Avenue, Rockford, Illinois. The property index number is 1121377003. Number three, the committee recommends denial of the proposed funding to expand the prevention and interventional programming in collaboration with the city of Rockford's community healing center in the amount of $400,000. Funding source is the cannabis fund. Number four, the committee recommends denial of the proposed funding agreement with Angelic Organics Learning Center Incorporated, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation doing business as Farmers Rising a mobile grocery store in the amount of $822,000. The funding source is the 2025 and 2026 Casino Fund. Number five, the committee recommends approval of an ordinance terminating the Global Trade Parts South Redevelopment Project Area and the dissolution of a special financing district number six the committee recommends approval of an ordinance approving the south rockford industrial tax increment financing district redevelopment project area number seven committee recommends approval of an ordinance designating the south Rockford Industrial Redevelopment Project Area. Number eight, committee recommends approval of an ordinance adopting tax increment allocation financing for the South Rockford Industrial Redevelopment Project Area. These are up for passage.

Thank you. Council, without objection from this body, I would ask that we hold out item number one. There's still a number of questions that many of you have brought to me that I am trying to work through with our partners on that. So if there's no objection, I'd like to hold out that first item. Okay. Alderman Bell.

Thank you, Mayor. Item number four. Thank you, we have a motion is there a second We have a motion we have a second

So council members, we do this quite a bit, making that denial an approval. So that would make all of your votes, if it is approved, if Alderman Bell's motion is approved, would make your yes vote mean that you support the mobile grocery store, a no vote mean that you do not. Just simply clears that up for everyone. So we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion on the motion and the second before you right now? All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed? OK. Alderman Bell.

Thank you. Item number four. I move to amend the funding agreement with Angelic Organics Learning Center Incorporated doing business as Farmer's Rising for the establishment of a mobile grocery store to reflect an amount up to $50,000 in year two and up to $50,000 in year three, which results in a total funding amount of $622,000.

We have a motion on the floor. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion on that amendment? Alderwoman Prenti. Think I'm not exactly sure at the so the question was she has two amendments Wasn't wanting to know if she was if we were going to deal with both of them. I cannot See your second one But my understanding is alderman Thunberg would like to make another amendment as that's at least what his eyes were telling me I hope that's what his eyes were telling me So yes, I am assuming that you will but right now you have one amendment before you Just one amendment before you right now and that would take the funding from eight hundred and twenty two thousand to six hundred and twenty two thousand That means year two it would be fifty thousand year three be fifty thousand Is there any discussion on the amendment before us Yeah alderwoman fronting OK, is there any discussion on the amendment before us? Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Berkey?

No.

Goldman?

Aye.

Tuber?

Aye.

Frost?

Aye.

Tarana? No. Francie?

Aye on the amendment.

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I move to amend the funding agreement with Angelic Organics Learning Center Incorporated DBA Farmers Rising for the establishment of a mobile grocery store to reflect the funding source as follows. An amount of $300,000 from the cannabis funds and an amount of $322,000 from casino funds. Thank you, Senator.

We have a motion and we have a second. Before you right now is an amendment to the funding source going from solely being funded by casino funds to adjusting that to being $300,000 of it being funded by cannabis funding and $322,000 of it being funded by casino funds. We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion? Alderman Frost.

So we just did that we already did the amendment bringing it from 822 to 622 now You'll have that amendment which will just adjust the funding sources Alderman Meeks and then alderman Beach I

I have not been provided that reasoning for the change. If any council member would like to address it, they certainly can, and I can call on them. Alderman Thunberg.

Thank you, Mayor. Looking at the reasoning for both our casino funds and our cannabis funds, I felt through discussions that each of these funding sources would be appropriate for this endeavor.

Alderman Meeks, did you have a follow-up?

Yes. What does that mean in a cannabis fund?

Would what does that leave in the canvas fund if everything mr. Cagnone? I'm also gonna assume and I don't want to make the wrong assumption Are you asking what it means if everything else this evening? Okay, if everything else is approved this evening that would all of the canvas funding would be used for 2026

And where is the funding in the casino fund remaining? Would that be in the resettlement portion?

If everything that was approved, I just want to make sure I get you the right answer. If everything is approved this evening, how much of that 2526 casino fund remains? Correct. Mr. Cagnoni.

So 2025 casino funds would be exhausted. There's $150,000 left. And then for 2026, there'd be another $150,000 coming out of the ED high risk area. And there would still remain a balance of... and arts and culture 147 000 in other ed activities and 90 000 in foundation for 2026. thank you welcome uh alderman beach and then alderman prunty thank you your honor uh i i will be supporting this amendment but i i want to say again as i did in the committee my concern that rockford is the one that

We get no help from the county. We get no help from anyone else around Rockford. And I think it's time that when we get issues like this that are so important for the self-care for our children, okay, that it has a wider ask than just the city. And if we didn't have casino funds, if we didn't have cannabis funds, would we be talking about this right now in the shape that we are? So I am going to support this because I believe in it. But sometime we're going to just have to get together with our department. They're going to have to start to share in these responsibilities.

Thank you. Thank you. Alderwoman Prunty, I believe you had your hand raised. Alderwoman Prunty.

Please, thank you. I just need to understand those numbers again. Do you mind? Because it's 300,000 that were coming away from this number. So how is it that it's still, yeah, so this would, instead of this being $622,000 coming out of the casino money, now it would only be $322,000. So now tell us again how much would be left in the casino funds if this Second Amendment,

Mr. Cagnoni?

So of the $622,000, $300,000 would come from cannabis, which would deplete the 2026 funding for cannabis funds. $322,000 would come out of casino funds, $150,000 from 2025 funds, $150,000 from ED high risk in 2026, and then additional $22,000 in 2027.

the casino money does have the 622,000. It does, yeah, that is correct. Okay, can you tell us without anything being taken out right now, could you tell us one more time how much the casino, how many casino dollars are available?

I believe it's 150,000 in 2025. Let me clarify. Are you asking how much is there without this? Without this, there's $150,000 in 2025 funds. And then I'll give you a number of categories in 2026 funds. So there's $150,000 in 2026 ED high-risk areas, $233,000. Alderwoman Prenti. would be the arts money as well so the way we presented the staff report prior to the amendments the the funding source was casino economic development funds in 2025 and casino economic development funds in 2026. obviously there's been a several amendments this evening one that reduced it to 622 000 from 822 000 which was casino ed funds and now this other amendment that would split the cost between casino funds and cannabis funds thank you uh other questions we have one item before us it's an amendment on item four

Again, the amendment on item 4 is adjusting the funding source from being solely based on casino funds in 2025 and 2026 to being a mix of $300,000 from cannabis funds and $322,000 from casino. Is there any other discussion on that amendment? Clerk, could you please call the roll? Aye. Excellent so now we have Seven items before you because we've held out item one item four has now been amended three times and Alderman Bell.

Thank you, Your Honor. Can we break these items up?

We can certainly separate different items. So item one has been held out. Now we have the seven remaining items up for discussion. Alderman Meeks and then Alderman Granath. So we have a motion and we have a second to reverse the denial to an approval I'm assuming for the proposed funding agreement with comprehensive community solutions There any discussion on that motion again that is just allowing when you as a council say yes You want to vote for it or you say yes for your vote? You are saying yes. I want to vote for this funding agreement and a no is no I do not want to Is there any discussion on the amendment before you? all those in favor say aye those opposed Okay. So now we have seven items before us. Item four has been amended three times. Item three has been amended once. Is there any other discussion on the seven items before us? Alderwoman Tarina.

Thank you. I have a question on number four. I don't know who to direct this to, but my question is regarding

Thank you Any council members or staff can answer that I know in the committee list that I had I know that they had Individuals listed that were food insecure, but I don't know the number of meetings. They did it or did not attend So I can't I can't speak to that Alderman Bell.

Yeah, I know. Thank you, Mayor. I know that there are several individuals from my board, from the 13th Ward, who are a part of discussions in the Food Insecurity Task Force and who continue to be around the table. And I can certainly say that my board is food insecure, so answers that portion of the question.

Also alderwoman Trina not to specifically it doesn't specifically answer your question But I can tell you that they did a number of different surveys I'm my recollection of those surveys I'm searching up here for the packet and couldn't grab it quickly my understanding through those survey work is that they partnered with Northern Illinois Food Bank And did surveys. I believe they also did surveys and this is the part I'm a touch fuzzy on but I believe they also did surveys I want to say North Main Manor. I want to say Olson Plaza or at least some of the Rockford Housing Authority developments I know they did surveys through that that was actually one of the things that by the time i got more engaged in this process was one of the questions i had asked of could we do surveys and i know they did at length surveys with various partner groups in food insecure areas with individuals who have food insecurity concerns and issues and those surveys came back i again don't have it with me but i know would you utilize uh the mobile grocery store i want to say was 92 or 98 it was significantly high and it was a statistically significant number that they did in surveys um that's the only number i can remember off the top and uh mr cagnoni can maybe address more

Yeah, thank you, Your Honor. To answer your question, that level of information is within the packet from the proposals. But they did do surveys through zip code 61101 through 61111. Coral West Side Corridor, and 98% of those respondents did say that they would shop at the mobile grocery store. 84% report somewhat difficulty in works access to groceries. 83% struggle to access portable fresh food, and 91% available weekday afternoons for the stops. And there's certainly additional information, but those were the highlights.

Yes, thank you. I also read that in performance. Um, I guess there was a lot of, it was a list of the individual organizations that were a part of this was sent to me. I did review it, but I guess I kind of know how these task force work is yes, you can say 75 people are at the table, but 75 people are not showing up regularly. So for me, it's like, I really wanted a little bit more detail regarding who crafted this. That's really important. Who's crafting, um, essentially policy or program for the individuals. So that was important for me to know. I didn't necessarily have that. I had a lot of issues with this one. Not really knowing who was at the table, who was really representing, still continues to be a lot of questions for me. I also was concerned with the amount of subsidy that was going for this program, especially when it starts off saying that it's, If I read it correctly, this is a $30,000 subsidy each year, or total of $90,000, but that didn't make sense to me when you're going from 250 families the first year up to 1,000. So if that subsidy is the same every year, it kind of seems like the amount of money that would be given to the families for the subsidy as grocery prices are rising I also, people want a grocery store, right? And that is what we constantly hear, grocery store, grocery store, grocery store. Now I look at my own ward and the desires of my residents, it is often, it is not Gabrielle, we're starving because I don't live in a food desert. It's Gabrielle, we want food equality. So the desire, is I wanna be able to go get a full cart of groceries in my neighborhood, not have to go across the town, across the other side of town to get groceries. I need to be able to afford the groceries that are coming to me. And so there's just a tension between is this really the desires of my residents I don't know, just riddled with too many questions. I will not be supporting this item, so I just wanna make sure that I go on record by saying that. I think that more than anything I see, I see this coming into the neighborhoods. All the articles that I've read said that many of the other cities that we're using as comparison cities, they have a lot of trouble even getting I fear this asset will ultimately buy someone else a truck. Again, lots of, too many red flags for me. It feels very, very aspirational. And this is a lot of women to support a large aspiration that I'm just not willing to support at this time. So, thank you.

Thank you. Alderman Meeks.

Thank you so much. I just, and I don't know who to pose these questions to, so I'm going to just ask the staff. When it comes to just the pricing that we're gonna see on these vehicles. I think that's what's giving me the most apprehension. We are starting with City Center Market, who is helping to procure the items that will be on the mobile grocery store. So if I'm comparing pricing, City Center Market doesn't give pricing that I think Um, yeah, just based off of some of the items that were in the store. So I understand there's supplementing that's taking place here. How do we kind of understand what that will look like on the mobile grocery store? Because what I would absolutely hate is for this to all get started. We get into neighborhoods, and we hope that it works, but people see that a gallon of milk is $4, and they're like, I can get this something else. And they more than likely will, because people always figure it out, and they do what they have to do. And I wanna make this easier, and I want to be able to help, because the last thing that I want is for some senior or some child saying, why didn't you fund this mobile grocery store so I can get my food and my groceries for them. I would hate for that to happen. But I also would hate for them to not be able to partake in something like this because of the inability to get that pricing procurement to a point that makes sense. And so if I already see the issues in the city center market that was Alderwoman thank you.

Good questions. Just for clarity. Are you when you're thinking about the pricing? Are you comparing like a Woodman's or a Meijer pricing as I would This would be comparable prices

Thank you, I think both council members have addressed or brought up really good concerns You know I too

Now probably most people in the audience think for too long, but at least for 13 years Have heard concerns about grocery store. This is not that it will not be a grocery store I don't think this will be the end-all solution I think this is a piece to a very complex puzzle that will allow us to advance in a time that we are seeing new policies come from the federal government that may make it more difficult for individuals who are receiving SNAP and other benefits to get affordable and accessible groceries. So I don't see it as that. I also don't see it as something that will preclude us or this body from Incentivizing larger retailers like which has been done probably 14 or 15 years ago With the Meyer that we provided multi-million dollars of incentives. We could still do that as for most recent questions I Do believe this group has thought out a number of those scenarios and I think when I was impressed by many of the partnerships that they have, one including the food bank that will be providing free food. Two, Jackie spoke to it far more articulately than I could, but there is a matching program that if you buy one, you get one that they will utilize. They will have some subsidy maybe not as much as we all want, but we'll have some subsidy I also think they will be partnering with local farmers growing much of this produce that typically will come at a farmer stand price Which is very attractive compared to at least the places I shop and I will also say the one thing that that just shows my privilege was I said many of the same questions of, well, what if I get this at Aldi? I'm not comparing apples to apples there. Many of the folks that we are talking about and needing to serve the most aren't going to Aldi, aren't going to many of these larger locations. They are shopping at a corner store that $4.50, $5 for milk in many of those cases would be a dream. And so this is providing that accessible and affordable food with some subsidy, but certainly not ever going to be able to compete with the breadth or the dramatic cuts in prices that some of these larger retailers make.

I think that if we're going to be providing subsidy, I would like to have seen, and I don't know if this was discussed around the table, but I would have liked to have seen how we can support some of those local stores that are inside the neighborhoods and while also providing that security. Because a lot of the success that comes with the mobile, stores that have had success in other areas, they're successful because of that subsidy and because it is a substantial subsidy that makes the pricing cheaper for them to shop there versus shopping I would have been happy to support this the first time around had I felt comfortable that that was the method that we were going. But I don't feel that that's the method based on the partners that we're working with. And a lot of the reason why some of those other entities outside of Rockford were successful is because before they came, or before they even implemented, they secured a high level of funding. from private entities, public entities. And then they moved that project forward. So that was the initial apprehension of this plan. But one thing I'm gonna say is I do listen to constituents and I could not look someone in the eye that needed a service like this. Now, I'm going to be honest, I don't think this is it. I really don't. I don't think this is the ticket. I think that there's a strong likelihood that this will dissolve, and we will be right back to square one, figuring out how we're going to provide food for people. And I think that And like I said, I wasn't at the food insecurity meetings at this point. Now that we're voting on this item, I wish I had been because I would have liked to understand how we got to this point of everything, knowing that there's so much conversation around mobile grocery stores not being successful. As much as they are great for photo opportunities and standing in front of trucks And it's everyone smiling and being happy about the ability to feed people. The actual impact is debatable. And so it is a high-priced item. I do appreciate the negotiations that took place behind closed doors that I didn't know about to get it down to $622,000. I don't necessarily appreciate the adjusting to take away all of the cannabis dollars. But we're here now. And at the end of the day, there is strong support for this initiative. And I don't want to ignore those voices. So I will be saying yes to this. But to be honest, I don't think it's the best decision.

Thank you. Alderwoman Prunty.

Could you do it for everybody else?

Because I don't want to misspeak. Could somebody please explain the difference between a food swamp

OK. I am not the technical expert on that. Food swamp is typically referred to areas in a community that has food, but not healthy food options. A food desert typically is stating a portion of a community that lacks individuals' ability to get affordable and accessible groceries, what I would consider more groceries, full service groceries. That is, and anyone who is Impacted and can be in a number of different ways and please anyone who has better definitions than what I am saying Please speak up but anyone And it can be for a lot of different reasons But is struggling to get the food they need To live and survive is food insecure and that can have a lot of at least my understanding Alderman Prunty can have a lot of variety between those individuals who are struggling with food insecurity.

So food insecurity is a lack of ability to afford.

Get it, afford, and access it.

So swamp is, and desert seems to mean that it's lack of access. Insecurity seems to mean that there's an income

Insecurity can be One's income I would also say like for I think What makes I think this innovative may not be the end-all be-all But makes it innovative is its attempt to help solve both of those attempting to get affordable Food to individuals where they live making it accessible for them to get it

for bringing up the idea of supporting what we already have. And I'm just wondering from not the organizers of this, but the council, or excuse me, the city portion that looked at this, was there, or has there been any consideration for assisting those brick and borders that exists, because I think you only said 61101. I said 61101 through 61111. 61101 through 61111.

Oh, you gave a range. OK. All right. So those, and I didn't ask for anything,

Is there, was there any thought or consideration to making those less swampy?

So just so I'm attempting to understand where we're going here.

Because you're talking about the quality of food. So when I think about like, If that's part of the goal, was there any thought process to making some of those areas in 61101 through 6111 more or less of a desert or swamp area?

Yes.

Your Honor, I can answer that question to some extent, and certainly you can correct me if I misspeak. But when it comes to food insecurity, whether that's transportation or cost, I mean, it's all on the table. You know, our team is going to look at holistic approaches, whether that's the establishment of brick and mortar, which we've been successful in securing multiple DCEO grants for brick and mortar – Historically, we provided sales tax agreements on the east side and the west side for the establishment of grocery stores. When you talk about a food swamp, and just to make sure that it's answered correctly, a food swamp is an area that does not, you know, has an over-concentration of unhealthy food options. And then many times a food swamp and a food desert will be one and the same, where there's unhealthy options but no healthy options. So, I mean, but certainly is not going to solve food insecurity all by itself. It's going to continue for this city, whether it's city government or not-for-profit organizations, to continue to tackle the issue in a multi-pronged approach.

Thank you. Just I'm wondering, thank you so much for those responses. I am just wondering, since we have made the move to amend this and to use the one that we agreed upon is to use the $300,000 from Canada and $322,000 from Casino Fund, is there time to amend this again, to make an amendment again? Can we do that? Or are we just still on the discussion of this one?

All the amendments have went through right now Amendments if you wanted to have an amendment it would need to be in writing Thus you had those in writing if there was needed to be time for that I think in the past we have Provided that time to get something worked up So It is possible

Thank you good question, mr. Gagnoni I believe it

approved by city council on the utilization of those funds, and certainly is in part of the geographical area identified in that resolution.

So part of, but not all, but part? I don't want to say part of or all. I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman, you know, you have my heart. This is a hard job. I guess that as I am looking at this, it sounds as if If we do not take this money, this $622,000, if we only took it from the casino funds, that they would still have something left. The casino funds would. But if we take $300,000 plus we do the other things that we're looking at doing tonight, then the cannabis funds would have zero left.

There would be I don't have all the numbers memorized alderwoman prunty, but yes, there would be some Casino funds based on all of those different categories that council approves Remaining and yes, if we use this all of this year's canvas funds would be expended so but if we if I

And rather than using $300,000 from cannabis funds, but use all $622,000 of casino funds, we would have $300,000 at least left in casino funds. Then how much would we have left in cannabis funds? How much would we have left in casino funds?

So if we went back to... Not to 800. We just know I think I'm following you I just want to say it so I'm half the time I'm only repeating it so a people can hear it and B I can understand it Your question is Since it's been amended from 822 to 622 if you utilized all 622 of casino, would there be funding left over in casino? Are you saying in all categories or economically challenged categories?

Because we're pulling from everything, right? We're pulling from multiple places.

We were pulling from multiple places when it comes to casino.

And we would still be pulling from multiple places at 322, correct?

Primarily you would be pulling from Casino economic development and casino economic development and disadvantaged areas 233,000 I'm not following that one You say that there was 233,000

$150,000 ED high risk 2025, $150,000 ED high risk 2026, and additional $22,000 in ED 2026 casino funds. Is there ample casino funds to carry the proposal? Yes, but that wasn't the amendment.

Okay, so I just need to change.

So, and prior to you making that change, just so I understand, and I'm hoping I'm picking up what you're putting down, if you were to make an amendment that moves the funding back to casino funds, that was just defeated, right? So, I mean, we know the outcome of that.

It was defeated at

I mean, yeah, but what she wants was defeated because it wasn't approved.

Because this amendment became so. But with this amendment, we had not had this conversation. Now that we have had this conversation, looking at this amendment, which is the one that has, I'm sorry, there are several of them.

So my recollection alderwoman fronty and anyone can please do correct me My understanding is that we had three amendments with us. The first was to move denial to approval the second was to bring the funding from 822,000 down to 622,000. Then once it was, that was approved. Then once $622,000 was approved, then we had yet another amendment that then moved that 622,000 to have more of the split, the 300 cannabis and the 322 casino.

So could my, if I were to make an amendment, could my amendment sound something like this? I move to amend the funding agreement with Angelic Organics Learning Center doing business as Farmer's Rising for the establishment of a mobile grocery store to reflect the funding resource as follows, an amount of $622,000 from casino funds. Can I do that?

Think you could a if it was I think you could be it would have to be in writing and see That is literally what they just voted on to not do And I'm sorry maybe maybe I'm not I want to be I want to make sure everyone's clear and if I'm please correct me Where you think I'm wrong? So we first had the item up Then there was the motion to change it from a denial to approval. Great. Done. Then we had an amendment to address the funding from $822,000 to $622,000, all still coming from casino. Done. That got approved. That was done. Then we had an amendment. They all tested me tonight. Then we had an amendment that we had $622,000 go into funding for the mobile grocery. Then we had an amendment that kept the $622,000 but adjusts the funding source away from using all casino funds to using $300,000 of cannabis and $322,000 of casino. So I think you could make that amendment, Alderman Prenti, but I think this body just voted to not do that.

Thank you.

No, I'd want it. Am I being clear?

I don't want Alderman Thunberg and then alderwoman Torino Thank you mayor on this mobile grocery store I think that when we look at giving to this seed money and I know I've talked with some other individuals regarding some other items that are on the topic tonight so it kind of runs parallel to that you know I had a lot of questions on this part of it is as we looked at other mobile grocery stores around in other cities they were I believe from what I saw very heavily privately funded privately sponsored So I think what this does is gives us a or gives the organization a springboard to begin. I appreciate the coming down from 822 to 622. I think what that also does is send a message to this organization that we as a city are serious in advising that they do seek and continue to seek I'm sure they've been doing it but we'd like to see them be a little bit more diligent on that possible going forward to secure private funding because you know we I think when some programs are seated. It's hard to unseat them. And so as this organization moves forth, I would like to see the success of it. Uh, but I'd also like to see the whittling down of public dollars and the private sector stepping up as we've seen in some of the other cities where they have been more reliant on private sector dollars.

Thank you, and just I'm not responding I would just say lots of very similar conversations around the horseshoe and I would say very similar conversations with farmers rising and Jellic organics, and I think that message has been delivered I'm sorry we older woman Torino And ultimately how does that impact the subsidy that Thank you. So the subsidy will not be impacted. The $150,000 in year two and the $150,000 in year three were a not to exceed number. If you look at the pro forma, again, I... obviously grabbed the wrong packet, but the pro forma highlights something around the area of needing less than 25,000 year two and needing 13 to 17,000 year three. The idea was we would give them initially up to 150,000 year two, up to 150,000 year three, because we wanted to give them a cushion and make sure that they continue to operate and run and do what we all want them to do. in discussions with farmers rising and their team they also heard from our conversations here on council that our council and our organization wants them to fundraise more and put a greater emphasis on that on more private dollars and foundation dollars and less of an emphasis on the public dollars and and conversations with them the subsidy would not be impacted uh their need to fundraise i would say is probably the thing most impacted and it has just been expedited thank you all right we're cruising uh alderman beach thank your honor i said that was going to support this when i still am

I do appreciate the remarks made by Aubrey Meeks and Elton Turner. When you look at these facts, and I think we spoke about this, Your Honor, that unless they are heavily subsidized, the chance of them being successful is questionable. Because when you figure that margins on these grocery stores are really, at best, somewhere around 4%, operating the store, or somewhere around 25% at best, if they're not heavily subsidized, they can't make it. Unless they're going to do millions and millions of dollars of retail sales. It just doesn't work. So the message to the developers here is they've got to go out and raise this money. If they don't raise this money, maybe they've got some tricks we don't know about. And I just say that kindly. And I think everybody around this horseshoe wants this thing to work. But the reality is, in black and white,

Thank you. Other discussion? Alderman Frost.

Thank you. I never thought in the same discussion I would wholeheartedly agree with. uh... last week was unique this week is the people or so uh... i don't think anyone uh... disagreed with why it's all uh... uh... in the investment not mean that we're not in favor of going forward and helping out, especially seniors and kids that don't have the ability to get certain places to the transportation and to have properly food items. And that's why I talked to the director last week about the Piggly Wiggly program and the 25% subsidy that they're able to do. But on their truck, it really is more of a mini grocery store. And I think we really need to And I don't know how we can do this with this entity, but really, I would think with the angelic gardens being involved, you know, really focus on what counts and solve those problems by providing better food by fruits, vegetables, dairy, those type items that could solve the desert slash inequity swamp problems and not have it just be more convenient to, you know, buy a bag of chips, right? So I think, I hope, look, I haven't talked much about it. I don't know what the logistics are. I know there's been lots of changes made tonight. I know everybody would kill me if I made a motion to lay it over, but I think there needs to be a lot more moving steps going forward to get this right, because the last thing any of us want to see is to say, I told you so. The Milwaukee program, and I know the size scope is much different, but they had almost half of their... They had $10 million in private money coming from Piggly Wiggly, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and I don't see any of that race so far around. And so... And I know there was a press conference I think last Tuesday about the organization moving forward with or without it, and I don't think that's, you know, I'm hopeful that it can be a utilization of our money to help give seed money. with the carrot and the stick, you gotta go out and get other money or it's not gonna work. And the last thing anybody wants to see is to spend, whether it's $6,000 or $600,000 on a program that we're gonna fund that's not gonna be sustainable after three years. Certainly here. Yeah appreciate that I

I'll at least commit to following up with you after discussions with the team and provide you feedback from them and also with updates on their private fundraising efforts as well.

Alderman Durkee.

Thank you, Your Honor.

As I stated in the committee last week, I actually am not supportive of this program. A couple of questions I think need to be answered. The pro forma of this seems to be investigatory as part of the issue as to whether or not we need a grocer on the west side. We do. We already answered the question. So the root cause is why isn't there a grocer on the west side or in these certain neighborhoods, a large grocer? What is stopping them from coming? So that, to my knowledge, I haven't seen that. I haven't seen that addressed. I haven't specifically seen that answered or studied. As far as the mobile, know that it answers, nothing I guess is gonna solve everything, but you're gonna move a truck from place to place, and I can only go by some of the data that's provided. And I know the end is only 222. I don't know how the survey was done, but if you only have 222 respondents, I'm wondering even of the interest, that people had in responding to the survey. But I can only go by what's in front of me for all these things. But you have 40% of respondents said, I'm immobile. Food truck's not gonna help. They gotta get to the food truck. Somewhere in there it said 60, some 67% already drive. So is their desire to have a food truck simply because I don't wanna drive across town? If that's the case, we're in a rural area, there are all kinds of people that drive all over the place for food. The Milwaukee thing that people, as Alderman Frost brought up, The Milwaukee program is heavily, not only subsidized by Piggly Wiggly, but is provided by Piggly Wiggly. They have a large chain with economy of scale that is able to provide foodstuffs at a reduced price because of their purchasing power. The farmers that we would use here are good for a season, but what happens in January? I mean, you're gonna go out in the market and buy it at a markup. So I'm not, and at the studies I've read, there's always creeping costs to eventually the overhead exceeds what exists in the private sector. I called any number of grocers this week, this past week, and everybody delivers. Everybody delivers to every section of Rocky. We can't afford that. I asked a question last week as to where people got their staples from, toothpaste, soap, different things like that. That's not provided by this either. So it doesn't completely answer what we need to get folks, but the private sector has stepped up to do that. via Instacart or their own delivery service. People on Snap have reduced to no delivery fee in some of these places. People poo-poo some of these, but they're major change. The costs that can be delivered to the people ordering online The data that's provided from the study section said that 85% of respondents said they would like to order online. They already would like to do that. The people who were queried basically said that they were home most of the day. So the delivery coming to their home is not like they're delivering to an empty home. So I think the private sector has already answered the question as far as delivery. What we need, the other is, I talked to a few women during the week and I did my own quick study. The women who use this, They don't want to drag little kids to the grocery store. They're a big user of online shopping. They can stay at home. It's delivered to them. They don't have to drag kids all over the place. Plus, there is an added expense. You do have to drive. You do have to own a car and pay insurance to get there. So I think this is more of a bandaid. I think it's a misdiagnosis of what is needed and it's a misapplication and a mistreatment based on that false diagnosis. I would rather take the $800,000 Just find a building, buy it, and subsidize with no taxation or whatever, and let's see if we can draw a grocer for very low cost to do that. The margins of grocery stores run at 2% to 3%. It's not... It's not good. We look at these big stores and think everybody's making a lot of money. They're not. Margins are tight. And even as this mobile grocer will will try to buy foodstuffs, their margins are gonna be tight, which is why they only work if they're subsidized. And even if they're subsidized, their costs, at least from the studies, are high. So I think it's a gallant effort. And if they wanna continue as a private entity to do this, more power to them with private donations. But I see lots of trouble in this. because I don't think it delivers, it's not gonna deliver what they say. It's gonna be very difficult to get fresh food, especially in the downlands. They will not be able to deliver the staples, the laundry, soap, dishwash, all those things. People still have to go to a store to buy them. So they're out and mobile already. The question is how cheap will this food be? And I don't think it's gonna be as promised. I actually think the private sector will outdo them in cost and efficiency and availability of a variety. They're great ideas, they look good, but I'm not so sure this is the right thing. I'd like us to study why aren't we having a grocer and take Find a building and try to see that ourselves with other entities or groups And get something going on the west side so people can you know have a nice approach There's a there's a lot to unpack there We are I think really good thoughts and concerns and

I've said this before. I did not support this initially. My reason was, how can we not get to someone like an Instacart and cut a deal that allows us to pay flat fees per person and connect those individuals or connect Instacart and allow someone to buy anything that they want and have it delivered to their home? Truthfully what I found is the cost was exorbitant. They would not dramatically reduce their fee It was a flat fee the one I spoke to It was a flat fee $15 per purchase if they bought $8 worth of stuff or $75 worth of stuff if that We would at the way I looked at it. We would not be able to fund that for Few hundred people for years and it would never potentially go away Discussions with an organization that is considering a food co-op And looking at ways that they're not ready yet, but looking at ways that we could potentially partner with them down the road I will also say, yes, farmers will be growing fresh produce in any season that they can in the circumstances that they have with hoop houses or not. And the backup is not nothing. The backup is a local grocer that has contracts with the CISCOs, et cetera, that is also agreeing to provide, I think it's 10 or 15% of profit sharing back to the nonprofit to help its sustainability. Doesn't answer all your questions certainly, but I have went to as high up as I can get into I'll just say the instacarts of the world And went to their lobbyist and other government affairs folks asking and have had good discussions. There's a mayor in South Carolina that did it and Everyone touts us. Well when you dove into it, I was like that's an incredible amount of money But if we could do that in Rockford, I think it's worthwhile They were serving a hundred people Not 100 families, 100 people. And I just could not get the math anywhere near where we're at with the numbers that we potentially could serve. Alderwoman Frunty.

Back to that idea about Instagram. I know everybody does Instagram. $49. So that $15 per trip, I mean, once you spend your $35 or whatever you have, if you had a

Understood and truthfully the one I was comparing was not Okay, thank you for that we have just to reset we have seven items before us We held out one item items three has been amended three times item four was amended once is there any discussion on those? seven remaining items Alderman Meeks and alderman Durkee I Would be alderman Durkee Europe I think it's a great organization.

I think they do great work We are voting though on one aspect of the work that we do And unfortunately for the money that we're spending, the numbers of results that they're putting up, I don't think justifies the amount of money that we're providing this organization. But like I said, we're not voting on comprehensive community solutions. It's just this program. So I'm in support of what they do, but not this program.

Thank you. Alderman Meeks.

Thank you so much. Okay, so items five, six, seven, and eight. Yes. Some of the things that have recently been put forward by our governor, now that he knows there's wide public objection to data centers, I think that there are some things that we could possibly put in place in this particular project area that aren't even specific to the data center, but to just industrial industry as a whole and its impacts. And I do believe there is a pause that we could take. So I am going to make an ask to lay over items five, six, seven and eight. I did receive a couple of zoning amendments that are similar to other non-home rule communities that have implemented rule changes in zoning. And I would like to present that to staff to see if that's an avenue that we could go to make people feel a little bit more secure about the decision that we're gonna make. There's still so much unanswered questions and information that needs to be shared with the public. And approving this, I am, understanding that this item is not approving a debt. However, the incentive that will be provided for the industry, which I know many of us want this incentive. They want this development and to be able to move this through quickly. But I think there's something to be said about the fact that the governor put out this framework, about the fact that there are still studies that need to take place. And before we commit to TIF dollars, I think there is a moment that we can take to to kind of identify what those zoning ordinance changes should be. And the information that I received that I will share was crafted by people that have contributed to the Power Act and some of the legislation that they're trying to move forward. So I do make a motion to lay over items five, six, seven, and eight.

Thank you. We have We have a motion and we had a second Okay, we have a motion. We have a second to lay over. So those items are automatically laid over come to we Now have three items before us is there any discussion on the three items before us Alderman Toonberg

Thank you, Mayor. On the CCS, I want to thank you to Will, Mr. Chapman, who we had a, it's hard, sometimes busy bees trying to connect, and we finally did in the 11th hour. So I appreciate the conversation with him. I did make it clear that I have no issues with the services that CCS does. And what I do have an issue with sometimes here, as in with other programs as well, is the funding source. So the... In our discussions, it was clear that there is mental health issues, or mental health is being addressed within this program. And for that, it goes back to our discussion of last week. that every one of us in this room are paying into. So we, Mr. Chapman and I, did discuss that in greater length. And there is, I think, going to be more of an effort to go down that route if possible. The, you know, it brought to my attention initially that there was about $20 million in this fund. Now I'm hearing it's possibly up to $40 million that is sitting in the mental health index. So there is a lot of money sitting there. And now, I haven't confirmed it. So let me be very clear. I haven't confirmed it. So if there's someone else on council that would like to chime in on that, I would be appreciative of it. But yes, going forth, I would like to see more of that mental health tax coming to the equation here. And it looks like they will go down that route once proven to that health board. If that is the only thing holding that back, the board back from doing this as they prove themselves going they would look for a larger allocation. So again, it goes back to the city, the public schools, the county, all benefiting from this program. And I would like to see some of those entities step up if possible. Thank you.

Thank you. Alderman Frost.

Thank you. I know there is this debate. I hate to throw away the baby with the bathwater over the mental health tax and punish an organization because I think that's another conversation that we could have with respect to the use and viability and success that we as a city are at the table with in this. if you get some. But I'd hate to see CCS not getting additional funding because they do abstain more. And I think they affect a lot of kids. I don't know the details of this. On the specific funding from the campus, I don't want to go into one particular area. I'm hopeful that it will get spread throughout CCS.

Thank you, we are continuing to dwindle the number of items that we have before us and we have alderman Salgado and then alderwoman fronting Real quick

I'll start with the, building grocery stores and I want to reiterate what I said last committee meeting. We have El Rancho grocery store that's coming up on Fishwalking. They got funding for about a million to 1.3 million, I believe. Don't smoke me on it.

Just over 2 million.

Over 2 million dollars. Some might see it as a subsidy, some might see it as an investment for that, whether it's for the food deserts, So there is a lot of that, right? So, and then there's talks about margins, right? Yes, very thin margins. I go to Fiesta Market, Belvedere once in a while, or I go to Guanajuato, they have a restaurant, they have a bakery, they have an order express to send money, pay their bills. And so they lease all these spots. Why? Because the margins are thin. And so they want to keep their business viable. And that's part of the process, right? Just buying produce, milk, you know, may not pay all the electric bill or may not pay the refrigeration and so forth. So yes, margins are real thin. And I just want to reiterate again, you know, we talked about this framework. It was brought back because we didn't have enough time to, you know, put the framework, whatever it was. We put it together, went to the task force. We have a list of the task force that said, hey, this is one component, this mobile grocery component. that we can tackle at this point in time because we don't have a developer that wants to put on the west side or in certain spots because the margins are real thin and there's a lot of risk that goes with it, right? And so that's the conversation. We talked about Woodman's, we talked about Walmart, we talked about all these different grocery stores. No one has stepped up to the plate that I can recall, right? Yes, there is a lot of food swamp, comedian stores, From that perspective. All right. So this is one attempt from that perspective. And that's why I support that piece of it. Because the work was there. The survey was on there. They got the information. They put it out there. They went with Angelico and Farmers Rising because they're established not for profit. Their role is not for profit. It's not for profit. any of those things from that perspective. It is a need in the community, and that's why it's putting it in that direction. And that's what we have to think about from this perspective. So there are subsidies out there. There are tax incentives, and I want to bring this up because we talk about TIF districts and so forth. That is a purpose, too, to help some of these businesses establish those types of businesses in certain areas. From blight, we talk about it, whatever the case may be. Those are the reasons why we certainly have those TIF districts. Obviously, it's not gonna fund a whole lot compared to $1 million to $2 million. Some TIF districts only have 50,000, 100,000, very minimal from that perspective, right? So I just want the people to understand that yes, it is a risk. Yes, it is a subsidy at some point, but it is getting food to the individuals that really need it from my perspective. We can talk about maybe Milwaukee. How many private sectors did they have when they first established? Was Schnucks on board 100%, 25% subsidy? Was it 10%, was it 5%, whatever the case may be, right? And so from my perspective, it is a start. And I do appreciate some of my colleagues here saying that. We're willing to give the startup so they can get going. I'm sure they can come up with other private sector, other companies that are willing to put in money, private money, or whatever the case may be. But it is part of the task force. It is the framework that we have been talking about. I'm hoping that someday we will get a grocery store on the west side. Because I had a colleague that's here from the county board. He's no longer here. But we always talk about development in the rural pockets of Winnebago, Pecatonica, grocery stores so they don't have to drive all the way to Walmart over here, Sam's, or whatever the case may be. There's that push, too. We can reach out to the county. to do from that perspective. So it is a good start. I think it's a good amount of money to invest in this perspective. I don't like the fact that from that perspective we split it, taking it out of the cannabis funds and half of it going from the casino funds. I don't agree with that 100%. The casino, we should have left it the way it was. That's why I voted no for it on Mr. Kuhnberg's I voted no for that. Next thing, I want to talk a little bit about number three when it comes to the comprehensive community solutions. You heard Alderman Tamir Bell talk about this. I'm a very, we hear, we see the emails that we get about juvenile crime being committed, 16 year olds, 17 year olds. I'm mad about that. I talked to Jennifer Capabilia about that, when they're doing the Peace Center and how do we do intervention and so forth. I'd rather pay $50,000 per person than to be locked up in the system where I have to pay my tax dollars and put them in jail, maintain them, whatever it is. If I can save individuals that they can contribute to this local economy, grow their own family, raise, buy a house, and invest in property taxes and sales taxes or whatever, that's what I'm willing to do. And that's what comprehensive community solutions, organizations like that will do. YouthBuild, Fatherhood, et cetera, et cetera. I used to work for Community Action up in Beloit, Janesville. Perfect organization. I want to mimic some of the stuff that you do here with our community action here in Rockford because they do a lot of good work with their youth bill programs and so forth. And they give second opportunities for those. I know the county is working really hard with the chairman in trying to Loyola University and trying to go after these individuals that need a second chance, opportunity for them to integrate back into our society so they can contribute to our economy, to our taxes, to our sales taxes, and raise their own family, and not us having to put the bill and being locked up in our juvenile or justice facilities. So that's why it's good use of this money from this perspective. And we talked about the mental health. Yes, and I talked about Marshmallow Hope. Similar situation, they are getting $100,000 as being confirmed by them, saying that they are getting $100,000. Yes, it is the city of Rockford that they're serving 90% of the participants. So why would we not want to invest in our own community since they're Rockford. Yes, school district kids, whatever the case may be, absolutely. But I think that if we really care and we wanna invest in that, that's what we need to do to address those issues. And the cannabis funds is a set aside money to address those issues may be so those are the things why I think it's very necessary for us to fund this it's a lot of money absolutely I wish more organizations would come forward to us with with solutions to our issues and sit down but yes absolutely mental health board needs to hear this stuff they need to understand this yeah it's probably 40 million dollars from that perspective and we've talked about this having a conversation with the county board as well, with the county mental health, Winnebago County Mental Health Board, to address some of these issues about why the funding's not going out as it should be, or why is there such a reserve, because we say surplus. It's not really a surplus, it's a reserve, in my opinion. It's not a surplus, it's a reserve from that perspective. We need to have those conversations. But just to Mr. Alderman Frost saying to hold them hostage just because I don't feel that the mental health is not doing their job or whatever they're for. I'm not going to fund them whatsoever. But I do appreciate what they do. I think it's not good enough from my perspective. And I think we need to help out our community. It is our Rockfordians that need the support and help from this perspective. So I just want to make those comments. yeah i wanted to talk a little bit about the tiff which i would reserve my comments and my questions for that but most definitely i think those are my comments for those two items thank you other one fronty um regarding number two

Item number two.

Thank you for everybody for correcting me. I appreciate it. I really do. I just wanted to just kind of throw this out. Not even throw this out there when I say this. Every time I kind of hear this program talked about, we are kind of treated like a crime prevention organization. children are trying real hard and so i i don't think that we're funding a program that would have helped somebody who already decided to pick up a gun and shoot someone so i want to that's not these kids so i'm happy to support them and i hope that there is a program out there because i don't think we have it as hard as we try i don't think that there's anybody out there who has much for those kids. And I hope that we will find a way to help those kids. And I also want us to help these kids who are doing great things. And I want them to continue to be able to do great things and continue to move forward in their lives. So I want to say that because I don't want anybody leaving here thinking that these are future, these are criminals and we are saving them. These little kids trying to do what they're trying to do. All right? Next. Can somebody, I just received a little message and I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss the grocery tax, what it can be used for.

The grocery tax?

Yes.

So a couple of things. One, just for record, since we're explaining things, we do have a focused deterrence intervention program for those individuals who have been committed of a crime that we are working to rehabilitate and make sure that we get them on the right track. It's a program that Alderman Salgado mentioned. We actually fund half of it at the City of Rockford. The county funds the other half. As for the grocery tax.

Thank you for that clarification.

Absolutely. As for the grocery tax. Historically the state of Illinois collected the groceries tax and took a percentage of those dollars and then remitted it back to municipalities Most recently they did away with that and said cities if you collect it you have to collect it on your own And so we do that Those dollars go into our general fund to fund our general operations at the city of Rockford So including public works, finance staff, HR staff, IT staff, every staff member that we have that is not on what we would call like an enterprise fund basis. So water department is an enterprise fund. It makes money. It sells water, makes money, and funds the staff that does those operations. So any dollar going into the general fund you can amend to use for other items But when you take something from the general fund Let's say ie six hundred and twenty two thousand dollars you need to find six hundred and twenty two thousand dollars of either revenue or cuts to make that fund hold and Okay.

Thank you.

Yep.

All right. Started with eight, down to three. We have items two, three, and four before us. Any last discussion? Seeing no last discussion, clerk, please, please call the roll.

I on two, no on three.

Aye on two and three, no on four.

Branch, aye.

Meek?

Aye.

Zagato? Aye. Meeks? Aye. Duff?

Aye.

Excellent. If you're keeping track, we're going to be able to vote on all three of those three items yet again later this evening. We're going to move to Code and Regulation Committee. Alderman Logan.

Fifteen items tonight. Code and Regulation Committee recommends sustaining the Traffic Commission's approval requiring that traffic... On 13th Avenue, we are required to yield prior to entering the intersection at 17th Street. Item number two, committee recommends sustaining the traffic commission's approval requiring traffic on 14th Street to yield prior to entering the intersection at 10th Avenue. Item number three, committee recommends sustaining traffic commission's approval for a restriction prohibiting commercial vehicles on Guilford Road from Prospect Street to Alpine Road. Item number four, committee Recommendation that no action be taken with following items a request to establish a poorly stop control at the intersection of Phaeton Drive and Wagonette Drive a request to establish stop control at the intersection of Pioneer Drive and Winthrop Lane Item C request to establish traffic control at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Holland Street at a number five committee recommends denial of the annexation of 14XX Edison Road Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. The subject property is currently agricultural farmland. The contract purchaser plans to develop an industrial subdivision on this land. Item number six. The committee recommends denial of the annexation agreement for 14XX, 15XX, and 16XX Edson Road and a portion of 8631 11th Street. Item number seven, committee recommends denial of the zoning map amendment from county AG to I-3, airport industrial zoning district at 14XX, 15XX, and 16XX, Bitson Road, and the portion of 8631 11th Street. thus reversing ZBA's recommendation of approval. Item number eight, committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a variation to reduce the required front yard setback from 30 feet to 20 feet and five inches in an R1 single family residential zoning single-family residential zoning district to C2, limited commercial zoning district at 8539 East State Street, subject to commissions. Item number 10. The committee recommends denial of sale of tobacco products in conjunction with the tobacco store at C4, an urban mixed-use district at 714 Broadway, thus reversing the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's recommendation for approval. Item number 11. Fort Urban Next Use Zoning District at 501 East State Street, subject to conditions. Item 12, committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for modification of an existing liquor license to include liquor by the drink with video gaming terminals in conjunction with a restaurant and banquet hall and a C1 Limited Office Zoning District, C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District, and C3 General Commercial Zoning District at 6075 East Riverside Boulevard. subject to conditions item number 13 committee recommends denial of a sale of packaged liquor and b sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store in a c2 limited commercial zoning district at 922 kilburn avenue thus reversing the liquor and tobacco advisory board's recommendation for approval Item number 14, committee recommends sustaining the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board's approval for sale of liquor by the drink in conjunction with a restaurant and an I-1 light industrial zoning district at 3222 and 3208 South Alpine Road subject to conditions. And finally, item number 15, committee recommends denial for the sale of beer and wine by the drink in conjunction with a restaurant Thank You alderman Logman council we have 15 items before us is there any Discussion on those 15 items

Thank you, I moved to reverse The committee's recommendation from denial to approval for the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with the tobaccos Item two, thank you What number is that 10 okay

So we have a motion. We have a second, I believe I heard. So we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion on moving that denial to an approval? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Okay. You said no? I did. Okay. Thank you, Alderman.

Bell thank you. I moved to reverse the committee's recommendation from denial to approval for the seller packaged liquor and tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store at 922 Kilburn Avenue.

What number are you referring to? 13 Okay, we have a motion is there a second Second we have a second All those in favor say aye those opposed aye One no. All right. Alderman Bell.

Thank you. I move to reverse the committee's recommendation from denial to approval for the sale of beer and wine in conjunction with the restaurant and video gaming terminals at 7054 Walton Street. That would be item 15.

We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed? One, no. Any others? Alderman Bell? No. Alderman Meeks?

Yeah, just to stay aligned with my previous commentary on the project area, I'd like to make a motion to lay over items five, six, and seven.

Second.

Items five, six, and seven have been laid over.

Thank you.

Down to 12 items. Any other discussion? Council, you have 12 items before you. Items 10, 13, and 15 have been amended. Is there any final discussion? Seeing no discussion, clerk, please call the roll.

No on 10, 13, and 15.

No one. 10, 13, and 15. I am the last.

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

Thank you, Your Honor. Number one, the committee recommends approval of a voucher in the amount of $15,480,571.48 as approved at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held on June 22, 2026. Number two, the committee recommends approval of a lien reduction request from Z Financial to release liens on various properties from 1987 to 2017 in the total amount of $15,490. $95.50 on payment in full of $10,000. Number three, the committee recommends approval of a memorandum of agreement with AFSCME local 105 year regarding financial incentives for telecommunicators. Number four, the committee recommends approval of an IT unit in the city of Rockford and Rockford Housing Authority in amount determined per weatherized scattered site unit. The agreement does not require a cost match. The agreement term is from the term of the date of execution with a potential one year extension. I place this form there before you.

Thank you counsel for items before you any discussion older woman meets Are there any assurances that we

have in place to kind of not run into this situation again. I noticed there's a long gap where this, these properties were not in compliance and I appreciate the negotiating to get to that $10,000 mark. I'm just a little concerned that we'll go back here with this individual. I can't recall. Did you mention last week that they're intending to sell these items or these homes?

Mr. Cagnoni?

So, thank you, Your Honor, and all the women. We have been advised by the owner that that is their intention to sell the properties.

Okay. I mean, are they on, like, a watch list to make sure that they don't fall back into or out of compliance, considering they have such a strong history of doing that?

I mean, I wouldn't characterize it as a watch list, but I certainly want to make sure that they conform to the agreement that we have where the properties will remain in compliance.

All right. I appreciate that. And then item number three, I'm just curious. How does this... Chief tile first and then maybe for Do you want to begin by speaking on this and then I'll go over the director of our hand I

In our 9-1-1 center, we have a certain level of staffing on the AFSCME side. We have been short-staffed for quite some time despite our efforts. It just takes a long time to get people hired and trained, and we can only hire so many at a time and train so many at a time. And so heading into July and August, we recognize we might be short-staffed here on a few occasions. that are open and so working with finance and legal and HR to see what we have within our operational budget to really incentivize individuals who are already working overtime and already working hard to just incentivize not calling in sick maybe if they don't need to or using other time offerings just to get us through these busy months and so we can get some more people trained on the floor. And what is the estimated cost? So we budgeted within this, our operational budget, to have about $64,000. If everybody were to not call in and everybody were to take the incentive, and that is within the budget working requirements.

Thank you so much. Director Parham, could you touch on how your program was?

Yeah. So let me ask a question first. I know we did, are you asking about the incentive act that we had earlier this year or when we had one over a year ago that more specifically related to attendance?

I think I'm speaking, yes, I'm speaking of the one earlier that related to attendance.

Okay.

Thank you. Any other discussion or questions? Alderman Frost.

With regard to number two, was Z Financial the owner of these properties from 87 through 2017? Yes.

Any other discussion? Clerk, please call the roll.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye.

No on two, aye on the remainder.

Grinning. Aye. So bad.

Aye. Yes.

Aye.

Aye on one, two, three, no on four.

Next we're gonna go to unfinished business.

We'll go to code in regulation committee and alderman Logan The zoning Board of Appeals approval for a 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 25 30 27 10 and 27 20 South Main Street subject to conditions Thank You alderwoman Trina

I'm going to be making a motion, but I want to explain what the motion is because your crib sheet is a bit vague. We've talked about this item many times, and the residents are obviously very concerned about having to leave their homes. And I have empathized with them for that. They did send over a request wanting some additional assistance from the developer of the RV park. They asked for 450,000 in relocation. to do, they were at $175,000. They're willing to come up $10,000 more to provide a total package of $185,000, which would be, the initial offer was $4,500. They did go up 25% to a total of $5,625. And so the The condition that we're asking to be put into the special needs permit is that the applicant shall provide a relocation assistance program to offer support for existing residents for the property transition use, and the program will consist of a one-time payment of $5,625 for each lease site that changes to voluntarily relocate within 90 days of accepting the offer. So the motion that I'm making is to amend the conditions of the approval to include this condition number 11

Thank you, we have a motion is there a second We have a motion we have a second is there any discussion on the item before us alderman Bell Thank You mayor.

I Did not catch that less maybe three two or three sentences just due to the microphone

Can you correct me if I'm wrong? I believe older woman Trina stated that the relocation has went from forty five hundred dollars to five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollars to those residents who relocate within 90 days Within 90 days of accepting me I believe that's it

I guess I'll ask a question that I've asked before. Do we believe that we have enough housing stock for these individuals to potentially move into here in the city of Rockford that's affordable?

Mr. Cagnoni or Ms. Heinrichs, I don't have the availability of the units. Alderman Bell, as I told you the last time you asked, I don't have that, but I'll ask staff if they happen to have it.

Thank you, Your Honor. Alderman, similar to my last response, there are available housing units within the city of Rockford, certainly aligning cost points. Any other Okay, any other discussion alderman Durkee Thank You my understanding is

So basically they went and did all this in an R1 zoning and were flipping the zoning underneath a resident. This is a hard one for me. I'm not so sure I can be supportive of that. These folks, the mobile homes have value. The owner of the property knew ahead of time all this stuff and he wants to flip the zoning and remove them and do something else. I'd rather see the owner work on some kind of compromise with the city to keep part of that R1 and part of RV. It's a tough one for me. I can't support what we're doing here.

Is there any other discussion? Alderman Torino.

So from my understanding, it was not. It's a zoning change that it's a special use permit. So the... What I'm looking at is older owners that want to sell this property and have wanted to sell it for a long time. The opportunity came forward to do so, and so that's what they want to do. Now, we're dealing with, yes, displacement, which is very difficult, so that's why it was important to listen, to make sure that they knew that the city did offer some services to help with that. This is a tough one because there are two sides to the story. There isn't just one side. There's a lot of information that is being given about what's happening to the property currently. I don't even know if I can be public about some of the things that I know. I wish I could have had some private conversations because I don't want to say anything derogatory towards anyone in this because it's hard for all sides. But for me, I guess I'm just looking at it in terms of the developer is offering something. No, it's not ideally what we want to see, but they don't have to offer anything. Again, that makes it difficult. The current owners, they don't have to offer anything either, and they're not... I've been sort of put in the middle of it, which I didn't necessarily want to be in the middle of it. But I guess I'm looking at individuals that want to sell their property and why, how can we legally say that they cannot do that? And I understand, again, the people part is important to me. We're not denying that. But at the end of the day, for me, I had to look at the issue at hand, which was the person wants to sell their property and wants to get a special use permit. And the zoning board didn't have an issue with it. City staff didn't have an issue with it. So I could not come up with a sound enough reason to say no.

Council we have one item before us alderman Bell So do we know Address it to the chair. Do we know should this special use permit? That this developers come in before the City Council If it's not approved do we know? If that developer will continue to maybe pursue to purchase the property, but maybe have an alternative business plan, or will this developer then walk away, this buyer then walk away, it would remain the same, in the same hands.

Thank you. Mr. Cagnoni?

So it's a little bit difficult to predict, so I can certainly share what we understand and what's been represented to us by the applicant. You know, the applicant... has stated that they've worked in good faith to come up with the relocation dollars for the individuals that are there, but have stated that they're on their backs. So if the special use permit would be denied, I would anticipate that they would not move forward with the acquisition of the property. Their proposed plan is to transition from the existing non-conforming use to a conforming use This property was annexed, or I should say this property developed decades ago outside the city of Rockford, was later annexed into the city of Rockford, and never followed what would be the typical city of Rockford development standards in regards to the overall infrastructure improvements and the establishment So the development is non-conforming. Over time, there's been deterioration of certain mobile homes. They've been removed. Certainly, there are a number of mobile homes that are still there that could be relocated. And so looking back to your question, whether this individual would buy it or not, I don't know. I understand that he would not pursue it. Whether the current owners would then follow the state statute and still advance the relocation or eviction of those individuals and then resell it at a future point, I don't know. All those are hypotheticals that could or could not happen. It's just difficult to fully predict. But part of the reason staff recommended approval and ultimately the zoning board's appeal

Thank you. I just said, I think, at least my colleagues know where I stand on this. I am a no. I won't belabor it, but I think what I will say is this is just, for me, an unacceptable item to come before us as a suggestive approval. Thank you.

Thanks. Alderman Frunty.

Mr. Cagnone Do you know if there's other places within? Winnebago County that individuals couldn't move to

So there are other mobile home or manufactured home subdivisions within Winnebago County. Whether it's feasible for them to relocate into those subdivisions, I don't know the answer to that.

Thank you.

So if they take it, they get $5,625. If they don't take it,

My understanding and please staff correct me if I'm wrong my understanding was I Believe they have up until a year they have a year To ultimately move and if they choose a shorter time period they're incentivized to choose that shorter time period with the five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollar staff am I getting that accurate I Director or mr. Cagnone number of total families just under 40 From when they sign that agreement Thank you. Mr. Frost. Alderman Frost.

I just had a question for legal. Since the ZBA staff recommended approval of an SUP, and I agree with several of my colleagues, I find this very disheartening. Besides the alternative of the We as a city might, this was denied, do we stand on troubled bars with respect to future litigation for denying a basis? So I think there are enough objectors in the record of the act that would support the basis of the item based on the instruments that have been raised today. And then I don't know who wants to answer this, but if this was to be approved, is there any help that the city of Rockford can do to these 40 families with respect to helping them find alternative housing? We pass a lot of dollars around here. I'm just curious, do we have anyone or a specific department of contact, someone that can help these folks

we did talk about the services that health community services can potentially provide to them via our relocation assistance um that we offer however again that is contingent upon there being um housing that is available there are so many factors to consider that, honestly, these manufacturing homes are some of the most affordable housing in our community. So the reality is someone relocating from one of those spaces to somewhere else just because there's an apartment available.

What does that mean?

If they cannot afford it, or if there are folks that are unwilling to income, what we're seeing in the services we provide, many who are providing, are requiring three times the amount of someone's income in order for them to move in There are some resources that we do have available, but it does not meet the full spectrum of their needs with regard to cost related to moving a trailer, whether a trailer is in the condition that it can move, whether or not that person works. Quite a bit of our resources may also be contingent upon that person's specific situation. So someone who does work and they have income, they're eligible for

capacity to sit down with each individual owner of a manufactured home or family and offer them advice and counsel them on ways to pivot or do we not?

Somewhat, yes, and we've offered that, but we have not, those requests have not come to us in that way, but we have offered to meet with them to let them know what resources are available and to identify where We get replenished Just one last question if the

Owners of the manufactured homes, I think Mr. Cagnoni mentioned it, they decide not to take the deal. I believe it's by state statute that if they're served with an eviction notice, that they could possibly hold this up because they could stay there for 12 months. Do you need information on that?

Is that accurate, Mr. Cagnoni?

That is correct. There's a state statute that regulates.

older woman meets uh... uh... uh... uh...

I think they incorrect me team. I think the answer is Legally, yes, we are able to do so probably has to have a couple of different factors. Like where are they moving? Are they moving into? moving into another place in Rockford a Lot of different factors, but I think if unless I'm wrong, I think technically legally able to I think the answer would be yes Okay, and if we were to do something like that I mean my thought off the top of my head is we would need some time to figure that out Instead of just off the cuff, but mr. Dagnoni. Do you have any thoughts? I

Well, I'd want to work with Director Parham. I mean, you know, clearly city council had authorized, you know, $300,000 recently of unrestricted funds that her department could use that would be an eligible item that could help with relocation costs. I'm sure she has ideas on how to use that dollar, so I wouldn't help her. And would concur with the mayor, you know, could there be other opportunities, whether that be casino funds This was an area in which city council was going to approve.

Just a question out of curiosity. Thank you for answering.

Alderwoman Prenti.

Thank you. You talked about the eviction process and it's 12 months. Can you just evict someone if they are... Okay council we have one item before us is there any discussion on the one item I

Alderman Frost.

I'd like to turn to the written motion to use up the $200,000 of casino funds to assist in qualified relocation.

So we would need a hold up. We would need in writing. So Alderman Frost is going to now walk it over. Well, he does that. I have this council's permission to continue on with our agenda because our team will need to type up something Then you all will want to debate it again I'm guessing and so if Do I have your permission to do a stay on? The item that we have and move forward with the rest of the agenda. Is there anyone who objects? I I appreciate you So we need a Sorry. I just want to make sure I'm accurate. He's going to be providing a motion to amend. I know he did, but he also didn't have it in writing to everyone. Oh, my gosh. I'm sorry. We've been debating and debating. First and foremost, we have a motion on the floor right now to bring those dollars, as Alderman Tarina stated, up to $5,625. Yes, sir. That motion is before us right now. And so we need to vote on that. And then we can do a state and bring in the other dollars that Alderman Frost was discussing.

Can I just add a question?

You sure can.

So $250,000 divided by 35 homes is $7,142.

Yep.

Plus maybe $5,000.

Yep.

So they're still going to have to come up with, what is that, $8,000, $9,000?

If they were to move it, yes. Based on the cost that was mentioned from the audience, yes. We have to determine all of that we have not had that discussion So we have one item before us the five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollar Is before us is there any further discussion on that one amendment clerk, please call the roll on just that amendment

up to 5,620 I

Okay. So now we have that. Do I have your permission to continue on with the agenda and come back once we have this all typed up and in front of them? Is there anyone who objects to that? Excellent. Next, appointments are laid over through after our meeting after July 1st. We'll go to motions and resolutions. We'll go to planning and development committee.

Thank you, Your Honor. Okay, we have one item before us any discussion on that one item alderman Toonberg

Thank you, Mayor. I would make a motion to lay this over.

We have a motion to lay it over. Is there a second? Second. We have a second. It's laid over. Next.

Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you.

We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion on the layover? Clerk, will you please call the roll on the layover?

Aye.

Aye. Aye.

Aye.

Alderman Frunty.

Aye. Brandon. No. Soho.

No. Me.

Aye. No. Aye. So, aye.

Items laid over. Next, we're going to go to Code and Regulation Committee. Alderman Logerman.

Thank you, Mayor. One item, committee recommends approval of the request for authorization to allow the zoning officer to file text amendments for multiple sections of the zoning ordinance. Proposed text amendments to zoning ordinance table 20-1, article 20-005C, table 21-1, article 30-004, article 35, article 50-003, article 50-016, and article 80-003. Places up for your approval. Thank you.

Council, is there any discussion on the one item before us? Seeing no discussion, clerk, please call the roll. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Thank you, Your Honor. Number one, the committee recommends approval of the Board of Bid for City Yard's Wash Bay Drain Replacement Repairs to DPI Construction, amount of about $118,630. This is the one-time project. The funding source is the property fund. Number two, the committee recommends approval of the Board of Bid for Rails to Trails Rock River Shoreline Repair to Coppenhaver Construction, the amount of $570,582.94. The contract period is through October 16th, 2026. The funding source is 100% infrastructure sales tax. Number three, the committee recommends approval of a non-competitive contract for the purchase of two police vehicles to Rockford Ford in the amount of $52,322.26. This is a one-time purchase. The committee recommends approval of resolution authorizing the appropriation of MFT funds for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code Region 1 Planning Council fiscal year 2027 funding in the amount of $91,308.49. Number five, the committee recommends approval of the authorization to issue a request for proposals for the development of eight townhome units at 966 Fort Street. develop a minimum of three single-family residential design templates for a new residential infill program. I place these six matters before you.

Council, six items before you. Any discussion on those six items? Clerk, please call the roll. Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Next we'll go to New Business and we'll go to Code and Regulation Committee and Alderman Logan.

We have 13 items in front of us with items 4, 5, and 6 being laid over. Item number 1, an ordinance requiring that traffic on 13th Avenue be required to yield prior to entering the intersection of 17th Street. Item number 2, an ordinance requiring traffic at 14th Street to yield prior to entering the intersection of 10th Avenue. Item number 3, an ordinance approving a restriction prohibiting commercial vehicles on Guilford Road from Prospect Street to Alpine Road. Skipping to item number 7, an ordinance approving a variation to reduce the required front yard setback from 30 feet to 20 feet and 5 inches in an R1 single-family residential zoning district at 2520 Driftwood Lane. Item number eight, an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment from R1 Single Family Residential Zoning District to C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District at 8539 East State Street. Item number nine was reversed to approve an ordinance related to the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a tobacco store in a C4 urban mixed-use district at 714 Broadway. Item number 10, an ordinance approving the sale of liquor by the drink and the sale of packaged liquor in conjunction with a cafe, restaurant, bar in a C4 urban mixed-use zoning district at 501 East State Street. Item number 11, an ordinance approving the modification of an existing liquor license to include liquor by the drink with video gaming terminals in conjunction with a restaurant and banquet hall in a C1 limited office zoning district, C2 limited commercial zoning district, and C3 general Item number 12, an ordinance related to the sale of packaged liquor in conjunction with a liquor store in a C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District at 922 Kilburn Avenue. Item number 13 was reversed in the affirmative, an ordinance related to the sale of tobacco products in conjunction with a liquor store in a C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District at 922 Kilburn Avenue. item number 14 an ordinance approving the sale of liquor by the drink in conjunction with a restaurant and i won light industrial zoning district at 3222 and 3208 south alpine road item number 15 was also reversed in the affirmative uh reading an ordinance related to the sale of beer and wine by Thank you counsel, there's 16 items

I'd like to make a stay on item 16 because we have to go back and have that discussion is there anyone who objects to me just Briefly holding item 16 so we can discuss items 1 through 15 and then we will come back and discuss 16 but we'll do it under a different section with the amendment that alderman frost has provided Is there an objection to that? Okay, so we have 15 items before us or 15 items before us is there any discussion? They were laid over items or five six were laid over These are the only ones I can see that were laid over. I Need discussion on the items that are up for a vote No discussion. Clerk, please call the roll. Thank you, I'm gonna keep going Unless there's an objection and we can come back to that item that'll have I'm guessing quite a bit of discussion altering turkey Sorry your honor under new business Hey Plenty and development is up next it was flipped in order. Okay, my apologies to you Yeah So now we are on new business, planning and development, Alderman Durkee.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Sorry about that. Thank you.

There are three items. Number two, in order to approving a grant of easement to Commonwealth Edison for city-owned property located at 850 South Horace Avenue in Rockford, Illinois, property index number is 11-21-377. Number three, an ordinance related to the funding agreement with Comprehensive Community Solutions to expand prevention and intervention programming in collaboration with the City of Rockford's Community Healing Center in the amount of $400,000. The funding source is cannabis funds. an ordinance related to funding agreement with Angelic Learning Center, Incorporated, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation doing business with Farmers Rising in partnership with City Center Market for the establishment of a mobile grocery store in the amount of $622,000. The funding source is $300,000. Cannabis. Cannabis. Cannabis. $322,000 from the casino funds. These are up for final passage.

Thank you. Counsel, we have three items before us. Any discussion on those three items? Clerk, please call the roll.

I have two, but I want three and four.

Aye, for sure. Excellent. Next, we're going to Finance and Personnel Committee, Alderman Frost.

Number one is an ordinance approving a lien reduction request from Z Financial for lease liens on various properties incurred from 1987 to 2017, meaning a total amount of $15,495.50 on payment full of $10,000. Number two is an ordinance approving a memorandum of agreement with ASPE Local 1058 regarding financial incentives to telecommunicators. Council three Adams before you any discussion on those three items clerk, please call the roll

Okay, we are going back to Roman numeral seven unfinished business and Going to be code in regulation committee that item has been amended to reflect I believe it's five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollars For relocation assistance that has already approved We now have one item before us an alderman frost motion was motion to use up to up to two hundred thousand dollars of casino funds to assist in You are an attorney. It was an attorney or doctor's handwriting. Qualified relocation funds. Is that accurate? That's correct. And I apologize. Did we have a second on his motion? Okay. We have one motion up before you. Is there a second on that motion?

Second.

We have a second on that motion. So, counsel, we have one item before you, Alderman Tunberg.

Thank you, Mayor. I think that we all here on council have that sense of sympathy for this situation. I think with the casino funds, and we talk about economic development, various ways that we use this funding, I think this area here could be considered economic development in a floodplain. It's going to be used for a different purpose. But in regards to being sympathetic to the situations, I think it's a unique situation in the sense that this is a property that is owned by a private entity, an individual in this case. These manufactured homes are very unique in the situation in that they don't own the land, but they own the dwelling that they're living in. Um, so, you know, I think in, in good condition, I don't know, I just heard 20,000. I've heard other numbers at much less than that if they're in good condition, but if they're not in so good condition, yes, that I've heard that it's just not possible to move, move these units. So, I know that we frequently on council floor are, we have money coming through this chamber via grants most of the time that we're giving low income utility assistance low-income rental assistance On a very regular basis these individuals are individuals who have worked and are You know just in a unique situation Like I said owning their dwelling but not the property it sits on So these are individuals that have worked hard to where they get where they've gotten and feeling like they've had the rug pulled out from under them. I would feel comfortable as a city. I know that this is a process through the legal channels and yes I feel sympathetic to an owner who said things you know I can't I can't sell my property that I want to sell I mean there is a basis to that at the same time these owners of these units are in a very precarious situation so I would feel comfortable in looking at using some of our casino dollars in the form of economic development for this property and going to these individuals I think you would probably total Correct me around 12 I just over 12 when I did the math. I think that would assist in moving some of these units if they are movable. If they are not movable, that there possibly is some other of these manufactured home parks around the area that this would help in a nice down payment for another home. But nonetheless, however they decide to use those funds, I think this would immensely help those individuals. Thank you.

Alderman Torino.

Do we have, can we lay this over? The, not the. The whole thing can be laid over. Not the whole, the whole thing, but I don't know. I guess I'm like, because there's a lot of stipulations and things that we need to try and vet in this, because there's a lot of different situations here. Like, we have to make sure that people are not behind on rent. We need to make sure that some, some people don't, some people own it, some do not. There's a lot of,

So director hammer What would be your suggestion and I older woman Trina correct me if I'm wrong I want to make sure I get what I think you want done done Is there a way to move forward with the overarching item that included the amendment of the five thousand six hundred and twenty-five dollars lay over the amendment for up to 200 000 so that we could have some sort of process or defining even of what qualified means that staff could come back to this body and say this is what we came up with based on the input so that we could provide more assistance to these residents what if am i getting what you're

Yeah, and I'm asking that because, again, there's two sides to every story. The other piece of this is that, yes, I believe that there's a total, maybe, I don't know what the number is, it's 35 or 40 families. Not all of those individuals will be taking the package. There are some individuals that have some deals set up to get apartments and more of these things like that. item. So it's like it's a lot of things to understand. So I was trying to see if we could get a decision made. Because we just need to make one.

Okay, so with that being said, my understanding of what you're saying is vote on the amended item B1, and I believe on the 13th we have committees, and we could shoot for having Alderman Frost's amendment come before that committee. And do I need Alderman Frost's approval to do that? Is that okay? I want to make sure we're working on both of those. Okay, so we have one item before us, item B1. Is there any discussion on that one item? I did have other people who wanted to speak, but I had Alderwoman Prunty, Alderwoman Meeks, but I'm guessing it was on the amendment. I just don't want to skip you over all right, so we have one item before us And then we will come back on the 13th to have the second part of this discussion So we have one item before us that has been amended up to five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollars Is there any discussion on that one item? Clerk could you please call the roll? So now we go forward To new business ordinances under code and regulation item 16 So council we have one item before us item 16 that has been amended and And to which we will come back and add to it on the 13th. Is there any discussion on that one item? Clerk, please call the roll. So Y'all are switching all these votes now. It's making me concerned. So I want to be clear and Votes are fine. However, they found a vote Maybe I'm doing it wrong. I want to make sure I'm doing accurately item 16 which is the same item we just voted on the RV and fifth wheel only community and Our one single-family residential zoning district at 25 30 27 10 and 27 20 South Main Street, which has been amended To include the five up to or the five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollars That is included in this item now We will also have the discussion on the 13th add up to an additional $200,000 of casino funds towards Qualified relocation to which we need to determine and we will on the 13th. I not asking you to change votes i just want to make sure that whatever you voted is what you want on that item uh am i clear is that clear on what i'm doing is there any questions on what i am doing i'm sorry to ask you questions well three have voted so i need your permission to do that

no one opposed to that okay alderman yeah i i'm sorry so i guess now it's my turn to be on the uh discombobulated list so just for clarification yep mayor so we are voting on this tonight this right now this vote yep where three of us voted uh that this is for the for the amendment that Alderwoman Tarina has already passed, and now we're voting on that amendment. Portion that that with as amended.

Yes, sir. So you have that item the special use permit and plan unit development plus alderwoman Trina's amendment that brings that relocation up to five thousand six hundred and twenty five dollars and

Okay, so that is all now before us and we will also have a discussion on the 13th right about the 200,000 We are not Okay, it will make that amendment very difficult by the way you have a discussion on So I would please change my vote to an aye vote

Is there, let me ask, is there any objection to the three council members now with that clarification having the opportunity to change their vote? Is there any objection to that? Okay. Sorry.

I was under the impression that this vote right now is a layover vote. It sounds like it's incorrect.

It is incorrect. Okay. This is a vote on that special use permit that includes the amendment that Alderwoman Torino made. OK. Do you want to start the roll again?

Director Hamer

So

At this time, I'm very excited to offer all of you, is there a motion out there to adjourn? So moved. Second. We have a motion, we have a second. Any discussion? No discussion. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, have a great night.