Community Relations Commission Meeting – February 12, 2026

The Community Relations Commission met on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 5:31 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a discussion with Mayor Thomas McNamara, a detailed update from Public Works Director Scott Sanders, and continued work on the 2026 Action Plan. Commissioners also addressed communication gaps, housing initiatives, snow removal, and the future of REGROW funding.

Consent Calendar

• Journal of Proceedings (January 8, 2026): Accepted unanimously by voice vote. (Commissioner Norma Borrero absent.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public speakers were registered.

Discussion Items

• Commission’s Discussion with the Mayor: Chairman Eric Brown presented the CRC’s 2026 strategic goals, emphasizing a shift from listening sessions to measurable action. He noted a “follow-up gap” where resident concerns shared with city staff often lack timely feedback. Mayor McNamara committed to instructing department heads to “close the loop” on Commission inquiries, proposed quarterly direct communication sessions, and expressed strong support for adding a youth member (voting or advisory). He clarified that recent REGROW funding did not advance due to a lack of council motion, and encouraged the Commission to submit written funding recommendations to the Democratic caucus. On housing, the Mayor discussed zoning reforms to move away from project-by-project approval, noting that building permits for one- and two-family homes have increased to over 100, but the city still needs approximately 6,000 to 9,200 new units. He also announced that Zsa Zsa Johnson and Shamir Shanklin are expected to join the Commission in March, and acknowledged the need for more balanced representation.
• Public Works Department Update – Director Scott Sanders: Director Sanders provided an overview of the department’s three divisions (engineering, streets, water). Key points included:
  • Lead Service Lines: The city has replaced roughly 4,100 lines, with 30,000 remaining. The federal mandate requires replacement by 2036 (10 years). Sanders suggested a potential ordinance or MOU to require resident participation so entire blocks can be replaced efficiently. Current grant funding is only guaranteed through the end of 2026; if grants dry up, rate increases may be necessary.
  • Road Safety and “Road Diets”: The department is prioritizing multi-use paths and lane width reductions to move people safely rather than quickly.
  • Snow Plowing: Sanders explained odd/even parking rules are designed to clear at least one lane to the curb line. He admitted that while contractors have supervisory obligations, city staff often monitors routes directly. The city handles all salting; residential plowing is contracted out, and a typical 2-inch snowfall costs $300,000–$350,000.
  • Other: The city has a three-year rolling sidewalk replacement plan, with priority for ADA accessibility needs. The capital improvement plan over four years approaches half a billion dollars.
• Continue Discussion of 2026 Action Plan: Michaela Harris presented the revised Action Plan and Implementation Plan, including specific “Initiative Leads” and a “Status” tracker for accountability. She discussed the social media strategy: following a meeting with the Marketing Director, the Commission will initially use the main City of Rockford social media pages to build a following before establishing a stand-alone page. The plan includes director updates, a workforce development round table (June), a biannual report, and a food security panel discussion (August). Commissioners requested that future department head presentations include a standard format with bullet points on what they need from the Commission and their biggest challenges.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: The Journal of Proceedings was accepted unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:39 PM.
• Mayor’s Commitments: Improved communication (“closing the loop”), quarterly direct sessions with the Mayor, support for youth member, and written REGROW recommendations to the Democratic caucus.
• Lead Service Lines: The city will attempt to replace 1,800 lines in 2026 (up from 400–500 annually) and 3,000 per year thereafter, pending grant funding.
• Snow Removal: The odd/even parking protocol will be better communicated to residents. Contractor performance will be monitored more closely.
• REGROW Funding: The Commission will draft a collaborative letter of recommendation to the Democratic caucus; Commissioner James McDowell volunteered to collect input.
• Commissioner Reports: Commissioner McDowell noted the snow sculpting competition at Sinnissippi Park this week. The Commission discussed the best approach to the Democratic caucus regarding REGROW, leaning toward a letter of recommendation.
• Next Steps: Commissioners will review the 2026 Action Plan and send feedback to Michaela Harris. The Commission will continue outreach to aldermen and explore a potential youth member ordinance.