Rockford Code and Regulation Committee Meeting - March 9, 2026
Rockford Code and Regulation Committee Meeting - March 9, 2026
The Code and Regulation Committee of the City of Rockford met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:38 PM by Alderman Bonne and adjourned at 6:07 PM. The committee unanimously approved four special event resolutions, recognized the Irish Marching Society and the Chicago Storm Special Hockey Team, and observed a moment of silence for community advocate Suni Puri. Five members of the public addressed the committee.
Ceremonial and Recognition Items
- Irish Marching Society Week Proclamation: Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring March 9-14, 2026, as Irish Marching Society Week in Rockford, honoring the organization's 50th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade scheduled for March 14, 2026. A representative thanked the city for its support.
- Chicago Storm Special Hockey Team Recognition: Mayor McNamara recognized the Chicago Storm Special Hockey Team, which provides hockey opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The team had just returned undefeated from a competition in Toronto, Canada (three wins, one tie). Each player and coach received a challenge coin. Head coach Mike Riley spoke about the positive impact on participants' lives.
- Moment of Silence for Suni Puri: The Mayor announced the passing of Suni Puri, a longtime Rockford advocate and philanthropist who contributed to numerous local organizations, including the YMCA, YWCA, Rockford Family Peace Center, and Rockford Public Schools. The council observed a moment of silence.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Erica Reed spoke about domestic violence and mental health, citing former Presidents Carter and Reagan's work on the issue. She argued that mandatory domestic violence classes and continuing education for mental health licenses have not been implemented in nearly 50 years, and that mental health boards opposed minimal requirements. She also criticized coalitions for opposing legislative action in Illinois.
- Norma Joseph (President of Iota Upsilon Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.) requested financial and community support for the 4th annual Swim Clinic, scheduled for July 11, 2026, at the Aquatic Pool (910 Acorn Street). The clinic aims to reduce drowning rates among African Americans. A 2004 Olympic silver medalist is expected to attend as a special guest.
- Prophet Yusef quoted scripture (Proverbs 31:10) and emphasized the importance of Women's History Month. He urged recognition of women's contributions and called for continued focus on women's equality.
- Denzil Wynter thanked the women in his life and in the community, stating that women are the backbone of society.
- John Tac Brantley spoke about Reverend Jesse Jackson's legacy and his own experiences with racism. He described an incident where flags on his van were broken, and criticized institutions for not addressing racism. He urged Black voters to turn out for upcoming elections.
Consent Calendar
All four resolutions were approved unanimously by voice vote (Aldermen Torina, Wilkins, Bonne, Bell, and Prunty voting aye). No discussion or opposition was recorded.
- Memorial Day Parade 26-00246: Scheduled for May 25, 2026, from 8:00 AM to noon (step-off at 9:00 AM). Route from 7th Street and 5th Avenue to Memorial Hall on Wyman Street. City support for police, fire, and traffic control assistance requested; anticipated cost similar to 2025 (approximately $17,000).
- Cars and Coffee 26-00247: Scheduled for seven dates from April 4 to October 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM to noon. Location: 7th Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues, and 3rd and 4th Avenues between 6th and 7th Streets.
- No Kings 3.0 26-00248: Scheduled for March 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (roads close at 9:00 AM). Location: 116 North Water Street (City Market Pavilion).
- Churchill Grove Garage Sale 26-00249: Scheduled for May 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Churchill Grove neighborhood.
Key Outcomes
- All four resolutions were approved by the committee to be forwarded to the City Council.
- The committee adjourned at 6:07 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, welcome to the March Night Code and Regulations Committee meeting. This evening. There we go. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this council meeting tonight. We invite you into the space, Lord, and we just ask that you give us wisdom to make the best decisions that we can for the people of Rockford. We ask that you protect our first responders, and again, just give us wisdom and insight for us to make the best decisions for our city. In your name we pray, amen. I pledge to the flag of the United States America and to the Republic, which is nation under God. Thank you. And uh we also, before we proceed into the agenda, uh I'm gonna have uh Mayor McNamara come up to present a proclamation and a special recognition. Thank you, Chairman. Uh this evening we have one proclamation and uh one very special recognition. Uh this evening to begin with, we have a proclamation for the Irish Marching Society Week, and we have the Irish Marching Society with us, or members of the Irish Marching Society. I'm not gonna bite any of you. I'm Irish, you're all right. Good to see you. Give that to you. Whereas Irish Marching Society, Rockford is strictly a not-for-profit organization, chartered in 1976 and was established to preserve and promote Irish heritage within our community. And whereas the Irish Marching Society continues to preserve, promote, and educate Irish and Celtic culture in the Greater Rockford community. And whereas the Irish Marching Society's 50th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on East State Street on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 3 p.m., starting at 7th Street and 4th Avenue and ending on Water Street. Patty Fest will be held at Prairie Street Brewing Company from 4 p.m. This says to 9 p.m. I'm guessing it goes a little bit longer, uh, with live Irish music and food. Now, therefore, I Thomas P. Maxmer, as a mayor of the city of Rockford, do hereby proclaim the week of March 9th, 2026 to be Irish Marching Society Week. I just want to say sincerely thank you for the work that you do every year. I mean, not just the parade, not just Patty Fest, but all the work you do throughout the community throughout the year. Uh 50 years is really remarkable. Just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. And Tyler, would you like to share a few words? Yeah, uh thank you. Uh your administration's been incredibly uh great to work with and supportive. Uh thank you to the council as well. I think this is my tenth year coming here and getting the proclamation, but uh it's our 50th year. So it's a it's a big celebration for us. And you know, 50 years ago, your dad was amongst one of those uh few hundred members that marched down State Street in the rain and and started this tradition. So it's really cool to come full circle and and and and have you here. Um so we made it to 50. Uh looking forward to the next 50 years, and I hope to see everyone come down and celebrate us or celebrate uh St. Patrick's Day with us. So thank you. Awesome. Yeah, I'm gonna appreciate you. Absolutely. T-shirt. I'll take it. Thank you. It looks like we'll see you there. Thank you.
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