Planning and Development Committee Meeting – April 27, 2026
Planning and Development Committee Meeting – April 27, 2026
The Planning and Development Committee of the Rockford City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:39 PM in City Hall. The meeting included two proclamations, five public speakers addressing various issues, and unanimous approval of two committee reports. The meeting adjourned at 6:04 PM.
Proclamations
- World Migratory Bird Day (May 9, 2026): Mayor McNamara read a proclamation recognizing May 9, 2026 as World Migratory Bird Day. Jennifer Grota accepted and highlighted public events including a bird song album release on May 8th and Rockton Pelican Fest on May 16th.
- Motorcycle Awareness Month (May 2026): Mayor McNamara proclaimed May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Representatives from ABATE of Illinois, including Susie Jones and Mike Brush, spoke about safety and a parade on May 2nd kicking off the month.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Kelly Lewis (Davis Junction) spoke about a proposed resolution by Alderman Bell regarding a data center project (Monarch Energy). She stated the current draft needs work but is a step forward. She criticized city and county officials for planning behind closed doors since January 2025, citing FOIA documents that contradicted public statements. She urged community involvement in the next draft.
- Peggy Cain (St. Charles), a property owner on Friday Road, expressed frustration over transparency. She noted FOIA requests revealed over 100 emails involving more than 30 organizations coordinating meetings between Monarch Energy and officials, with zero emails discussing public consultation. She specifically read an email from Scott Sanders (Rockford water official) offering to vacate part of Friday Road. She questioned when the project became real and why the public was not informed earlier.
- Amanda Becker (Rockford), president of the Rockford Historical Preservation Commission and an Auburn High School history teacher, spoke in opposition to the demolition of the Briggs Mansion. She announced a new community organization planning to designate at least ten new local landmarks over the summer. She called for an inventory of historic residential districts and a 120-day demolition moratorium for buildings pre-1900. She thanked the council for funding historic preservation projects like Coleman Yards and the Coronado Theater.
- Prophet Yusuf (Rockford) quoted scripture and spoke about economic plans to address homelessness, poverty, and unemployment in the Black community. He proposed a self-funded treasure model from contributions to invest in housing, business, schools, daycare, hospitals, and second chances for felons.
- Denzil Wynter (Rockford) expressed frustration with the city’s handling of safety in his neighborhood, mentioning the death of his child hit by a vehicle on a sidewalk (ruled a drug/gang incident) and the location of registered sex offenders in his area. He asked for equal protection as other sides of the city.
Committee Reports (Voting Items)
- Approval of Amendment to AP-90 Program Specific Requirements / All Current and Prior Year Annual Action Plans (26-00466): A motion to approve was made by Alderwoman Hoffman, seconded by Alderman Salgado. There was no discussion. The motion passed unanimously 3-0 by voice vote.
- Approval of Amendments to FY 2025 – Addition of Projects and Budget Amendments (26-00470): A motion to approve was made by Alderwoman Hoffman, seconded by Alderman Salgado. There was no discussion. The motion passed unanimously 3-0 by voice vote.
Key Outcomes
- Both agenda items (amendments to AP-90 program requirements and FY2025 budget amendments) were approved unanimously by the committee (3-0).
- No other formal decisions were made; proclamations and public comments were informational.
- A disruption occurred after public speaking when a member of the public attempted to continue speaking; the chair directed security to escort him out after declining further comments.
Meeting Transcript
I like to call the order of the planning and development committee meeting for Monday, April twenty seventh, twenty twenty six. Father in Heaven, thank you for this opportunity to gather. Thank you for the opportunity to uh really focus on how you are guiding all of us to lead here in the Rockford area. I bless all the leaders here that are taking place in this meeting that they are able to listen to the needs of the community, uh that they're able to build up uh the best way to serve the people here in Rockford. Uh God bless us in only the ways that you can bless us and work in only the ways that you can work uh to build your kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven and more specifically in the Rockford area. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Thank you. I'm gonna kick it right over to Mayor McNamare for tonight's proclamation. Hello. Thank you, Chairwoman. Uh, this evening we are fortunate we have two proclamations. The first proclamation is for World Migratory Bird Day, and we have Jennifer Grota with us. How are you? Good to see you. Good to see you. It's our annual gathering. Whereas migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that share our communities, and whereas migratory birds and their ha habitats are declining throughout the Americas, facing a growing number of threats to their migration routes in both their summer and winter homes. And whereas public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation. And whereas since 1993, the World Migratory Bird Day has become a primary vehicle for focusing public attention on nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our communities throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and this and Southern United States. And whereas World Migratory Bird Day is not only a day to foster appreciation for wild birds and to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation, but also a call to action. Now, therefore, I Thomas P. Maxmer is the mayor of the city of Rockford do hereby proclaim May 9th, 2026 to be World Migratory Bird Day. Would you like to share a few words? Thank you so much. Um thank you to the mayor for continuing to recognize the importance of World Migratory Bird Day, a day that is celebrated each year for as birds make their migratory journey between North and South America. This recognition is also part of the Bird City, Illinois requirements. Rockford was one of the first communities to receive this recognition in 2022, and the mayor has entertained my regular advocacy requests on an annual basis since then, maybe even before then, when my daughter uh was advocating for an official city bird, our peregrine falcon. So thank you for all of that. And hearing me out. Um, there are several events you can attend to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day in our area. On May 8th, there will be an ours uh public republica event with the release of our third collaboration of bird songs with local musician Mickey Torpedo. Both the Illinois Arts Council and Rockford Area Arts Council actually awarded us a grant for this collaboration for this album. And additionally, just north of Rockford, uh the in Rockdon, also an up-and-coming Bird City, Illinois, you can attend the Rockton Pelican Fest on May 16th. Cynthissippi Audubon, of course, will be there at both events, and we hope to see you there. Could you repeat the time for the partnership with Mickey Adam? Uh sure. That is on May 8th, and it's at um wherever they hold our wherever ours publica holds their events. It's at a gallery on State Street, and I believe perfect. Thank you so much. Thank you. Appreciate you. Great to see you. Thank you. Our next uh proclamation is for Motorcycle Awareness Month, and we have Susie Jones and Mike Brush with us, as well as others, if you'd like. How are you? Going great. Whereas safety is a highest priority for highways and streets of our city and state. And whereas the great state of Illinois is proud to be a national leader in motorcycle safety, education, and awareness. And whereas motorcycles are common economical means of transportation that reduces fuel consumption and roadware and contributes in a significant way to the relief of traffic and parking congestion.
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