OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rockford City Council Regular Meeting - May 8, 2026

Meeting PortalFriday, May 8, 2026
BodyRockford, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateFriday, May 8, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Thank you.

0:10

We will uh call to order the city of Rockford's regularly scheduled city council meeting for Monday, January 5th, 2026.

0:19

Clerk, could you please call a roll?

0:20

Jerky.

0:22

Logaman?

0:27

Hoffman.

0:29

Grant.

0:30

Beach.

0:32

Salgado.

0:34

Meeks.

0:36

Bell.

0:37

Bonnie.

0:38

Nine present.

0:39

Excellent.

0:40

Is there a motion to approve uh the journal of proceedings for the city council meeting held on November 3rd, 2025?

0:48

We have a motion.

0:48

We have a second.

0:49

Is there any discussion?

0:50

Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye.

0:53

Aye.

0:54

All those in favor say aye.

0:56

Aye.

0:57

Those opposed?

0:58

Excellent.

0:59

Next we'll go to petitions and communications, and we'll begin with planning and development committee and Alderman Durkey.

1:04

Thank you, Your Honor.

1:05

Um, under Roman number two A, Planning and Development Committee, a memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, the City Administrator, regarding a proposed agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Go Rockford, for the Made for Rockford Program.

1:23

This is referred to Planning and Development Committee.

1:26

Thank you.

1:27

Next we'll go to Code and Regulation Committee.

1:28

Alderman Bonn.

1:30

Thank you, Mayor.

1:30

We have three items all being referred to code and regulation committee.

1:34

Item one is a memorandum from Scott Capavilla, Planning and Zoning Manager regarding plant number six of Green Estate Subdivision.

1:42

Item two is memorandum from Scott Capavilla, Planning and Zoning Manager regarding plat number two of Ardmore subdivision.

1:50

And item three is a memorandum from Martin Bloom regarding the 2026 Forward for Fund initiative.

1:58

Thank you.

1:59

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

2:03

We only have one item memorandum from Andrea Heinrich, Housing and Program Manager regarding approval and acceptance of additional funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program.

2:14

Refer to the Finance and Personnel Committee.

2:16

Thank you.

2:17

Next we'll go to new committee reports and planning and development committee and back to Alderman Durkey.

2:22

Thank you, Your Honor.

2:23

We'll change to the agenda on Roman numeral three A for passage will be items one, four, and six and seven.

2:33

Okay, the others were laid over.

2:35

Item number one, approval of the proposed city service and licensing agreement between Citywise Software LLC, the City of Rockford to create an affordable rental housing platform hosted on a city domain.

2:49

There will be no cost to the city.

2:51

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

2:54

Then down to number four, approval of the proposed development agreement between this between the City of Rockford and LT Construction for the 2026 construction workforce development initiative in the not-to-exceed amount of $700,000.

3:10

The funding source is ARPA funds designated for youth violence prevention.

3:15

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3:20

Approval of the proposed development agreement with urban equity properties for the rehabilitation of 99 East State Street, also known as the Rockford uh Register Star News Tower for mixed use residential and commercial development.

3:37

The funding source is the redevelopment fund and TIFF funds.

3:41

Legal directors shall appear prepare the appropriate ordinance.

3:46

Number seven, approval of the proposed amendment to the development agreement with Oliver Emerson Development for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of 325 South Madison Street, also known as the watch factory, as residential.

4:03

The funding source is redevelopment funds and TIFF funds.

4:07

The legal directors shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

4:10

These are up for passage.

4:12

Thank you.

4:13

Clerk, could you just note that Alderman Beach is present?

4:16

And then uh council, we have item items one, four, six, and seven before you.

4:21

Is there any discussion on any of those four items?

4:24

Alderwoman Meeks.

4:25

No discussion, but I would like to lay over item six and item seven.

4:34

We have a motion and a second to lay over items six and seven.

4:37

They've been laid over.

4:39

We've narrowed these items down pretty successfully.

4:42

We now have two remaining, items one and four.

4:47

Any discussion?

4:48

Clerk, please call the roll.

4:50

Aye.

4:51

Logaman?

4:52

Aye.

4:53

Serena.

4:55

Aye.

5:02

Granit.

5:04

Beach.

5:06

Salgado.

5:08

Meeks.

5:09

Aye.

5:10

Belle.

5:11

Aye.

5:12

Bonnie.

5:13

Aye.

5:14

And you may have missed Alder Woman Hoffman.

5:17

Oh, I didn't see her.

5:18

I'm so sorry.

5:19

Alderman.

5:20

She was jumping up and down.

5:21

She was excited.

5:22

She wants to vote on these two items.

5:24

So bad.

5:24

Alderman Hoffman.

5:27

Item number one is 10 eyes, one no.

5:29

Item four is 11 eyes.

5:33

Excellent.

5:34

Next we'll go to code and regulation committee.

5:35

Alderman Bonnie.

5:39

Thank you, uh Mayor.

5:40

Um we have uh item one is approval of the 2025-2026 contract between the City of Rockford and the Winnebago County Health Department for tobacco enforcement program to conduct compliance checks.

5:53

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

5:56

Item two, 32 XX Searles Avenue.

5:59

Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for zoning map amendment from R3 multifamily residential zoning to R1 single family residential zoning at 32 XX Searles Avenue.

6:11

Melanie Ladig and Gary Hafferty are the applicants.

6:15

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

6:18

Item three 6783 and 6819 Fincham Drive and 88.

6:26

I'm sorry, 886 and 891.

6:29

White Chapel Lane Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a zoning map amendment from C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District to R2 2 Family Residential Zoning District at 6783 and 6819 Fincham Drive and 886 and 891 White Chapel Lane.

6:50

LAS Management is the applicant and the legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

7:04

The zoning board of appeals recommends approval for a special use permit for a special event space in a C2, limited commercial zoning district.

7:13

Add 1111, 1115, Fifth Avenue, 1110, and 1126th Avenue.

7:19

Anahi Ruby is the applicant.

7:22

Shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

7:25

Item six same addresses, 1111, and 1115 Fifth Avenue, 1110 and 1120th, 6th Avenue.

7:34

Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board recommends approval for the sale of liquor by the drink, class NGL in conjunction with the special events space in the C2, limited commercial zoning district at 1111 and 1115, Fifth Avenue and 1110 and 1126th Avenue, Anahi Ruby, Daniel Palacios, Azul, Ruby Dominguez, Spider on Quinta LLC doing business as Spider and Quinta are the applicants.

8:02

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

8:05

Item 7, 1060 West Riverside Boulevard, Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board recommends approval of the sale of liquor by the drink, NGL in conjunction with the restaurant.

8:15

In a C2, limited commercial zoning district at 1060 West Riverside Boulevard, Daisy Dejaro, Casa Amigos, Mexican Grill, LLC doing business as Casamigos Mexican Grill is the applicant.

8:29

The legal directors shall prepare the appropriate ordinance and item eight.

8:37

Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board recommends approval for the modification of an existing liquor license to add video gaming terminals to an existing restaurant in a C2 limited commercial zoning district at 2327 North Main Street.

8:52

Thomas Rotolo, Olympic Tavern Incorporated, doing business as the Olympic Tavern is the applicant.

8:58

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

9:01

Thank you.

9:02

So item four was laid over, so we have items one through three and five through eight.

9:06

Before you is there any discussion.

9:12

Logeman.

9:36

Aye.

9:36

Bonnie.

9:37

Aye.

9:38

Items one, two, ten eyes.

9:41

Item three, nine eyes, one no.

9:43

Items five, ten eyes, six and seven.

9:47

Nine eyes, one no, and item eight, ten ayes.

9:51

Excellent.

9:51

Next we'll go to finance and personnel committee.

9:53

Alderman Logan.

9:55

We have six items.

10:00

Item number one, approval of vouchers in the amount of twenty million six hundred and forty thousand two hundred twenty-three dollars and fifty-two cents.

10:03

Item number two, approval of the collaborative agreement between the City of Rockford Human Services Department and Roscoe and Rosecrans Incorporated.

10:10

The provisions of this agreement are based on services of children and families enrolled in and served through the Head Start program and include the provision of a full-time school-based counselor funded through quality improvement funds for the period of October 125 through September 3030th, 2026, and the amount of 96,537 and 28 cents.

10:28

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

10:31

Item number three, the approval of collaborative agreement between the City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department and the Youth Services Network.

10:37

The provisions of this agreement are based on services to children and families enrolled in and serve through the Head Start program and include the provision of a full-time trauma specialist to support early head start children and families funded with quality improvement funds for the period of October 125 through September 30 of 2026 and the amount of 90,000 90,220.

10:57

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

11:25

And finally, item number six, the approval of a lease agreement with comprehensive community solutions incorporated of Rockford, Illinois for one office unit located at 917 South Main Street, Rockford, Illinois, at a rate of 450 per month for a total not to exceed costs of $4,050 for a nine-month lease term, January 126 to September 30, 2026.

11:46

The funding source is the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Fiscal Year 22 Strategies to Support Children Explosive Violence Gramm.

11:53

No city matches required.

11:55

The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

11:58

Thank you, Mark.

11:59

Thank you.

11:59

Council, six items before you any discussion on those six items.

12:03

Clerk, please call the roll.

12:06

Aye.

12:07

Logan.

12:08

Aye.

12:08

Terina.

12:10

Aye.

12:11

Hoffman.

12:12

Aye.

12:12

Graneth.

12:14

Beach.

12:15

Salgato.

12:16

Meeks.

12:18

Bell.

12:19

Bonnie.

12:20

Aye.

12:21

Ten ice.

12:22

Next we have officers' reports.

12:25

Any council members with any reports?

12:27

Alderman Salgato.

12:29

Thank you, Your Honor.

12:30

I'll be brief.

12:31

Just want to remind folks.

12:35

January 7th.

12:36

Auto Zone on Harrison and 11th Street.

12:39

They're doing their open grand opening ceremony at 11 o'clock.

12:43

For those that can want to attend.

12:45

You're more than welcome.

12:46

Thank you.

12:47

Thank you.

12:47

Any other reports?

12:49

Alderwoman Hoffman.

12:50

Thank you, Mayor.

12:51

I just want to remind everyone that on the 13th, which is next Tuesday, Rolling Green will again be having its meeting.

13:00

And I believe Scott will be speaking.

13:04

And either Sarah will be speaking or representative.

13:09

Thank you.

13:10

So it will be a great meeting.

13:11

Thank you.

13:12

Alderman Bonnie.

13:14

Yes.

13:14

Thank you, Mayor.

13:17

I just um I didn't speak on it at committee, but I wanted to express my support for the items that were laid over for the um funding agreements for the watch factory in the news tower and echo.

13:30

I think uh Chairman Durkey's um comments uh during the committee meeting.

13:37

I think we um uh we need to treat our historic properties as if they were infrastructure, and they deserve to be product preserved because they can't be replaced.

13:53

And um, in I think that's true for both of these two items, um, but particularly for the new news tower, which is um next to uh symbol, probably are the most um recognizable building in our um city's landscape, sky skyline to the extent that we have one, and uh when people look for images of Rockford, they end up usually grabbing one of those two images.

14:24

It is also extremely culturally significant because of the work that occurred there for decades.

14:33

You know, it is um probably every mayor um since the building was built as uh walked through the building, most governors, uh U.S.

14:44

Senators, it is um and it's very construction by uh woman publisher in a day when I'm sure there weren't many.

15:00

Um it is unquestionably architecturally significant, culturally significant, and it's you know, location uh at the on the riverfront at the um at the uh foot of the State Street Bridge.

15:10

You know, it's pivotal for downtown.

15:12

I it would be um a shame to have this building um not be saved and um you know I hope that the layovers don't um uh indicate that this is gonna go the way of the Alks Club and which is probably gonna be a pile of rubble soon by the time we possibly by the time we vote on the item two items that we just laid over.

15:47

And I think it's you know it's important I think they're all important.

15:51

News tower is very important, but you know we've had some we have some great wins in preservation and the the news tower is poised, I think, to be another um towering achievement in in redevelopment along with um the embass embassy suites and the Coronado Theater and and this building more than 25 years ago now.

16:13

Um but you know, we need to reach that critical mass where you know we don't have just these isolated success stories, but we have a downtown that is um a mix of preserved uh architect, you know, preserved history and you know, interesting new architecture like the new um library, um which is a great also addition to our skyline.

16:46

And I just think we um need to, you know, we can't save every old building in town, but I think you know they are irreplaceable once they're gone, they're gone, and we need to um look at these as as part of our infrastructure.

17:05

And uh I hope that when these come back, they're gonna be met with um passage.

17:12

Thank you.

17:13

Thank you.

17:14

Other uh reports.

17:16

I would just add uh sincere uh thank you and uh don't want to say congratulations, but not the can't think of the best word.

17:26

But um Chief Fred, you had a big week last week.

17:29

Uh swore in 12 uh new recruits, had uh uh numerous promotions, including King Davis to ADC, uh, which is exciting, and then also uh big thank you to you, your leadership team, and all the members of the police department, lowest number of homicides we've seen in our city since 2004.

17:50

And I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the council for their incredible investments in public safety as well as uh all of the committee from everyday Rockford residents to amazing organizations that are helping.

18:02

Uh we have a long way to go, but it's uh was a promising year.

18:06

So just want to say thank you.

18:08

Uh we have appointments that are all laid over until the 14th.

18:13

You have two additional appointments on your desk.

18:15

Uh one is Chris Geddis, uh, another is Tim Bragg, both to the ZBA and LTAB boards.

18:22

Uh then we'll move to motions and resolutions.

18:25

Oh, I'm so sorry.

18:26

Alderman Bell.

18:27

Thank you.

18:28

Uh Mayor.

18:30

Wanted to just touch on uh the appointments really quick, seeing a lot of familiar faces or names at least, um, on on this list.

18:40

Uh is there any way that uh the city could maybe post on social media uh that we are we are seeking um recommendations for appointments.

18:50

I know you know council has uh the ability to to recommend to the administration, but uh would love to make it a more um public process as to um recruiting individuals to serve on these commissions.

19:03

Absolutely, we can certainly do that.

19:05

Thank you.

19:07

Any other reports or comments?

19:09

Other one meeks.

19:11

I would just like to ask for some of the individuals that are sitting on some of the um boards and commissions.

19:22

Um they've been there for a while, so I don't have those original resumes for those individuals.

19:28

We do get the new resumes when we get new people.

19:31

Is there a way we can get some resumes for some of the older people during the you would like them all, or if you want to send me an email with the other thing?

19:39

Yeah, I just I just would like the ones that we don't have in this packet.

19:45

We'll get you all of them.

19:47

Yep.

19:47

Any other comments, Alderman Bill?

19:50

We're on it.

19:50

Um I believe it was the the 12th ward author woman's question uh last time appointments came up a few months ago um as related to receiving a document for attendance.

20:00

Um relates to receiving a document for attendance.

20:02

I don't know.

20:02

Uh I personally haven't received that.

20:04

I don't know if you received that, but um, would love to to get a document um as relates to attendance for our commissions.

20:13

Yeah, we have been collecting it and we plan to give it out at a minimum once per year, if not twice per year.

20:19

It'll also include attendance of all the members that we put on different boards and commissions, so it'll be all of you guys as well on those boards and commission.

20:27

So we'll we'll make sure I think it was supposed to come out.

20:30

I believe in February.

20:32

But I'll make sure if we want it earlier, we can probably push that up.

20:37

Any other questions, comments?

20:41

Excellent.

20:42

Uh, we will go to motions and resolutions under planning and development.

20:45

Recrow died in committee this evening, so we will go to there's nothing under code and regulation.

20:50

We'll go to finance and personnel committee and alderman logan.

20:59

24 items.

21:00

Uh item number one under finance and personnel committee.

21:04

Award of bid, fire department station wear to uniform den of Loves Park, Illinois, and the estimated amount of sixty thousand dollars.

21:10

The contract is duration is one year with four possible one-year extension options.

21:14

Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only.

21:18

Funding source is the fire department operating budget.

21:20

Item number two, award of bid, garage commercial labor, light medium to Anderson Rock River Ford, Bose Auto and Truck Service, Butita Auto, all of Rockford, Illinois, and Brad Manning Ford of DeCalb, Illinois, and the estimated amount of $250,000.

21:33

The contract duration is through December 31st, 2026 with four possible one-year extension options.

21:38

Annual price adjustments for CPI considered a contract renewal only.

21:41

The funding source is the equipment fund.

21:43

Item number three, the award of bid led service line replacement phase nine to NTRAC group of Loves Park, Illinois in the not to exceed amount of two million dollars.

21:51

The contract duration is one year.

21:53

The funding source is the AIPA State Revolving Loan Fund.

21:56

Item number four, award of bid, led service line replacement phase ten to NTRAC group of Loves Park, Illinois in the not to exceed amount of two million dollars.

22:04

The contract duration is one year.

22:06

The funding source is the AIPA State Revolving Loan Fund.

22:09

Item number five, award of bid granular activated carbon replacement to Calgon Carbon Corporation of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, in the estimated amount of 150,000 dollars.

22:20

The contract duration is one year with four possible one-year extension options.

22:23

Funding source is the water operating budget.

22:25

Item number six, award of RFP, submersible pump services to Lane Christensen Company of Aurora, Illinois, and Water Well Solutions of Elburn, Illinois, and the estimated annual amount of one million dollars.

22:36

Contract duration is one year with four possible one-year extension options.

22:40

Annual price adjustments for CPI considered at contract renewal only.

22:43

Funding source is the water fund operating budget.

22:46

Item number seven, the award of non-competitive contract.

22:48

John Deere Equipment Parts and Services to Westside Tractor Company of Rockford, Illinois, and the annual amount of 100,000 dollars.

22:55

The contract duration is through December 31st, 2026 with two possible one-year extension options.

23:00

The funding source is the equipment fund operating budget.

23:02

Item number eight, the award of non-competitive contract, heavy duty truck repair services and parts to Lakeside International of Rockford, Illinois, and the estimated amount of 95,000 dollars.

23:11

The contract duration is through December 31st, 2026 with two possible one-year extension options.

23:16

The funding source is the equipment fund operating budget.

23:20

Item number nine, the award of non-competitive contract, traffic signal electronic equipment to mobile trucks, mobility and traffic experts of Davenport, Iowa, and the estimated annual amount of 300,000 dollars.

23:31

The contract duration is through December 31st, 2026 with two possible one-year extension options.

23:36

The funding source is the traffic section operating budget.

23:39

Item number eight.

23:49

Award of non-competitive contract, Southeast Rockford Superfund site, groundwater monitoring to nationwide environmental services of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and the estimated annual amount of 100,750.

24:00

The contract duration is one year with four possible one-year extension options.

24:03

The funding source is the water fund operating budget.

24:06

Item number 11, the award of non-competitive contract infrastructure scheduling software to JAM Software LLC of Middletown Delaware in the annual amount of 27,599 dollars.

24:16

The contract duration is one year with three possible one-year extension options.

24:19

The funding source is the information technology and integration operating budget.

24:23

Item number 12, the award of non-competitive contract ESRI software products to Environmental Systems Research Institute Incorporated of Redlands, California, and the annual in the amount of 290,300.

24:35

The contract duration is one year with two possible one year extension options.

24:38

The funding source is the information technology and integration operating budget.

24:43

Item number 13.76 cents.

24:54

The contract duration is one year with three possible one year extension options.

24:57

Funding source is the information technology and integration operating budget.

25:01

Item number 14, award of joint purchasing contract, policy training, consultation, update, reporting, and delivery services to Lexipol LLC of Frisco, Texas, in the amount of $52,254.50.

25:14

The contract duration is one year with one possible one-year extension option.

25:18

The funding source is the fire department operating budget.

25:21

The award of item number 15, the award of engineering agreement, well number six reservoir rehabilitation to Fairgram Engineering of Rockford, Illinois, in the annual amount of 20 in the amount of $29,000.

25:32

The contract duration is through December 31st, 2026.

25:35

The funding source is the water fund operating budget.

25:37

Item number 16, award of professional services, water division cost of service rate study to Burns and McDonald's Engineering Company Incorporated of Downers Grove, Illinois in the not-to-exceed amount of $61,189.

25:49

The contract duration is one year.

25:51

The funding source is the water fund operating budget.

25:53

Item number 17, contract renewal, medical stop loss insurance 2026 to Tokyo Marine HCC Insurance of Houston, Texas for the following contract amount rates.

26:42

Retail cost of brand name drugs will be AWP less than 19.5%.

26:46

Generic drugs will be AWP less 83%.

26:49

Greater discounts will be applied for mail order.

26:51

These new rates represent approximately $667,000 in savings.

26:54

The total estimated cost is $7 million.

26:56

The contract duration is one year with two additional one year one year renewal options.

27:00

The funding source is the health insurance fund.

27:02

Item number 19, contract renewal, workers' compensation excess coverage 2026 to Safety National Casualty Corporation of St.

27:08

Louis, Missouri for the annual for the following contract amount rates.

27:12

Premium is based on estimated annual payroll of $87,789,490 at $25.78 per $100 payroll for a total estimated annual premium of $226,321.

27:26

$226,321.

27:28

The contract duration is one year.

27:30

The funding source is the workers' compensation fund.

27:32

Item number 20.

27:34

Approval to take proposals for permit and code enforcement software.

27:37

The funding source will be the community and economic development budget.

27:40

Item number 21, approval and acceptance of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, LIHEAP HHS grant award in the amount of two million eight hundred ninety-six thousand five hundred and fifty-four dollars.

27:50

The grant does not require a cost effects.

27:52

The grant term is from October 125 to October 31 of 27.

27:56

The grant will provide funds used for approved clients, electric and/or heating bills, energy usage education, staff training, payroll, and administration costs.

28:04

Item number 22, authorization for matching funds in the amount of $200,000 in partnership with the Rockford Area Venue and Entertainment Authority for a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Attraction Grant.

28:16

Item number 23, funding reimbursement for sidewalks on Linden Road in conjunction with Crusader Community Health Expansion in the amount of up to $50,000.

28:25

The funding source is the 2025 Casino Funds Economic Development.

28:29

Item number 24, the funding uh reimbursement for sidewalks and bus stop on Alpine and Linden Road in conjunction with PCI Pharma Services Expansion in the amount of up to $250,000.

28:40

The funding source is the 2025 Casino Funds Economic Development.

28:43

And finally, item number 25, a change order firewall replacement and IT support to SARS Technology Services LLC of Vernon Hills, Illinois, with an amended amount of $354,422.55.

28:57

The change order extends to support and include Microsoft Office 365 deployment consultation.

29:03

Thank you, Mayor.

29:05

Thank you.

29:06

Council, there's 25 items before us.

29:08

Is there any discussion?

29:09

Alder Woman Torino.

29:10

Thank you, Mayor.

29:11

On item number 22.

29:13

Should this grant get funded by DCO, where is that $200,000 match from the city going to be coming from?

29:22

Is that decided yet or director Haggard?

29:27

Or Mr.

29:27

Cagnoni.

29:32

The funding source for the match is the 2026 Casino Arts and Culture Funds.

29:38

Thank you.

29:39

You're welcome.

29:40

Any other uh questions on the 25 items?

29:43

All right.

29:44

Mr.

29:44

Clarify, that's 2025 and 2026.

29:47

Thank you.

29:50

Clerk, please call the roll.

29:52

Turkey.

29:54

I am the rest.

29:58

Logan.

30:00

Terina.

30:02

No one twenty-two thing and twenty-four.

30:06

Aye on the rest.

30:10

Hoffman.

30:12

Granit.

30:14

Beach.

30:15

Solgato.

30:16

Meeks.

30:17

No one two.

30:18

I'm Bell.

30:34

Bonnie.

30:36

Items one through twenty-one, ten eyes.

30:40

Items twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, eight eyes, two no's, and item twenty-five is ten eyes.

30:47

Thank you.

30:54

Next we'll go to new business.

30:56

Um planning and development.

30:58

Alderman Durkey.

31:00

Under Roman numeral seven A.

31:02

We have two items, numbers one and four left.

31:07

Um number one, an ordinance approving the city service and licensing agreement between city-wise software LLC and the City of Rockford to create an affordable renting rental housing platform hosted on a city domain.

31:21

Number four, an ordinance approving a development agreement between the City of Rockford and LT Construction for the 2026 construction workforce development initiative in the not to exceed amount of 700,000 dollars.

31:42

Please see up for passage.

31:45

All right, council, is there any discussion on those items before you clerk?

31:51

Please call the roll.

31:52

Durkey.

31:53

Aye.

31:54

Logan?

31:55

Aye.

31:56

Terina.

32:01

Hoffman.

32:02

Aye.

32:03

Granite.

32:04

Aye.

32:05

Beach.

32:06

Salgado.

32:07

Meeks.

32:09

Aye.

32:10

Bell.

32:12

Bonnie.

32:12

Aye.

32:13

Item number one, nine eyes, one no.

32:16

Item four, ten eyes.

32:17

Excellent.

32:18

Thank you.

32:18

Next we'll go to code and regulation committee.

32:20

Alderman Von.

32:22

Thank you, Mayor.

32:23

We uh had eight items.

32:24

Uh we have item four is laid over.

32:27

Um item one is um an ordinance approving the 2025-2026 contract between the City of Rockford and the Winnebago County Health Department for a tobacco enforcement program to conduct compliance checks.

32:40

Item two, an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment from R3, multifamily residential zoning to R1, single family residential zoning at 32 XX Searles Avenue, Melanie Ladig and Gary Haperty are the applicants.

32:56

Item three, an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment from C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District to R2, two family residential zoning district at 6783 and 6819 Fincham Drive and 886 and 891 Whitechapel Lane LAS Management is the applicant.

33:17

Item five, an ordinance approving a special use permit for a special event space in a C2 limited commercial zoning district at 1111 through 1115 Fifth Avenue and 1110 and 1120 6th Avenue Anahi Ruby is the applicant item six an ordinance approving the sale of liquor by the drink class NGL in conjunction with the special event space in a C2 limited commercial zoning district at 1111 through 1115 5th Avenue 1110 and 1126th Avenue Anahi Ruby Daniel Palacios Azul Ruby Dominguez Spider on Quinta LLC doing business as spider on Quinta are the applicants item seven an ordinance approving the sale of liquor by the drink and GL in conjunction with the restaurant in the C2 limited commercial zoning district at 1060 West Riverside Boulevard Desado Casa Amigos Mexican Grill LLC doing business as Casamingo's Mexican Grill are the is the applicant and item eight an ordinance approving the modification of an existing liquor license to add video gaming terminals to an existing restaurant in a C2 limited commercial zoning district at 2327 North Main Street Thomas Rotello Olympic Tavern doing business as Olympic Tavern is the applicant thank you council items one through three and five through eight are before you any discussion clerk please call the roll Durke Logman three item Teren Kaufman Granted Beach Gelgado Meeks Bell Bonnie Item number one two ten eyes item three nine eyes one no item five ten ayes item six seven nine eyes one no item eight ten eyes thank you next we'll go to finance and personnel committee alderman logoman the five

35:00

Hoffman?

35:01

Aye.

35:02

Granted.

35:04

Beach.

35:04

No one.

35:09

Elgato.

35:10

Aye.

35:10

Meeks.

35:11

Aye.

35:12

Bell.

35:13

Aye.

35:14

Bonnie.

35:15

Aye.

35:15

I am number one, two, ten eyes.

35:18

Item three, nine eyes, one no.

35:20

Item five, ten eyes.

35:21

Item six, seven, nine eyes, one no, item eight, ten eyes.

35:26

Thank you.

35:26

Next we'll go to finance and personnel committee.

35:28

Alderman Logan.

35:29

We have five items on the finance and personnel committee.

35:31

Item number one is an ordinance approving the collaborative agreement between the City of Rockford Human Services Department and Rose Crance Incorporated.

35:38

The provisions of this agreement are based on services to children and families enrolled in and serve through Head Start program with and include the provision of a full-time school-based counselor funded with quality improvement funds for the period of October 1st, 25 through September 30th, 26th in the amount of $96,537.28 cents.

35:56

Item number two is an ordinance approving the collaborative agreement between the City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department and Youth Services Network.

36:02

The provisions of this agreement are based on services that children and families enrolled in and serve through the Head Start program and include the provision of a full-time trauma specialist to support early Head Start Children and Families funded through the quality improvement funds for the period of October 1, 25 through September 30th of 26 in the amount of $90,222.

36:20

Item number three is an ordinance approving the Head Start Staff Incentive Policy for the City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department Head Start Early Head Start Division.

36:29

Item number four is an ordinance approving the addition of a city-owned property located at 2022 Auburn Street to the city's mode-owned program.

36:36

And finally, item number five is an ordinance approving the lease agreement with comprehensive community solutions incorporated of Rockford, Illinois for one office unit located at 917 South Main Street, Rockford, Illinois, at a rate of $450 a month for a total of net to its seed cost of $4,050 for the nine-month lease term January 126 to September 30th of 26.

36:56

The funding source is the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Fiscal Year 22 Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence Grant.

37:04

No city match is required.

37:06

Place these items up for passions.

37:07

Thank you, Mayor.

37:08

Council, I need discussion on those items.

37:11

Clerk, please call the roll.

37:14

Logan.

37:19

Hoffman.

37:20

Granit.

37:22

Beach.

37:24

Meeks.

37:25

Aye.

37:26

Bell.

37:27

Bonnie.

37:28

Aye.

37:28

10 ayes.

37:30

Is there a motion to adjourn?

37:32

We have a motion.

37:33

We have a second.

37:33

Any discussion?

37:34

All those in favor say aye.

37:36

Aye.

37:37

All those in favor say aye.

37:38

Aye.

37:39

Aye.

37:39

Excellent.

37:40

And those opposed have great.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████15%
Historic Preservation██████████████14%
Procedural█████████████13%
Zoning And Land Use████████████12%
Affordable Housing███████████11%
Public Safety█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Zoning Regulations█████5%
Personnel Matters████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Rockford City Council Regular Meeting - May 8, 2026

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting took place on January 5, 2026, but per instruction the date is given as May 8, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.

The Rockford City Council convened for its regular meeting on May 8, 2026 (as specified) at 7:54 p.m. with 10 of 14 aldermen present (Aldermen Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, and Wilkins absent; Alderman Beach arrived at 7:57 p.m.). The council acted on a wide range of items including development agreements, zoning amendments, liquor licenses, bid awards, contract renewals, and appointments.

Discussion Items

  • Affordable Rental Housing Platform (City Wise Software LLC): Approved a city‐hosted affordable rental housing platform with no cost to the city. The item passed 9–1, with Alderman Torina voting no.
  • 2026 Construction Workforce Development Initiative: An ordinance approving a $700,000 development agreement with LT Construction, funded by ARPA Youth Violence Prevention funds, was adopted unanimously.
  • News Tower Lofts (99 East State Street) and Watch Factory (325 South Madison Street): Both development agreements were laid over by motion (Alderman Meeks, seconded by Alderman Torina) to the January 20, 2026 meeting. Alderman Bonne spoke in strong support of preserving both historic properties, comparing them to infrastructure that cannot be replaced.
  • Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Funding Agreement ($60,000 annually) and Senior Center Funding ($300,000 from ARPA): Held out from committee.
  • Rockford Brake Manufacturing ($250,000 from casino funds) and McDonald's on West State Street ($200,000 from casino funds): Held out.
  • Zoning Changes & Liquor Licenses:
    • 32xx Searles Avenue (R-3 to R-1): Adopted unanimously.
    • 6783/6819 Fincham Drive & 886/891 White Chapel Lane (C-2 to R-2): Adopted 9–1, Alderman Logemann voting no.
    • 2102 McFarland Road (off-premise sign): Held out.
    • 1111–1115 5th Ave / 1110–1120 6th Ave – Special event space permit: Adopted unanimously.
    • Same address – Liquor by the drink license (Spider on Quinta): Adopted 9–1, Alderman Beach voting no.
    • 1060 W. Riverside Blvd – Liquor license (CazAmigos Mexican Grill): Adopted 9–1, Alderman Beach voting no.
    • 2327 N. Main St – Video gaming terminals at Olympic Tavern: Adopted unanimously.
  • Tobacco Enforcement Contract with Winnebago County Health Department: Adopted unanimously.
  • Head Start Collaborative Agreements:
    • With Rosecrance, Inc. ($96,537.28 for school‐based counselor): Adopted unanimously.
    • With Youth Services Network ($90,220 for trauma specialist): Adopted unanimously.
    • Head Start Staff Incentive Policy: Adopted unanimously.
  • Mow-to-Own Property (2022 Auburn Street): Added to the program; adjacent property is Janet Wattles Center. Adopted unanimously.
  • Lease with Comprehensive Community Solutions (917 S. Main, $450/month, nine‐month term, funded by OJJDP grant): Adopted unanimously.
  • Vouchers: $20,640,223.52 approved unanimously.
  • Motions & Resolutions (Finance & Personnel):
    • 25 items considered, including bid awards for fire station wear ($60,000), garage labor ($250,000), lead service line replacements Phases 9 & 10 ($2 million each), granular activated carbon ($150,000), submersible pump services ($1 million), John Deere parts ($100,000), heavy duty truck repairs ($95,000), traffic signal equipment ($300,000), groundwater monitoring ($100,750), infrastructure scheduling software ($27,599), ESRI software ($290,300), infrastructure software ($118,901.76), Lexipol policy services ($52,254.50), Well No. 6 reservoir rehabilitation ($29,000), water rate study ($61,189), medical stop loss insurance renewal (32% increase, $1,789,020 estimated premium), pharmacy benefit manager renewal (Express Scripts, $667,000 savings, $7 million total estimated cost), workers' comp excess coverage ($226,321 premium), permit/code enforcement software (approved to take proposals), DCEO LIHEAP grant ($2,896,554, no match), tourism attraction grant match ($200,000), sidewalk reimbursement for Crusader Community Health ($50,000), sidewalk and bus stop reimbursement for PCI Pharma Services ($250,000), and firewall/IT change order ($68,103).
    • Most resolved unanimously, but items 22, 23, 24 drew dissent: Item 22 (RAVE tourism match) adopted 8–2 (Torina, Meeks no). Item 23 (Linden Road sidewalks) adopted 8–2 (Durkee, Torina no). Item 24 (Alpine & Linden sidewalks) adopted 8–2 (Torina, Bell no).
  • REGROW Grant Program: Held out.
  • Appointments: 14 appointments to various boards were laid over per Rule 18 (next action after January 14, 2026). Alderman Bell requested the city post board and commission openings on social media. Alderman Meeks asked for resumes of reappointees; Mayor McNamara agreed to provide them. Attendance records for boards/commissions will be compiled and shared in February.
  • Officers' Reports: Alderman Salgado announced an Auto Zone grand opening on January 7. Alderman Hoffman noted the Rolling Green Neighborhood Association meeting on January 13. Mayor McNamara reported the lowest number of homicides since 2004, thanked police leadership and council for public safety investments.

Key Outcomes

| Item | Action | Vote | |------|--------|------| | Journal of Proceedings (Nov 3, 2025) | Approved | Unanimous voice vote | | City Wise Software agreement (affordable housing platform) | Adopted | 9–1 (Torina no) | | LT Construction Workforce Development ($700,000) | Adopted | Unanimous | | News Tower Lofts development agreement | Laid over to 1/20/2026 | Motion carried | | Watch Factory development agreement amendment | Laid over to 1/20/2026 | Motion carried | | Tobacco enforcement contract | Adopted | Unanimous | | Zoning map – Searles Ave (R-3 to R-1) | Adopted | Unanimous | | Zoning map – Fincham Dr / White Chapel Ln (C-2 to R-2) | Adopted | 9–1 (Logemann no) | | Special use permit – event space (5th/6th Ave) | Adopted | Unanimous | | Liquor license – Spider on Quinta | Adopted | 9–1 (Beach no) | | Liquor license – CazAmigos Mexican Grill | Adopted | 9–1 (Beach no) | | Liquor license modification – Olympic Tavern (video gaming) | Adopted | Unanimous | | Vouchers ($20,640,223.52) | Adopted | Unanimous | | Collaborative agreements (Rosecrance, Youth Services Network) | Both adopted | Unanimous | | Head Start Staff Incentive Policy | Adopted | Unanimous | | Add 2022 Auburn St to Mow-to-Own | Adopted | Unanimous | | Lease with Comprehensive Community Solutions | Adopted | Unanimous | | 25 Finance & Personnel resolutions (bids, contracts, grants) | All adopted | Mostly unanimous; items 22,23,24 had 8–2 votes | | Appointments (14 total) | Laid over to 1/20/2026 | Per Rule 18 | | Adjournment | Approved | Unanimous voice vote at 8:32 p.m. |

Note: The following items were held out (no vote taken): Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful funding, Senior Center funding, Rockford Brake Manufacturing agreement, McDonald's at 4103 W. State St., off‐premise sign permit, and REGROW Grant Program.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. We will uh call to order the city of Rockford's regularly scheduled city council meeting for Monday, January 5th, 2026. Clerk, could you please call a roll? Jerky. Logaman? Hoffman. Grant. Beach. Salgado. Meeks. Bell. Bonnie. Nine present. Excellent. Is there a motion to approve uh the journal of proceedings for the city council meeting held on November 3rd, 2025? We have a motion. We have a second. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye. Aye. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Excellent. Next we'll go to petitions and communications, and we'll begin with planning and development committee and Alderman Durkey. Thank you, Your Honor. Um, under Roman number two A, Planning and Development Committee, a memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, the City Administrator, regarding a proposed agreement between the City of Rockford and Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Go Rockford, for the Made for Rockford Program. This is referred to Planning and Development Committee. Thank you. Next we'll go to Code and Regulation Committee. Alderman Bonn. Thank you, Mayor. We have three items all being referred to code and regulation committee. Item one is a memorandum from Scott Capavilla, Planning and Zoning Manager regarding plant number six of Green Estate Subdivision. Item two is memorandum from Scott Capavilla, Planning and Zoning Manager regarding plat number two of Ardmore subdivision. And item three is a memorandum from Martin Bloom regarding the 2026 Forward for Fund initiative. Thank you. Next we're going to go to Finance and Personnel Committee and Alderman Logan. We only have one item memorandum from Andrea Heinrich, Housing and Program Manager regarding approval and acceptance of additional funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program. Refer to the Finance and Personnel Committee. Thank you. Next we'll go to new committee reports and planning and development committee and back to Alderman Durkey. Thank you, Your Honor. We'll change to the agenda on Roman numeral three A for passage will be items one, four, and six and seven. Okay, the others were laid over. Item number one, approval of the proposed city service and licensing agreement between Citywise Software LLC, the City of Rockford to create an affordable rental housing platform hosted on a city domain. There will be no cost to the city. The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance. Then down to number four, approval of the proposed development agreement between this between the City of Rockford and LT Construction for the 2026 construction workforce development initiative in the not-to-exceed amount of $700,000. The funding source is ARPA funds designated for youth violence prevention.

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