Code and Regulation Committee Meeting - June 8, 2026

The Code and Regulation Committee met on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM at City Hall. Four aldermen were present (Logemann, Torina, Bell, Prunty); Alderman Bonne was absent. The committee considered six committee reports and two resolutions, with votes on several items.

Committee Reports

1. Plat No. 5 of Woodhill Subdivision (5101 and 5115 Woodie Ranch Lane) Approved unanimously by a motion from Alderman Torina, seconded by Alderman Bell. No discussion.

2. 714 Broadway – Tobacco Sale (Dolla Dame Smoke Shop) The Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board recommended approval. No motion was made, so the item failed to advance and will appear on the next Code & Regulation Committee agenda.

3. 2614 and 2600 Kilburn Avenue – Packaged Liquor Sale (Jasmine Pantry) A motion to approve failed on a 2-2 vote (Aldermen Logemann and Prunty voted aye; Aldermen Torina and Bell voted nay). Alderman Bell stated he did not believe liquor should be sold at that establishment.

4. Special Use Permit for RV and Fifth Wheel Community at 2530, 2710, 2720 South Main Street The committee approved (3-1, Alderman Bell nay) sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' decision. Alderman Torina described extensive outreach: she attended the ZBA meeting, met with residents on a Saturday, and worked with the developer's attorney. The developer increased displacement funds and extended the moving timeline to approximately 90 days (30 days to elect a package, 60 days to move). Health and Human Services provided information. Some residents also submitted a letter supporting the project. Torina acknowledged the difficulty but felt the outcome was improved.

5. Proposed Lift-Assist Ordinance Approved unanimously (4-0). The ordinance allows the city to recover costs for lift assists at assisted living facilities and nursing homes after the sixth call in a billing period, with a fee of $470 per call. Discussion included whether fees should differ for businesses vs. residents (Alderman Beach), applicability to Rockford Housing Authority properties (Alderman Tuneberg), and whether independent living facilities are covered (Alderman Meeks). Legal Director Angela Hammer and Finance Director Carrie Hagerty explained that the state statute limits the fee to assisted living and nursing homes, and that RHA residents are billed individually for transport, not the facility.

6. Proposed Amendment Regarding Committee Chair and Vice Chair Selection Laid over unanimously (4-0) to the next scheduled committee meeting.

Resolutions

1. River District Association & City of Rockford Street Parklet Program Approved unanimously (4-0). Alderman Torina questioned why the program was limited to the River District rather than citywide. Traffic Engineer Jeremy Carter noted that only the River District had requested it. City Administrator Todd Cagnoni explained that the River District Association performed the necessary due diligence, and staff are willing to expand if council desires. Alderman Bell supported expansion but noted that not all business districts may want parklets, citing past opposition (e.g., "hillbilly porches"). Alderman Tuneberg also noted that some businesses do not want parklets.

2. Request for Authorization for Zoning Officer to File Text Amendments for Multiple Sections of the Zoning Ordinance Laid over (3-1; Alderman Logemann voted nay, Aldermen Torina, Bell, Prunty voted aye) to the next committee meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Woodhill Subdivision plat, RV community special use permit (subject to conditions), Lift-Assist Ordinance, River District Street Parklet Program.
• Failed: Tobacco sale at 714 Broadway (no motion), Packaged liquor sale at 2614/2600 Kilburn (2-2 tie, motion failed).
• Laid Over: Committee chair/vice chair selection amendment, Zoning text amendments authorization.
• Next Steps: Items laid over will be reconsidered at the next Code & Regulation Committee meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.