The Rockford City Council convened on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:33 PM at City Hall, 425 E. State Street. The meeting included a proclamation for Juneteenth, a proclamation recognizing Comprehensive Community Solutions' 34th anniversary, public comments from five speakers, and action on numerous committee reports, resolutions, and ordinances. Key issues debated included the use of cannabis funds, a proposed RV park, a liquor license reversal, fire department staffing, and data center transparency. The council voted on 14 finance and personnel items, approved multiple grants and contracts, and entered closed session for pending litigation.
This has been a collection of stickers for a while, so we just moved back to Rascal. Good evening, everyone. We will call to order the City of Rockford's regularly scheduled city council meeting for Monday, June 15th, 2026. Again, this evening, we have uh we're still on a delay. We are waiting for equipment to come back for our audio, so you're not going to hear the audio project, but it will project into our online uh viewing uh venue. So folks watching on YouTube or through our website will be able to hear you. Uh, but in this uh room, it will not project. Uh with that being said, this evening we are fortunate that we have Chaplain Roy Whitmore with us to provide an invitation. Uh, we thank you, Lord, for this day is gathering. We thank you for our mayor, thank you for our city council, and we thank you, Lord, for this city. While we welcome you, Lord, to be with us, Lord, with the knowledge and wisdom that we need to do the people's business, and we are so grateful to give you praise and honor in Jesus' name. Thank God. Amen. Clerk, could you please call the roll? Here. Here. Here. Okay. President. Excellent. We have a quorum uh for this evening. We'll move on to item C the acceptance of our journal. Is there a motion to approve the journal of proceedings for the city council meeting held on May 26th, 2026? We have a motion, we have a second. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye. Those opposed? Excellent. Next, uh we have two proclamations this evening. And whereas the term Juneteenth is derived from a blend of words using the month of June and the date of the 19th. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest running African American holiday. Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021. And whereas, our country is made up of people from every nation who helped to create the country that we celebrate today. And where all are declared equal, not only in freedom, but also in justice. By celebrating Juneteenth, African Americans share the pride of their rich history and culture. As we all celebrate our history going forward, slavery is eliminated, but our past will never be forgotten. Now, therefore, I Thomas B. McTemer as Mayor of the City of Rockford do hereby proclaim June 19, 2026 to be Juneteenth. Would you like to share a few words, please? Yes. It made me good. Good evening, Mayor, City Council members, and attendees. My name is Latina Cross. I am the chair of the Achieving Black Division Excellence or Able Employee Resource Group. We're committed to fostering leadership, encouraging mean flux conversations, and creating spaces where all employees feel badly and empowered. Thank you again for recognizing Juneteenth and issuing this proclamation. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress. It serves as an important reminder that while freedom was delayed for many, the continued pursuit of quality, opportunity, and belonging remains as a shared responsibility. We are grateful to the city of Rockford knowledge of the significance of this day, and for supporting efforts that honored like history, culture, and contributions within our organization and throughout our community. We encourage everyone to take the time to learn, reflect, celebrate, and continue building a stronger and more inclusive community together.