OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rockford City Council Meeting: June 15, 2026

Meeting Portal — Monday, June 15, 2026
BodyRockford, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, June 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:24:24

Transcript — Verbatim
1:08

This has been a collection of stickers for a while, so we just moved back to Rascal.

1:25

Good evening, everyone.

1:26

We will call to order the City of Rockford's regularly scheduled city council meeting for Monday, June 15th, 2026.

1:35

Again, this evening, we have uh we're still on a delay.

1:38

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.

1:49

So folks watching on YouTube or through our website will be able to hear you.

1:54

Uh, but in this uh room, it will not project.

1:58

Uh with that being said, this evening we are fortunate that we have Chaplain Roy Whitmore with us to provide an invitation.

2:11

Uh, we thank you, Lord, for this day is gathering.

2:15

We thank you for our mayor, thank you for our city council, and we thank you, Lord, for this city.

2:20

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.

2:31

Thank God.

2:32

Amen.

2:52

Clerk, could you please call the roll?

2:57

Here.

2:58

Here.

3:08

Here.

3:08

Okay.

3:09

President.

3:14

Excellent.

3:14

We have a quorum uh for this evening.

3:17

We'll move on to item C the acceptance of our journal.

3:20

Is there a motion to approve the journal of proceedings for the city council meeting held on May 26th, 2026?

3:27

We have a motion, we have a second.

3:29

Is there any discussion?

3:30

Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye.

3:34

Those opposed?

3:35

Excellent.

3:38

Next, uh we have two proclamations this evening.

5:04

And whereas the term Juneteenth is derived from a blend of words using the month of June and the date of the 19th.

5:13

Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest running African American holiday.

5:20

Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021.

5:26

And whereas, our country is made up of people from every nation who helped to create the country that we celebrate today.

5:34

And where all are declared equal, not only in freedom, but also in justice.

5:39

By celebrating Juneteenth, African Americans share the pride of their rich history and culture.

5:45

As we all celebrate our history going forward, slavery is eliminated, but our past will never be forgotten.

5:52

Now, therefore, I Thomas B.

5:53

McTemer as Mayor of the City of Rockford do hereby proclaim June 19, 2026 to be Juneteenth.

6:01

Would you like to share a few words, please?

6:05

Yes.

6:07

It made me good.

6:09

Good evening, Mayor, City Council members, and attendees.

6:13

My name is Latina Cross.

6:15

I am the chair of the Achieving Black Division Excellence or Able Employee Resource Group.

6:22

We're committed to fostering leadership, encouraging mean flux conversations, and creating spaces where all employees feel badly and empowered.

6:31

Thank you again for recognizing Juneteenth and issuing this proclamation.

6:35

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress.

6:39

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.

6:50

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.

7:02

We encourage everyone to take the time to learn, reflect, celebrate, and continue building a stronger and more inclusive community together.

7:11

Feel free to visit the Able EIG table, the Juneteenth table downstairs at City Hall Lobby.

7:17

Nobody there for the end of the month.

7:18

Thank you.

7:19

Thank you.

7:37

She has an amazing voice.

7:40

With that, our next proclamation this evening is comprehensive community solutions, and we have a number of members of their team with us today.

7:54

You can even sneak in that door right there.

7:57

There's a great door.

10:07

Now, therefore, I have a screen matchman, as mayor of the city of Rockford do hereby recognize the 34th anniversary of comprehensive community solutions.

10:16

And just want to say uh we certainly highlighted the amazing work and mission of the organization.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████26%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Zoning And Land Use█████████9%
Cannabis Regulation████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis████████8%
Economic Development█████5%
Racial Equity████4%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Rockford City Council Meeting – June 15, 2026

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.

Proclamations

  • Mayor McNamara presented a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth in Rockford. Latina Cross of the Able Employee Resource Group accepted and encouraged community celebration.
  • A proclamation recognized the 34th anniversary of Comprehensive Community Solutions (CCS). CCS CEO shared his personal transformation story through the organization and thanked the council.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ken Dickens urged the council to use cannabis recreation tax funds to create jobs for those impacted by the war on drugs, warning that future city growth depends on equitable opportunity.
  • Jim Accurso (U.S. Small Business Administration) announced a low-interest federal disaster loan program for homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the April 17, 2026 severe storm. Application deadline: July 17, 2026. Interest rates range from 2.875% to 4%.
  • Kelly Lewis (resident near proposed data center site) thanked the city for prohibiting TIF assistance for data centers but requested specific clarification on whether the prohibition covers infrastructure and utilities. She called for the full release of FOIA records related to the project to rebuild trust.
  • Teresa Wilmot voiced concerns about the data center’s potential impact on Rockford’s drinking water supply, noting that the city relies on groundwater from ancient aquifers and that Chicago-area data centers have grown from 30–40 to 210 since 2019.
  • Bobbie Holzwarth (Transform Rockford) celebrated the downtown transformation and the Rockford Promise program, thanking the city for financial investment and support.

Discussion Items

  • RV and Fifth Wheel Community (PUD) at South Main Street: The Code and Regulation Committee had recommended sustaining the ZBA’s approval. Alderman Bell moved to lay over the item. City Administrator explained conditions, including a $175,000 voluntary relocation fund and a one-year notice. Alderman Torina expressed concerns about displacement and affordable housing availability. The motion to lay over passed automatically.
  • Liquor License Reversal (Jasmine Pantry): The committee had recommended denial of a packaged liquor license, reversing the LTAB recommendation. Alderman Tuneberg moved to amend to approval. Alderman Neal spoke in support, noting the property had been improved and had no issues for 25 years, but pledged to consider future saturation. The motion to amend passed 9–2 (Torina and Beach opposed). The amended committee report then passed 8–3 (Torina, Beach, Bell opposed).
  • Lift-Assist Ordinance: Alderman Meeks asked whether fees ($470 per lift-assist) would offset lost ambulance revenue. Finance Director stated it would start slowly with only two potential charges expected in the next five months, and would not reach that level. Alderman Beach confirmed no charge to residents. The ordinance passed 11–0.
  • Fire Department Staffing: Alderman Durkee reported Station 4’s medic truck and Station 5’s engine were shut down due to staffing shortages, leaving only one medic and one engine east of Alpine. Chief Tyo explained that retirements and transfers caused the disruption, but noted the council had approved hiring 12 firefighters per year over three years. She stated the situation is not frequent and is being monitored.
  • Data Center Transparency: During public comments, Kelly Lewis requested the city release all FOIA records regarding the Monarch Energy data center project. Mayor McNamara did not directly respond during the meeting.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved (with votes):
    • Funding Agreement with Citied Foundation for Early Birds Social Work Program ($25,000 from cannabis funds): 10–1 (Durkee nay).
    • Funding Agreement with Zion West for Youth Training and Mowing Program ($25,000 from cannabis funds): 11–0.
    • Development Agreement with Cord Construction for 1322 E. State Street ($100,000 from Jackson School TIF): 10–1 (Torina nay).
    • Plat No. 5 of Woodhill Subdivision: 11–0.
    • Sale of Packaged Liquor at Jasmine Pantry (as amended): 8–3.
    • Lift-Assist Ordinance: 11–0.
    • Vouchers totaling $9,207,129.56: 11–0.
    • Intergovernmental Agreement with Rockford Public Schools for Police Services (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028): 11–0.
    • Revisions to City Rules and Regulations (VESSA-related): 11–0.
    • 2025 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance: 11–0.
    • River District / Street Parklet Program: 10–1 (Frost nay).
    • Bid awards: Street Repairs Parking Lots ($392,950.99), Excavation & Hauling ($58,625), Traffic Control Devices ($400,000 annual estimate) – all 11–0.
    • Rejection of bids for Coronado Performing Arts Center lighting and Head Start meals – 11–0.
    • HUD Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) awards to partner agencies ($195,054 total) – 11–0.
    • Extension of Building Code Consulting contract with Fire Safety Consultants ($57,000 + $9,600–$10,800/month) – 11–0.
    • Reallocation of $200,000 with RAVE for Davis Park events – 11–0.
    • Allocation of $353,502.76 to Community Healing Center for trauma-informed services (ARPA funds) – 11–0.
    • Reallocation of $250,000 cannabis funds plus $100,000 additional for poverty reduction/childhood education – 11–0.
    • Acceptance of DCEO LIHEAP grant ($4,030,301), IDHS Homeless System Capacity grant ($85,522), and two DCEO Weatherization grants ($482,759 and $772,748) – all 11–0.
    • Ordinances: Same as corresponding committee reports – vote tallies identical.
  • Laid Over:
    • Special Use Permit for RV and Fifth Wheel Community at 2530–2720 South Main Street (laid over).
    • Reappointments of Jeremiah Griffin and Mary Cacioppi to Community Action Advisory Board (laid over per Rule 18 until after July 1, 2026).
  • Closed Session: Motion to convene at 6:56 PM to discuss pending litigation. Reconvened at 7:10 PM. Adjourned at 7:12 PM.

Officers Reports

  • Aldermen announced upcoming events: Fifth Ward meeting July 2, Swedish Midsommer Fest June 20, Fatherhood United Field Day June 20, Vets Rock the Block June 20, 6th/9th Street feedback session June 16, Juneteenth celebration at Sinnissippi Park June 19, Beyer Stadium Grand Re-Opening June 20.
  • Alderman Durkee raised fire staffing concerns; Chief Tyo responded that retirements are being managed through hiring and that engine and medic closures are not routine.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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