City of Rock Falls Council met September 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of Rock Falls, Illinois was called to order by Mayor William B. Wescott at 6:30 p.m. on September 19th, 2017 in the Council Chambers of Rock Falls.
City Clerk Eric Arduini called the roll following the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was present including Aldermen Reitzel, Logan, Kuhlemier, Schuneman, Kleckler, Folsom, and Sobottka. Alderman Snow was absent. In addition City Attorney Jim Reese and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present,
Audience Requests:
Gene and Diana Johnston approached the Council in objection to the proposed Zoning change request at 1409 Shore Acres Road that would allow a bar/restaurant to operate. Mr. Johnston informed the Council that there is already a lot of congestion in the area as the road is narrow. If the parking lot was full, and the patrons would need to park along the road it would be impassable for emergency vehicles. There would be more added noise to the area. The operating marina at the location has Some noise, but patrons leave and go into the river. This change would encourage patrons to stay, and it Only about 25 feet from his house. Mr. Johnston has spoken to other neighbors who also object to the change.
Proclamation:
City Clerk Eric Arduini read aloud a proclamation recognizing Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on the occasion of their 140th Anniversary on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Church members joined Mayor Wescott for a photo receiving the signed proclamation. Member Betty Clementz invited the council to attend the church On Sunday for a potluck. A motion to approve the proclamation was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Logan.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Consent Agenda:
The consent agenda was read aloud by Clerk Arduini. A motion to approve the Consent agenda as presented by omnibus designation was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Folsom.
1. Approval the Minutes of the September 5th, 2017 Regular Council Meeting.
2. Approval of bills as presented.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Ordinance First Reading:
Mayor Wescott asked that item number three be considered separately for first reading.
City Clerk Eric Arduini read aloud the ordinances 1 and 2 for first reading. A motion to approve the first reading of the following ordinances was made by Alderman Schuneman, and second by Alderman Reitzel.
1. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2340 sale/transfer of 2001 Dodge 1500 truck to Firehouse Ministries.
2. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2341 authorizing a lease agreement with Firehouse of God Ministries for property to be used as a recycling center at 2400 1st Avenue.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
A motion for the approval of the first reading of the following ordinance was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Logan.
Approval of Ordinance 2017-2342 authorizing a lease agreement with Firehouse of God Ministries for property to be used as the Fire Museum at 403 West 2nd Street,
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried (Alderman Reitzel recused himself from this vote)
Ordinance Second Reading/Adoption:
A motion was made by Alderman Sobottka, and second by Alderman Logan for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2333 amending Section 20-150 (c) (2) and Section 20-150 (c)(4) Open Burning prohibited.
Vote 5 aye, 2 Nay (Kleckler, Folsom) motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Sobottka for the adoption of adoption of Ordinance 2017-2336 amending Section 32-87(d) to add 5/8" meter for multiple residential or multiple commercial units.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Folsom for the adoption of adoption of Ordinance 2017-2337 adding subparagraph (77) to Section 18-152 Prohibited Areas to prohibit parking along the north side of west 16th Street from 1st Ave. to Lindy Ave.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Kuhlemier for the adoption of adoption of Ordinance 2017-2339 Amending Section 32431 Economic Rate Rider.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
City Administrator Robbin Blackert:
City Administrator Robbin Blackert explained that she recommends not to approve the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission that the reZoning request for 1409 Shore Acres Road made to the Whiteside County Board be granted, for 2 reasons. 1, it is not in compliance with the comprehensive plan adopted by the city as applicable to the territory including the parcel which is the subject of the reZoning request, which lies within 1% miles of the city limits, or in compliance with the comprehensive plan adopted by the county board covering that territory, and 2, it Would be a classic instance of "spot Zoning", in which a small parcel of land is zoned to a classification that is not compatible with the surrounding territory. This requested Zoning change violates both of these prerequisites. A motion to adopt a resolution (2017-772) by which the City Council protests to the Whiteside County Board the request for rezoning of the parcel from R-2-Special Use to B-1, as it does not comply With the comprehensive plan, and it is spot zoning, was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Reitzel.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Sobottka for the approval of Resolution 2017-771 authorizing the Mayor to execute a modified Settlement agreement and release with Sjostrom & Sons Inc. and Spaans Babcock, Administrator Blackert noted that the only change was the addition of a sentence on page four item six clarifying the agreement as it was explained previously.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Information/Correspondence:
Mayor Wescott Congratulated City Attorney Jim Reese for his 50th Anniversary of passing the Illinois Bar Exam, and being the City Attorney of Rock Falls for 35 years.
City Engineer Brian Frickenstein reported that the Galt Avenue resurfacing project started on Monday, The project should be finished mid-November,
Department Heads:
Tourism - Janell Loos
Tourism Director Janell Loos informed the Council that the Pink Heals Tour, and Pink Parties are this weekend. The Rock Falls Pink Party will be from 4pm to 7pm. It Will feature 3 Pink Firetrucks, and one Pink SUV. There will be a raffle benefiting the Home of Hope. There will be 16 home visits, and 4 at the parties.
Ward Reports:
Ward 1:
Alderman Daehle Reitzel commented on the great past weekend with the Bridge the Community events, and the Rockets winning their homecoming game.
Alderman George Logan noted that the Fire Department did a spectacular job keeping up with three house fires on Saturday.
Ward 2:
Alderman Glen Kuhlemier stated that there was a myriad of activities over the past weekend, and he thanked all of the volunteers who helped.
Ward 4:
Alderman Violet Sobottka congratulated Attorney Reese for passing the bar.
Mayor's Report:
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman, and second by Alderman Reitzel to appoint Alderman Glen Kuhlemier as Mayor Pro-Tem for the period September 20th - 22nd, 2017.
Vote 6aye, motion carried
With nothing else for the good of the Council a motion was made by Alderman Sobottka and Second by Alderman Folsom to adjourn the meeting at 7:14pm. Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
Meeting is adjourned at 7:14 pm
https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/09-19-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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