City of Rochelle City Council met Feb. 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER: Pledge to the Flag was led by Mayor Bearrows. Prayer was said by Ed Rice.
II. ROLL CALL: Present were Councilor T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Gruben, Shaw Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Also present were City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Clerk Rose Huéramo and City Attorney Dominick Lanzito.
III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC: None
IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Mayor's Report – Announced the State of the Community Address March 2 at 6 P.M. The Job Fair will be March 10 at RTHS, having 40 + businesses attending.
2. Council Members – Councilor Arteaga congratulated RTHS wrestler Dempsey Atkinson attending IHSA Girls Wrestling Championship.
V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY: None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:
1. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIUS VOTE with Recommendations:
a) Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting - 2/13/2023
b) Approve Check Registers - 205171-205242, 205078-205169, 205170
c) Approve Payroll - 01/23/2023-02/05/2023
d) Approve Request from VFW Auxiliary for 2023 Garden Plots
e) Approve 2022 Zoning Map Resolution
f) Approve Special Event Request - Lucky Hub Dash
Motion made by Councilor Hayes, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, "I move consent agenda items (a) through (f) be approved by Omnibus vote as recommended." Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Gruben, Councilor Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Mayor Bearrows. Motion passed 7-0.
2. 2024 Façade Grant Program Revisions. As the Façade Improvement Grant Program begins to grow, the application process continues to expand to reach more businesses within our community. The following changes are proposed to allow more businesses the opportunity to apply: Under Eligible Properties and Applicants:
Any business, either wholly or partially owned by an individual or group of individuals whose received money in the past 5 years will not be eligible for funds for up to 3 years. The program defines owner as any common ownership if it is a corporation or limited liability company. Under Section 4 of the "Agreement":
By November 1st of the current budget year, documentation must be submitted to receive reimbursement. Michelle Pease, Community Development Director was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, "I move Council approve the 2024 Façade Grant Program Revisions." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Gruben, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Mayor Bearrows. Motion passed 7-0.
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Comprehensive Plan Update. The City of Rochelle adopted its first Comprehensive Plan in 1973, with the most recent update in 2016 by Teska & Associates. The Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a framework for future development and revitalization based on existing conditions, trends, goals, and objectives. In order to be an effective tool, the Plan should be updated every 5-7 years. In keeping with this guideline, the City has hired Teska &Associates to assist with a revision to the 2016 plan. Teska and Associates has worked closely with the City over the years to update the Plan. The total estimated fee is approximately $9,560. This fee will include 4 workshops, 1 public hearing and all required text revisions identified within the Plan. The funding source is Community Development- Other Professional Services. $15,000 was budgeted. Michelle Pease was available for questions.
Facade Improvement Grant Review. Michelle Knight Community Development Specialist presented an overview to Council for the 2019-2022 Façade Improvement Grant. Both Michelle Knight and Michelle Pease were available to answer questions.
VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 6:53 P.M., motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, "I move the Council recess into executive session to discuss the (appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance and/or dismissal) of specific employees(s). Section (C) (1) and to discuss pending or imminent litigation. Section (c) (11)." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Gruben, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Mayor Bearrows. Motion passed 7-0.
At 7:40 P.M., Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, "I move the Council return to open session." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Gruben, Shaw Dickey, Arteaga, Mayor Bearrows. Motion passed 7-0.
IX. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:41 P.M., motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw Dickey, "I move the Council adjourn." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Gruben, Shaw Dickey, Arteaga, Mayor Bearrows. Motion passed 7-0.
https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/rochelleil-pubu/MEET-Minutes-fca1e3444ccb4adc8d49a0eac1526435.pdf
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