NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met Dec. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of Rock Falls, Illinois was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on December 5, 2023, in the Council Chambers by Mayor Rod Kleckler.

City Clerk Pam Martinez called the roll following the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was present including Mayor Kleckler, Aldermen McKanna, Wangelin, Snow, Dowd, Dornes, and Sobottka. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present. Absent: Alderwoman Arduini

Audience request:

Chris Bishop, Dixon. Introduced himself as a candidate for the 37th Illinois Senate seat, currently being held by Senator Win Stoller.

Community Affairs:

None

Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda items 1-2 were read aloud by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

1. Approval of the minutes of the November 21, 2023, City Council Meeting. 2. Approval of bills as presented.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the Consent Agenda and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2023-2625 – Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property (11-28-276-011).

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2023-2625- Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property (11-28-276-011) and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance 1st Reading:

1. Ordinance 2023-2626 - Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Levy.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2023-2626- Fiscal Year Tax Levy for first reading and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2023-2627 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $5,300,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2017.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2023-2627 -- Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $5,300,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2017 for first reading and second by Alderman Dowd.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

3. Ordinance 2023-2628 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $2,115,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2016.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Ordinance 2023-2628 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $2,115,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2016 for first reading and second by Alderwoman Wangelin.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

4. Ordinance 2023-2629 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $9,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Electric System Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2018A.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2023-2627 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $9,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Electric System Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2018A for first reading and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

5. Ordinance 2023-2630 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Waterworks System Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2018B.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2023-2630 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2018B for first reading and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

6. Ordinance 2023-2631 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Sewerage System Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2018C.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2023-2631 - Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2023 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Sewerage System Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2018C for first reading and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

1. Notice of Retirement - Fire Chief Cris Bouwens, December 29, 2023, will be last day. City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

None

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the recommendation from the Ordinance/License/Personnel/Safety Committee to approve the Water Department to hire one employee and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 6 aye, motion carried.

Mayor's Report:

Property tax for 2024 will be lowered by almost five percent.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to adjourn the City Council meeting and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote via voice, all approved, motion carried (5:45 pm)

https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2023_agendas_and_minutes/2023_city_council/2023_city_council_minutes/12-05-2023-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf