NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Regular meeting minutes of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Rock Falls

The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of Rock Falls, Illinois was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on February 20, 2024, 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, Byrd, Dowd, Dornes, and Sobottka. Absent Alderwoman Arduini. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.

Rock Falls Police Department

1. Officer of the Year Award was presented by Chief Pilgrim to Rollie Elder with 2023 Officer of the Year Award. Chief Pilgrim stated that going forward this award will be done on an annual basis. The Officer of the Year is picked by their peers.

Rock Falls Fire Department

1. Oath of Office and Badge Pinning – Kenneth J. Wolf, Fire Chief

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Kenneth Wolf as Fire Chief. Chief Wolf was pinned by his wife.

Whiteside County Health Department

1. Requesting a suspension of the resident only parking restrictions in Section 18-168(3) for a construction project from March 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. Cheryl Lee, Director, and Dave Molina presented information on the request for the suspension of resident only parking.

Members of the audience spoke against the lifting of the parking restrictions. A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna and there was not a second, motion failed.

Audience request:

Marshall Doane presented information about keeping the International Harvester Building.

Community Affairs:

Sam Smith, Executive Director, presented information about upcoming events. Annual Dinner, February 22, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Deer Valley; March 21, Spring Bingo; June 21 & 22 Summer Splash.

Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda items 1-3 were read aloud by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

1. Approval of the minutes of the January 16, 2024, City Council Meeting.

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Refer to the Planning Zooning Commission the Petition Requesting Rezoning of Real Estate from Whiteside County Health Department.

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

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2024-2634 – Adopting Revised Zoning Map

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve Ordinance 2024-2634 – Adopting Revised Zoning Map for second reading and adoption and second by Alderman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2024-2635 – Authorizing Sale of Unused Water Equipment. A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2024-2635 – Authorizing Sale of Unused Water Equipment for second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

None

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

None.

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

Alderwoman McKanna reminded council members the Finance/Investment/Insurance Committee meeting for March will be on March 26, 2024, and it will be the Budget Meeting. Please let Administrator Blackert know if you will be attending.

Mayor’s Report:

1. Approve the re-appointment of Terry Gisi to the Police Pension Board (Term 05-01- 2024 to 04-30-2026).

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the re-appointment of Terry Gisi to the Police Pension Board (Term 05-01-2024 to 04-30-2026) and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Approve the re-appointment of Tyler Ewing to the Industrial Development Commission (Term 02-20-2024 to 02-20-2029)

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the re-appointment of Tyler Ewing to the Industrial Development Commission (Term 02-20-2024 to 02-20-2029) and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to adjourn and second by Alderwoman McKanna. Vote via voice, all approved (6:09 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2024_agendas_and_minutes/2024_city_council/2024_city_council_minutes/02-20-2024-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf