NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met March 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 March 5, 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, Arduini, and Sobottka. Absent Alderman Dornes. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.

Rock Falls Fire Department

1. Oath of Office and Badge Pinning – Kyle Sommers, Deputy Fire Chief City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Kyle Sommers as Deputy Fire Chief. Deputy Chief Sommers was pinned by his wife.

2. Oath of Office and Badge Pinning – Derick Newton, Captain

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Derick Newton as Captain. Captain Newton was pinned by his wife.

Audience request:

Aurelio Barrios, street issues on W. 14th Street, potholes and gravel dust asked to be addressed. Vision for Rock Falls and new businesses.

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 February 20, 2024, 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 Snow.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance 1st Reading:

1. Ordinance 2024-2637 – Amending Chapter 16 Relating to Business License Fee Increase.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2024-2637 – Amending Chapter 16 Relating to Business License Fee Increase for first reading and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2024-2638 – Approving Annual Fair Solar Credit.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Ordinance 2024-2638 – Approving Annual Fair Solar Credit first reading and second by Alderman Dowd. Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2024-2636 – Amending Chapter 32 for the Establishment of Additional Utility Service Deposits.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2024-2636 – Amending Chapter 32 for the Establishment of Additional Utility Service Deposits for second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

1. Fiscal Agency Agreement – IMBCA Restitution Payment

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the Fiscal Agency Agreement – IMBCA Restitution Payment and second by Alderman Dowd.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

Dick Simon, Electric Department Supervisor, presented City Council with his letter of retirement. He has been with the city for 34 years and his last working day will be June 21, 2024, and retirement in November 2024.

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

Alderwoman McKanna made a motion for the recommendation from the Finance/Insurance/Investment Committee to approve a joint purchase with the City of Sterling Fire Department for a software platform from First Due, 107 Seventh St., Garden City, New York, City of Rock Falls Fire Department cost will be $16,806.25 for the first year 15-month agreement and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman Snow made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve Change Order No. 2 - Phase 2 Watermain Improvements from Martin & Company Excavating in the amount of $35,090.40 and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman Snow made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the Utility Committee to waive bidding for materials, labor and equipment for the installation of video detection for traffic signals at the intersection of 1st Avenue and 10th Street and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman Snow made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the Utility Committee to accept the proposal by Helm Electric, 1514 W Fourth Street, Sterling IL for materials, labor, and equipment to install video detection for traffic signals at the intersection of 1st Avenue & 10th Street in the amount of $31,000.00 and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman Snow made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the Utility Committee to waive bidding of boring project along the northern edge of the Schmitt Addition for conduit extension and future electric use and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman Snow made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the Utility Committee to accept the quote from PirTano Construction, 701 Wood St., Rochelle, IL for conduit extension and future electric use in the amount of $70,720.00 and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderwoman Sobottka made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the OLPS Committee to approve the hiring of two Paid On Call Firefighters and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderwoman Sobottka made a motion to approve the Recommendation from the OLPS Committee to approve the Employment Contract with Kyle Sommers for Deputy Fire Chief beginning March 1, 2024, and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Mayor’s Report:

None.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to adjourn and second by Alderwoman McKanna. Vote via voice, all approved (6:00 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2024_agendas_and_minutes/2024_city_council/2024_city_council_minutes/03-05-2024-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf