NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met Dec. 3.

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 3, 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. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.

Audience request:

1. Optimist Club of Rock Falls presented 2025 Calendars for sale and a history of the calendar

Community Affairs: Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sam Smith President/CEO None

Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda items 1-4 were read aloud by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

1. Approval of the minutes of the November 19, 2024, City Council Meeting.

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Approve appointment of Emily Simpson to the Fire Pension Board

4. Request from Michael Clark, IDC Chairman to approve appointment of Gene Jacoby to the Industrial Development Commission

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

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinances 1st Reading:

1. Ordinance 2024-2671 – Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Levy.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2024-2671 – Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Levy for first reading and second by Alderman Wangelin. Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2024-2672 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 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 2024-2671 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $5,300,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2017 for first reading and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

3. Ordinance 2024-2673 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $2,115,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2016.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2024-2673 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $2,115,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2016 for first reading and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried

4. Ordinance 2024-2074 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 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 2024-2074 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 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 Dowd.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

5. Ordinance 2024-2675 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Waterworks System Alternate Revenue), Series 2018B.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Ordinance 2024-2675 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for the Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Waterworks System Alternate Revenue), Series 2018B for first reading and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

6. Ordinance 2024-2676 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Sewer System Alternate Revenue), Series 2018C

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2024-2676 – Abating the Tax Heretofore Levied for Year 2024 to Pay Debt Service on $1,200,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Sewer System Alternate Revenue), Series 2018C for first reading and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Resolution:

1. Resolution 2024-928 – Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway code – Section 25-00000-01-GM (Appropriating $160,000.00)

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Resolution 2024-928 – Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway code – Section 25-00000-01-GM (Appropriating $160,000.00) and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote via voice, all approved, motion carried.

2. Resolutions 2024-929 – Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway code – Section 25-00000-02-GM (Appropriating $480,000.00)

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Resolution 2024-929 – Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway code – Section 25-00000-02-GM (Appropriating $480,000.00) and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote via voice, all approved, motion carried.

City Administrator:

City Christmas Party, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion.

Resolutions for motor fuel tax for road work will be increasing

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

Mark Searing introduced Bryan Plummer as the new Building Inspector.

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

Alderman Wangelin stated that there will not be a Public Works Committee meeting.

Alderman Snow presented City Administrator Robbin Blackert a token of appreciation for all the grant writing that she has done for the City of Rock Falls in her career. Mark Searing and Alderman Snow presented bricks from the Micro Industries Building as a ‘paper weight’ with signatures from the crew.

Alderwoman Sobottka reminded City Council members the

Ordinance/License/Personnel/Safety Committee meeting will be rescheduled from November 27 to December 5, 2024.

Mayor’s Report:

Yard Waste has ended as of December 1, 2024. It will pick back up in the Spring.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to adjourn and second by Alderwoman Arduini. Vote via voice, all approved (5:52 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2024_agendas_and_minutes/2024_city_council/2024_city_council_minutes/12-03-2024-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf