NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met Dec. 17.

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 December 17, 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.

Rock Falls Police Department:

• Oath of Office – Mitch Ottenhausen – Sergeant.

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Mitch Ottenhausen as Sergeant.

• Oath of Office – Christopher Benson – Officer

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Christopher Benson as Officer.

• Oath of Office – Valerie Villaneda – Officer

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Valerie Villaneda as Officer.

• Oath of Office – Armando Garnica – Officer

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Armando Garnica as Officer.

Audience request: None

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

Consent Agenda:

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

1. Approval of the minutes of the December 3, 2024, City Council Meeting.

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Approve appointment of Nathan Stahr to vacant 3rd Ward Alderman position effective January 1, 2025.

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

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinances 2nd Reading and Adoption:

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 second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

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 second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Dowd.

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 Alderman Wangelin 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 second reading and adoption 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 second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Wangelin.

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 second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

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 second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinances for 1st Reading:

1. Ordinance 2024-2677 – Amending Chapter 4 of the Rock Falls Municipal Code Relating to the Keeping of Chickens

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve Ordinance 2024-2677 – Amending Chapter 4 pf the Rock Falls Municipal Sode Relating to the Keeping of Chickens for first reading and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 4 aye, 3 no (Wangelin, Byrd, and Dowd), motion carried.

Resolution:

1. Resolution 2024-930 – Resolution Granting Real Estate Tax Abatement – Ready Lab, LLC.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Resolution 2024-930 – Resolution Granting Real Estate Tax Abatement – Ready Lab, LLC and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

None – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

None

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve the recommendation from BHMG Engineers to award the Hydro Relay Project to Electrical Power Products, Inc., Army Posy Road, Des Moines, IA in the amount of $74,901.00 and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the Recommendation from the Ordinance/License/Personnel/Safety Committee to approve a new hire for the Wastewater Department and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

All Alderman wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mayor’s Report:

None, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to adjourn and second by Alderwoman Arduini. Vote via voice, all approved (5:54 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2024_agendas_and_minutes/2024_city_council/2024_city_council_minutes/12-17-2024-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf