NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met Jan. 7.

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 January 07, 2025, 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.

Oath of Office:

Oath of Office - Nathan Stahr - Ward 3 Alderman.

City Clerk Pam Martinez swore in Nathan Stahr as Ward 3 Alderman and he took his seat in Ward 3 chair.

Audience request: None

Community Affairs: Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sam Smith President/CEO

None

Consent Agenda:

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

1. Approval of the minutes of the December 17, 2024, City Council Meeting.

2. Approval of bills as presented.

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

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Ordinances 2nd Reading and Adoption:

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 of the Rock Falls Municipal Code Relating to the Keeping of Chickens for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 4 aye, 4 no's (Wangelin, Byrd, Dowd, Stahr) resulting in a tie - Mayor Kleckler vote no, motion failed.

2. Ordinance 2025-2678 - Approving Love's Rock Falls Subdivision.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2025-2678- Love's Rock Falls Subdivision for second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

1. Approval for Change Order No. 2 with Martin & Company Excavating, Inc., 2456 East Pleasant Grove Road, Oregon, IL 61061 for Avenue A Reconstruction and 5th Avenue Lift Station Replacement 10th Street to 3rd Street in the amount of $38,194.61.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the Change Order No. 2 with Martin & Company Excavating, Inc., 2456 East Pleasant Grove Road, Oregon, IL 61061 for Avenue A Reconstruction and 5th Avenue Lift Station Replacement 10th Street to 3rd Street in the amount of $38,194.61 and second by Alderman Dowd. Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Fire Department - Chief Ken Wolf

1. Rock Falls Fire Department Annual Report 2024

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

None

Chief Wolf presented the Rock Falls Fire Department Annual Report stating that the number of calls has increased over 2023.

New software working very well, Event at the mall to be held on January 11, 2025, to bring awareness of fire safety. Free smoke detectors to be given away and information about Community Connect.

A new training facility is in the planning stages, waiting on Federal Grant money. Operation of facility is targeted 2027.

Two Fire Department Trucks will need to be replaced within the next few years. Planning has started as it will take several years to have the trucks operational. Both are aged 25 years or more.

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

Alderman Stahr said thank you for the warm welcome.

Alderwoman Arduini gave a thank you to Boss Roofing for stepping up to handle the Toys for Tots.

Mayor's Report:

None

Executive Session:

Removed from the agenda

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

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