NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met March 4.

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 4, 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, Stahr, Arduini and Sobottka. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.

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 February 18, 2025, City Council Meeting.

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Approve Mayor’s appointment of Ed Cox to the Utility Committee (Term 03/01/2025 through 04/30/2030).

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

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance 1st Reading:

1. Ordinance 2025-2686 – Adopting Revised Zoning Map

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025-2686 – Adopting Revised Zoning Map and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2025-2687 – Addition of Article VIII for the Implementation of a Municipal Grocery Retailer’s Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025-2687 – Addition to Article VIII for the Implementation of a Municipal Grocery Retailer’s Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

3. Ordinance 2025-2688 – Amending Chapter 18 – Relating to Numbering Municipal Parking Lots

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025- 2688 – Amending Chapter 18 – Relating to Numbering Municipal Parking Lots and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Ordinances 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2025-2683 – Amending Chapter 26 – Residential Driveways and Curb Cuts.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-2683 – Amending Chapter 26 – Residential Driveways and Curb Cuts and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2025-2684 – Amending Chapter 26 – Sidewalk Snow Removal within the Downtown Business Area.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-2684 – Amending Chapter 26 – Sidewalk Snow Removal within the Downtown Business Area and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

3. Ordinance 2025-2685 – Amending Chapter 16 – Relating to Alcoholic Liquor Licenses

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-2685 – Amending Chapter 16 - Relating to Alcoholic Liquor Licenses and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

Reminder of Finance Meeting, March 25, 2025 – Budget meeting starts at 8:15 a.m.

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 Letter / Notification Form for AMI Meter Base Upgrade and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve Line Clearance Tree Trimming Proposal with Intern, LLC, 18202 W. Union Road, Union, IL 60180 and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve a Street Lighting Project in the amount of $26,800.00 through the IMEA Energy Efficiency Program and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Mayor’s Report:

None

Executive Session:

1. Enter into Executive Session for the purpose of:

a. Personnel – Section 2(c)(1) – Employee hiring, firing, compensation, discipline, and performance.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to move into Executive Session and second by Alderwoman Arduini. (5:42 p.m.)

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Any action taken from Executive Session:

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the wage increase for the Paid On Call and Chaplain for the Fire Department and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to approve the Tourism Paid volunteer and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 7 aye, 1 recused (Sobottka), motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to adjourn and second by Alderwoman Arduini. Vote via voice, all approved (5:47 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/wp-content/uploads/03-04-2025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf