NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met April 15.

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 April 15, 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, and Sobottka. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present. Absent Alderwoman Arduini.

Audience request:

None

Proclamation:

Proclaiming April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Proclamation was read by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

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

Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda items 1-5 were read aloud by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

1. Approval of the minutes of April 1, 2025, City Council Meeting.

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Approve a Carnival License for WFS Attractions for St. Andrews School Carnival Fundraiser.

4. Approve Mayor’s appointment of Brian Snow to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of 05/01/2025 to 05/31/2027.

5. Approve Mayor’s appointment of Alderwoman McKanna to the Utility Committee as of 05/01/2025.

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

Vote 7 aye, (#4 – Recused Alderman Snow, #5 Recused Alderwoman McKanna), motion carried.

Ordinance 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2025-2691 – Approving Annual Purchase Power Adjustment. A motion was Alderman Snow to approve Ordinance 2025-2691 – Approving Annual Purchase Power Adjustment for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2025-2692 – Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance – Fiscal Year 2025 A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2025-2692 – Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance – Fiscal Year 2025 for second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Snow.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

3. Ordinance 2025-2693 – Ordinance Approving Annual Fair Solar Credit A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Ordinance 2025-2693 – Ordinance Approving Annual Fair Solar Credit for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

City Administrator Blackert recognized the Electric Department on their recognition from American Public Power Association for their exceptional electric reliability and being in the top 25 percent in the state.

Budget booklet is available online on the City’s website.

Rock Falls Tourism – Melinda Jones

1. Update on 2025 Tourism Events

Melinda gave an update on all Tourism event scheduled for the year.

Twelve separate events are shared and partnering with several throughout the summer.

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

None

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the Recommendation from the Public Works/Public Property Committee to approve License Agreement Number 3316 between the State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources and the City of Rock Falls for the Kiosk along the Hennepin Canal off of Route 40. Term of the agreement will be August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2035, there are no fees associated with this agreement and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the Recommendation from the Public Works/Public Property Committee to approve the quote from Boss Roofing Experts, 1910 E 4th Street, Sterling, IL 61081 for a new roof on the Street Department salt dome in the amount of $36,969.00 and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve the Recommendation from the Finance Committee to approve the final reading of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman Snow thanked all the residence for allowing him to serve them for the past 20 years. All the progress that has happened in the city over the last 20 years, Tourism, Street Department, Sewer Department, demolition of the delipidated buildings, Love’s Truck Stop, was thankful to be a part of it all.

All alderman thanked Brian for his dedication to the City of Rock Falls and his love for this town.

Mayor’s Report:

The first meeting in May will be the swearing in process.

Mark Searing stated the plans for Love’s Truck Stop have been received.

A motion was made by Alderman Snow to adjourn and second by Alderwoman Sobottka. Vote via voice, all approved (5:55 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/wp-content/uploads/04-15-2025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf