NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met May 20.

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 May 20, 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, Byrd, Doane, Dowd, Stahr, Arduini, and Sobottka. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.

Mayor Kleckler reminded all in attendance to silence all cell phones and remove hats while in Council Chambers.

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 minutes from the May 6th, 2025, City Council Meeting

2. Approval of bills as presented.

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

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

City Administrator Blackert praised all Departments for their quick response to trees down and Utility Lines being down. The tree trimming company is Kendall.

1. Approve recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve the quote from Kunes Auto CDJR of Sterling, 3200 E Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081, for a 2024 Ram 2500 Tradesman 4WD Truck with Plow Package in the amount of $58,781.00 for the Wastewater Department.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve the quote from Kunes Auto CDJR of Sterling, 3200 E Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081, for a 2024 Ram 2500 Tradesman 4WD Truck with Plow Package in the amount of $58,781.00 for the Wastewater Department and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

2. Approve recommendation from the Utility Committee to waive bidding for Traffic Signal Video Detection project at the intersection of 1st Ave and 3rd Street.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to waive bidding for the Traffic Signal Video Detection project at the intersection of 1st Ave and 3rd Street and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

3. Approve recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve the proposal from Helm Electric, 1514 W 4th St, Sterling, IL 61081 for Traffic Signal Video Detection at the intersection of 1st Ave and 3rd St in the amount of $36,000.00.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve the proposal from Helm Electric, 1514 W 4th Street, Sterling, IL 61081, for Traffic Signal Video Detection at the intersection of 1st Ave and 3rd Street in the amount of $36,000.00 and second by Alderman Wangelin.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

4. Approve recommendation from the Utility Committee for the purchase of a Trailer Mounted Underground Puller from Sherman & Reilly, 400 West 33rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37410 in the amount of $212,972.00.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee for the purchase of a Trailer Mounted Underground Puller from Sherman & Reilly, 400 West 33rd Street, Chattanooga, TN 37410 in the amount of $212,972.00 and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

5. Approve recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve a 10-year Lease Agreement 3088 with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a 12” Storm pipe under the canal in the amount of $1,210.00.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the recommendation from the Utility Committee to approve a 10-year Lease Agreement 3088 with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a 12” Storm pipe under the canal in the amount of $1,210.00 and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

6. Approve the Engineering Agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associates, 809 E 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021 for the New Fine Screen and Vactor Waste Drying Facility in the amount of $223,500.00.

Mayor Kleckler pulled this item from the agenda.

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

None

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

Alderwoman Sobottka asked who is responsible for the lawn maintenance by the dam – IDNR is responsible to maintain.

Alderwoman Sobottka stated the Garage Sales were well attended

Mayor’s Report:

Mayor Klecker asked council members to think about a retreat location and email him your thoughts. Due by July 4.

Executive Session:

1. Enter into Executive Session for the purposes 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. (5:43 pm)

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Any action taken from Executive Session:

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to hire Building Department assistant and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, 1-Recused (Doane), motion carried.

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

https://rockfalls61071.net/wp-content/uploads/05-20-2025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf