NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met June 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 June 17, 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, and Arduini. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present. Absent Alderman Sobottka.

2025 Groundwater/Electric/Water Reclamation Scholarship:

Presentation of Scholarship to Addison Watts.

Ted Padilla presented the 2025 Groundwater/Electric/Water Reclamation Scholarship to Addison Watts for $1,500.00.

Ted gave a history of the scholarship and why it was started.

Audience request:

Don Cheshier brought to the City Council an issue with a street address and problems that have arisen from a duplicate house number. Google Maps has chosen the wrong house for this address and wants to know how to get it fixed. Larry Hanrahan stated he has someone that can help with getting things corrected on Google.

Request for Road Closure:

Request from John Watts to close E. 2nd Street between Avenue A and the entrance to the Holiday Inn on June 28, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. for the Touch A Truck of Rock Falls event.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the Road Closure request from John Watts from E. 2nd Street between Avenue A and the entrance to the Holiday Inn on June 28, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. for the Touch A Truck Event of Rock Falls Event and second by Alderman Doane.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

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 June 17, 2025, 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 McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance for 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2025-2697 – Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2026 - Beginning May 1, 2025, and Ending April 30, 2025.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-2697 - Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2026 - Beginning May 1, 2025, and Ending April 30, 2025, and second by Alderwoman Arduini. Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2025-2698 - Amending Chapter 18, Article V - Stop and Yield Intersections

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-2698 - Amending Chapter 18, Article V - Stop and Yield Intersections and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Resolutions:

1. Resolution 2025-936 - Amending Real Estate Tax Abatement 1609 1st Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071 (Ready Lab, LLC)

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Resolution 2025-936 -- Amending Real Estate Tax Abatement 1609 1st Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071 (Ready Lab, LLC) and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote via Voice, all approved, motion carried.

City Administrator:

None

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

Melinda Jones, Tourism, reminded City Council of 'Sic the Mag' event on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Hotels are all booked for Thursday night, local restaurants are doing specials, the cars will start coming in around 3 with over 300 cars expected.

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

Alderman Doane gave an update on the curb and gutters on Ave A and a Thank You to John Watts for the Touch A Truck Event on June 28, 2025.

Mayor's Report:

None

A motion was made by Alderman Doane to adjourn and second by Alderwoman Arduini. Vote via voice, all approved (5:52 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/wp-content/uploads/06-17-2025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf