NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met July 15.

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

Audience request:

Carol Sensenig asked about the stray cat population in her neighborhood. She has contacted animal control and there are about 15 cats that are tearing up her yard and would like something done. Mayor Kleckler said that he would speak with animal control.

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

Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda items 1-4 were read aloud by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

1. Approval of minutes from the July 1, 2025, City Council Meeting

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Approve Alderman Bill Wangelin as Mayor Pro-Tem (July 15, 2025, through April 30, 2026).

4. Approve Mayoral Appointment of Alderman Doane to the Police Fire Committee and the Public Works Public Property Committee.

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

Vote 6 aye, 2 abstained (Wangelin and Doane), motion carried.

Ordinance for 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2025-2699 – Amending Chapter 18, Article V Stop and Yield Intersections. A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve Ordinance 2025-2699 – Amending Chapter 18, Article V Stop and Yield Intersections for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2025-2700 – Amending Chapter 16, Article V of the Rock Falls Municipal Code Providing for a Class D-3 Liquor License.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Ordinance 2025-2700 – Amending Chapter 16, Article V of the Rock Falls Municipal Code Providing for a Class D-3 Liquor License for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

3. Ordinance 2025-2701 – Approving Interconnection Agreement and Qualifying Facility Power Purchase Agreement for Solar Facilities at McCormick Event Center.

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2025-2701 – Approving Interconnection Agreement and Qualifying Facility Power Purchase Agreement for Solar Facilities at McCormick Event Center for second reading and adoption and second by Alderman Doane.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

City Administrator:

1. Approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement by and Between the City of Sterling (Fire Department) and the City of Rock Falls (Fire Department)

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement by and Between the City of Sterling (Fire Department) and the City of Rock Falls (Fire Department) and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

2. Approval for Change Order No. 4 in the amount of $23,939.34 with Martin & Company Excavating, 2456 East Pleasant Grove Road, Oregon, IL 61061, for the Avenue A Reconstruction and 5th Avenue Lift Station Replacement Project.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve Change Order No. 4 in the amount of $23,939.34 with Martin & Company Excavating, 2456 East Pleasant Grove Road, Oregon, IL 61061, for the Avenue A Reconstruction and 5th Avenue Lift Station Replacement Project and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

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 award the low bid for the Chip Seal Project to Civil Constructors, 2283 Business Route 20 East, Freeport, IL 61032 in the amount of $101,869.00 and second by Alderman Dowd.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the Recommendation from the Public Works Public Property Committee to award the low bid for the Street Overlay Project to Civil Constructors, 2283 Business Route 20 East, Freeport, IL 61032 in the amount of $166,767.20 and second by Alderman Dowd.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

Mayor’s Report:

Reminded Council Members of invitation to the Steak Fry in the Country by Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce in August and to let himself or the business office know if interested in going.

City ID’s can be made at the Electric Department if interested.

Executive Session:

1. Enter into Executive Session for the purposes of:

a. Section 2(c)(21) – Review of Closed Session Minutes

b. Collective Bargaining – Section 2(c)(2) – Collective negotiating matters and deliberation concerning salary scheduled.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to move into Executive Session and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried (5:47 p.m.)

Action taken from Executive Session:

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to keep Executive Session Minutes Closed Section 2(c)(21) – Review of Closed Session Minutes and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve the Collective Bargaining – Section 2(c)(2) – Collective negotiating matters and deliberation concerning salary scheduled - Side Letter effective immediately and second by Alderman Stahr. Vote 8 aye, motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to adjourn and second by Alderwoman Arduini. Vote via voice, all approved (5:58 p.m.)

https://rockfalls61071.net/wp-content/uploads/07-15-2025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf