NW Illinois News

City of Rochelle City Council met Aug. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER: Pledge to the Flag and prayer were led by Mayor Bearrows.

II. ROLL CALL: Present were Councilors T. McDermott, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor John Bearrow. A quorum of six were present. Also, present City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Clerk Rose Huéramo, and City Attorney Dominick Lanzito.

Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, "I move to allow Councilmen Hayes to participate in the meeting remotely due to work conflict." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.

III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC:

1. Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival – Recognition of the committees’ hard work in putting together an amazing weekend.

IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Mayor's Report: Mention of calendar sales the Flagg Township Museum is putting together.

2. Council Members: Councilwomen Arteaga also thanked the Lincoln Highway Heritage Committee for their dedication.

3. Swearing-In Ceremony - Sergeant Elvis Baneski

V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY: None.

VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Birth to Five Committee Presentation: Abby Hoskins with Birth to Five Illinois presented to the council with an update on the Region # 47 action plan, highlighting progress on early childhood priorities identified within Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. The presentation emphasized increasing awareness of local early childhood resources, including O.W.L., the Child Care Toolkit, and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Also sharing how individuals can engage with Regional Councils to support positive change and expand access to early childhood services for children and families.

VII. BUSINESS ITEMS:

1. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIUS VOTE with Recommendations:

a) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes - 8/11/25

b) Approve Check Registers - 8/6/25, 8/11/25, 8/18/25

c) Approve Payroll - 7/21/25-8/3/25

d) Approve Special Event Request - Kiwanis Peanut Day

Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, "I move consent agenda items (a) through (d) be approved by Omnibus vote as recommended." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0

2. An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of 1414 Pickwick Drive. In July, the City Council authorized the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale of surplus City-owned property located at 1414 Pickwick Drive (Parcel Number 24-14-479-008). The parcel is approximately 0.29 acres in size and is zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential. The City authorized appraisal valued the property at approximately $25,000. Because the City conducted a public RFP process, advertised both online and in the local newspaper, there is no requirement that the property be sold for at least 80% of the appraised value. The City received one proposal submitted by Jason and Eryn Harper, who reside on the adjacent property. Their bid is $6,000, and their stated intent is to use the lot as additional outdoor space for their family. The Harpers have acknowledged and accepted all restrictions on the property and have provided proof of funds. If approved, closing will occur within 45 days of Council authorization. Proceeds from the sale will be directed back to the Electric Department. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Valdivieso, Seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, "I move Ordinance 2025-53, an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of 1414 Pickwick Drive, be approved." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

3. A Motion to Adopt the City of Rochelle Strategic Communications Plan. The City of Rochelle’s Strategic Communications Plan provides a roadmap for building stronger trust, transparency, and engagement with our community. Developed through the nationally recognized TCU Certified Public Communicator® Program, the plan reflects best practices in data-driven strategy, listening, crisis preparedness, and employee engagement. At its core, the plan is built around three strategic goals. First, we aim to position the City of Rochelle as the primary, trusted source of information for residents, businesses, and stakeholders. By strengthening newsletters, expanding social media and text alerts, launching direct mail campaigns, and introducing “RochelleU” educational sessions, the City will ensure that information is reliable, accessible, and engaging. Alongside these efforts, refreshed branding and signage will foster greater community pride and visibility. Second, the plan emphasizes consistent and meaningful communication within City departments. Employees will receive information before it is released to the public, creating a sense of trust and inclusion. New opportunities for cross-departmental learning, networking, and staff recognition will encourage collaboration, strengthen culture, and help employees feel more connected to one another and the community they serve. Third, the City will prioritize readiness for crisis communication. Through annual drills and mock press conferences, leadership teams and backup staff will build “muscle memory” so they can respond quickly, confidently, and accurately when emergencies arise. This commitment to preparedness ensures that Rochelle is ready to deliver timely and trusted updates under pressure. The plan recognizes Rochelle’s existing strengths, such as a responsive social media presence, a current website, and engaged communication channels. It also identifies opportunities to expand bilingual outreach, increase transparency in project updates, highlight employees through storytelling, and strengthen collaboration with local organizations. At the same time, it acknowledges challenges, including cybersecurity risks, misinformation, reaching non-digital audiences, departmental silos, and generational differences. Success will be measured through tangible outcomes: higher newsletter engagement, strong participation in “RochelleU,” improved employee survey feedback, and consistent completion of crisis drills. Together, these metrics reflect a City that communicates clearly, serves transparently, and listens closely. Ultimately, this Communications Plan positions Rochelle to deliver not only information, but also connection. By treating communication as a core service, the City strengthens its role as a trusted community partner. Director of Community Engagement/Assistant to the City Manager Jennifer Thompson was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, "I move the Council to Adopt the City of Rochelle Strategic Communications Plan." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nay: None. Motion passed 7-0.

VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 7:25 P.M. Motion made by Councilor Valdivieso, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, "I move Council recess into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance and/or dismissal) of specific employee(s), Section (c) (1)." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

At 8:59 P.M. Councilor Hayes left the executive meeting.

At 9:18 P.M. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, "I move the Council return to open session." Voice vote all in favor. Motion passed 6-0.

IX. ADJOURNMENT: At 9:18 P.M. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott Seconded by Councilor Valdivieso, "I move the Council adjourn." Voice vote all in favor. Motion passed 6-0.

https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/rochelleil-pubu/MEET-Minutes-a3d9a38ae9c942629493712e889b24df.pdf