NW Illinois News

City of Rochelle City Council met Sept. 8.

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, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor John Bearrows. A quorum of seven were present. Also, present City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Clerk Rose Huéramo, and City Attorney Dominick Lanzito.

III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC:

1. Constitution Week – September 17-23, 2025

2. National Hispanic Heritage Month - Sep 15, 2025 – Oct 15, 2025

IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Mayor's Report:

2. Golf Course Advisory Board Appointment - George Webber Motion made by Councilor Shaw Dickey, Seconded by Councilor Valdivieso, "I move the Council to approve the Mayor's appointment of George Webber to the Golf Course Advisory Board with a term to expire July 1, 2028." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0. Mayor thanked Mark Gillis for all his time and dedication to the Golf Course Advisory Board.

3. Council Members: Councilor Arteaga invites all to Fiesta Hispana on 9/13.Councilor Hayes commends on the sidewalk program.

4. City Manager announces Rotary presents a C.A.N fundraiser event to be held on 9/11 with a goal to raise $4000.

V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY: None.

VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

VII. BUSINESS ITEMS:

1. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE with Recommendations:

a) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes - 8/25/2025

b) Approve a Resolution of Support for IDOT Safe Routes to School Program

c) Approve Payroll - 8/4/2025 - 8/17/2025

d) Approve Check Register - 8/25/2025, 9/2/2025

e) Approve Exceptions - 8/21/2025

f) Accept & Place on File - July Financials

Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Hayes, "I move consent agenda items (a) through (f) 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 Amending Section 224 - Parking Prohibited at Specified Times on Designated Streets of Chapter 94 – Traffic and Vehicles. In efforts to promote the health, Safety, and welfare of the City and its residents it is necessary to amend certain portions of its traffic regulations contained within the City Code from time to time. Sec. 94-224. – Parking prohibited at specified times on designated streets. Parking is prohibited along either side of Avenue G between South Main Street and Wood Street. Currently, the 300 Block of Avenue G between South Main Street and South Third Street has a designated Left turn lane. As this block of Avenue G is no longer part of Rochelle’s designated truck route the left turn lane is no longer necessary. Staff would like to remove the dedicated left turn lane to allow parking on each side of this block. Staff believe it is in the best interest of the City of Rochelle and its residents to remove No Parking Signage and allow parking on either side of Avenue G between South Main Street and South Third Street. Director of Public works Tim Isley was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Valdivieso, "I move to Postpone Item #2, an Ordinance Amending Section 224 - Parking Prohibited at Specified Times until Council meeting, September 23, to allow for further review and consideration." Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Valdivieso, "I withdraw my previous motion." Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Valdivieso, "I move to postpone Item #2, an Ordinance Amending Section 224 - Parking Prohibited at Specified Times until Council meeting, September 22, to allow for further review and consideration." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

3. A Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN). In 2014, the City of Rochelle entered into a mutual aid agreement with Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) to provide and receive emergency assistance in the event of a natural or manmade disaster that would require action beyond normal capabilities. IPWMAN embodies the concept of “community helping community” by providing assistance with equipment, materials and personnel in the event of a disaster. IPWMAN was established in 2009 and represents the public works community. Nearly 500 Illinois agencies are members of IPWMAN. Mutual aid through IPWMAN can be used for emergency events such as tornados, blizzards, ice storms, flooding, infrastructure failures, earthquakes, terrorism, and non emergency planned events. On August 8, 2024, the IPWMAN Board of Directors voted to approve a revised intergovernmental agreement requiring all members desiring to continue in IPWMAN to approve the amendment of the agreement and by-laws. Significant changes from the current agreement are: 1. Clarification that mutual aid is not just for emergencies. 2. Revised by-laws to provide for governance of IPWMAN by a not-for-profit board of members rather than a not-for profit corporate entity. 3. Revised process for any future amendment. Proposed amendments approved by the board will be sent to the entire membership 45 days before a general meeting. If at least 60% of the members present approve the amendment, a new intergovernmental agreement will be submitted to all members for the governing boards to approve by resolution. Director of Public Works Tim Isley was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Hayes, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, "I move Resolution R2025-39, a Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN), be approved." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

4. A Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. In 2019 the State of Illinois introduced legislation that allows municipalities to collect additional Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services beyond what Medicaid reimburses for emergency transportation. The Fire Department has participated in this program since the program first started. The reimbursement is based off of the cost of delivery for the service, and because of that number changes, the agreement must be periodically updated. Fire Chief Dave Sawlsville was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Valdivieso, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, "I move Resolution R2025-40, a Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, be approved." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 6:55 P.M. Motion made by Councilor Hayes, Seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, "I move the 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 7:58 P.M. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, "I move the Council return to open session." Voice vote all in favor. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

IX. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:58 P.M. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw Dickey, "I move the Council adjourn." Voice vote all in favor. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/rochelleil-pubu/MEET-Minutes-6b887fd01ffe464fba54699a74082377.pdf