NW Illinois News

City of Rock Falls City Council met Sept. 16.

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 September 16, 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, Dowd, Stahr, Arduini, and Sobottka. In addition, Attorney Matt Cole and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present. Absent: Alderman Doane

Audience request:

None

Rock Falls Fire Department:

• Retirement of Fire Chief Ken Wolf

o Chief Wolf announced his retirement effective January 18, 2026. Chief Wolf thanked the City Council and the City of Rock Falls for their continued support of the Fire Department.

• Badge pinning for Fire Fighter Benjamin Harvey

o Chief Wolf presented Fire Fighter Benjamin Harvey with his badge and he was pinned by his father,

• Badge pinning for Fire Fighter Cameron Reuter

o Chief Wolf presented Fire Fighter Cameron Reuter with his badge and he was pinned by his son.

• Approve Mayoral appointment of Kyle Sommers to the position of Fire Chief as of January 19, 2026.

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve the Mayoral appointment of Kyle Sommers to the position of Fire Chief as of January 19, 2026, and second by Alderwoman Arduini.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Community Affairs: Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sam Kersey, President/CEO

None

Consent Agenda:

Consent Agenda items 1-3 were read aloud by City Clerk Pam Martinez.

1. Approval of minutes from the September 2, 2025, City Council Meeting

2. Approval of bills as presented.

3. Rock Falls Township High School - Permission to hold the annual Homecoming

Parade on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

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

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance for 1st Reading:

1. Ordinance 2025-2709 - Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Rock Falls Regarding Short-Term Rentals

A motion was made by Alderwoman McKanna to approve Ordinance 2025-2709 - Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Rock Falls Regarding Short-Term Rentals for first reading and second by Alderwoman Sobottka.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Ordinance for 2nd Reading and Adoption:

1. Ordinance 2025-2707 - Approving Acquisition of Easement from Coloma Township Park District.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve Ordinance 2025-2707 - Approving Acquisition of Easement from Coloma Township Park District for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman Byrd.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

2. Ordinance 2025-2708 - Sale of Surplus Property

A motion was made by Alderman Wangelin to approve Ordinance 2025-2708 - Sale of Surplus Property for second reading and adoption and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Rock Falls Tourism

1. Approval of road closure for the Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Car & UTV Parade on October 18, 2025, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Closure would be West 2nd Street from 1st Avenue to Grace Avenue.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Sobottka to approve road closure for the Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Car & UTV Parade on October 18, 2025, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Closure would be West 2nd Street from 1st Avenue to Grace Avenue and second by Alderwoman Byrd.

Vote via voice, all approved, motion carried.

City Administrator:

Blood Drive October 3, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 603 W. Tenth Street. Contact City Administrator to schedule or schedule online at bloodcenter.org

City Attorney:

None

City Departments:

Chief David Pilgrim addressed the City Council and thanked the Department Heads and City Council for their support. Congratulated Chief Wolf on his retirement and Chief Sommers on his promotion. Chief Pilgrim stated that hiring within when there are qualified applicants shows support of the department and going outside of department lowers morale of all involved.

Alderman Reports / Committee Chairman Requests

A motion was made by Alderwoman Byrd to approve the recommendation from the Tourism Committee to approve the changes to the Policies and Procedures for the Façade Improvement Grant and second by Alderwoman McKanna.

Vote 7 aye, motion carried.

Alderman thanked Chief Wolf for his service to the residents of Rock Falls.

Mayor's Report:

Fiesta Day Parade, September 20, 2025. Leaving the Fire Station at 12:15p.m., parade starts at 1:00 p.m.

Homecoming Parade, September 25, 2025, City's entry has been withdrawn as Rock Falls Tourism is having a dinner at the same time at McCormick's Center.

Committee of the Whole will be called on September 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Alderwoman Sobottka stated that the OLPS Committee meeting will be moved to Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

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/09-16-2025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf