Robbin D. Blackert

Key discussions during the meeting included the swearing-in ceremony for the new Fire Chief, Kyle Sommers, and Deputy Fire Chief, Nathan Hartman. A public hearing was held to discuss proposed wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewer rehabilitation improvements, detailing project phases and timelines. The consent agenda involved approving bills and renewing farm leases for two different partnerships. Resolutions included consenting to a subdivision request. Major approvals included the Local Public Agency Engineering Agreement for the E 11th Street Bridge Project. Additionally, the Tourism Committee's recommended changes to the Façade Improvement Grant Policies and Procedures were approved, as was a request to draft a Memorandum of Understanding to trial a 48/96 firefighter shift schedule. During the executive session, contracts were approved for the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and Assistant City Administrator, along with a wage increase for the Fire Department.

The City Council meeting agenda includes a presentation from the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce President/CEO. Business items scheduled for consideration include a first reading of an ordinance amending municipal code regarding Sunday liquor sales and license fees. Second readings and adoptions are planned for ordinances related to mobile home parks, annual fees for video gaming terminals, and authorizing borrowing funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program. Resolutions on the agenda cover supplemental funding for highway maintenance and transferring jurisdiction of real property to the Industrial Development Commission. The City Administrator will seek approval for an Engineering Services Agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associates for the GRR Water Service Replacement Project.

The City Council agenda for the meeting included several items for discussion and action. Key topics involved ordinance readings concerning Sunday sales of liquor and fees for video gaming terminals, as well as the adoption of ordinances related to mobile home parks and authorizing the city to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program, not to exceed $6,000,000.00. Resolutions addressed supplemental maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code and the transfer of jurisdiction of real property to the Industrial Development Commission. The City Administrator sought approval for an Engineering Services Agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc., not to exceed $232,000.00, for the GRR Water Service Replacement Project.

The Utility Committee meeting agenda included a review of superintendent updates for the Utility, Water, Wastewater, and Electric Departments. Key action items involved approving a write-off for October through December 2025 and forwarding it to the Finance Committee. The committee was also requested to approve a 63-month lease for a new billing/folding machine with Quadient Leasing USA, Inc. Significant capital expenditure approvals sought included the purchase and installation of a chiller cooling system for the hydro unit from Mercury Governor and the purchase of Federal Pacific switchgear equipment for the 34.5 kV Tie Line project based on a Letter of Recommendation from BHMG. Other topics included disputes related to late fees and outside spigots, City Attorney updates, and a scheduled Executive Session to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting included the swearing in and pinning of Matthew McKanna as Sergeant for the Rock Falls Police Department. The Consent Agenda addressed several items, including the approval of bills, the Mayor's appointment of Alderperson Vicky Byrd as Chairman of the Tourism Committee, and authorization for the Mayor to sign documents for the Public Water Supply Loan Program. An ordinance authorizing a variance from front and side yard setback requirements for 1113 9th Avenue was read a second time and adopted. The City Administrator acknowledged the retirement of Fire Chief Wolf. Alderman reports included condolences sent to a family, thanks for committee appointments, and comments regarding a fire safety event and Toys for Tots.