[2:43] City Council meeting for Monday, March 4, 2024. We're going to start a little bit different. We're going to hold

[2:50] on the invocation of pledge because we have some special guests that are going to be providing us

[2:56] at the invocation as well as the pledge this evening. So we're going to move right now to roll call.

[3:03] Turkey,

[3:07] Tumber, Ross, Torina,

[3:12] Popman, Rose, Beach, Barrios, Bailey, Bonnie, 10 President.

[3:21] Excellent.

[3:21] We have a corner.

[3:22] Is there a motion to approve the journal of proceedings for the City Council meeting held

[3:25] on February 5th, 2024?

[3:29] We have a motion.

[3:30] We have a second.

[3:30] Is there any discussion?

[3:32] Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye?

[3:34] Aye.

[3:35] Those opposed?

[3:36] Okay. Thank you.

[3:41] Now we're going to come forward because we have a whole special group

[3:44] with us this evening that are going to be receiving a proclamation, provide us an

[3:49] invocation as well as help us lead us with the Pledge of Allegiance and we have the

[3:54] Girl Scouts representing Southeast Valley Service Unit with us this evening.

[4:10] We are so excited to have you guys. Okay. So, family, you can come on in if you want someone

[4:16] And then here to actually take a photo, like you can sit down right in here if you want.

[4:22] And I think we'll start because it will start with the invocation.

[4:33] Within the fall, are we thank you for the many blessings you have given to our community.

[4:37] We thank you for the city or city.

[4:39] We thank you for our elected officials.

[4:41] The businesses, the churches, the families, and the individuals that make our city, the great place that it is.

[4:46] We ask you for guidance, wisdom, and support for our council members as they make decisions tonight.

[4:51] work to make our community better. Please be with our city and all those who live and work here.

[4:55] We ask these things in your name.

[4:59] And then I think we're going to turn this way and are you

[5:02] guys going to lead us in the pledge?

[5:11] It's led you lead us to the flag.

[5:20] I'm there God.

[5:28] You guys did an amazing job.

[5:30] Are you going to do? Do you want to turn this way in?

[5:41] I need to help people at all times until it

[5:59] you

[6:04] guys did an amazing job. Thank you. I'm going to give that to you.

[6:12] Whereas March 12th, 2024, marks the 112th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the United States of America founded by Julia Daisy Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia.

[6:24] In Iraq, it says one of the world's premier youth leadership development organizations has emphasized public service,

[6:30] civic engagement, and fostering a sense of community for over a century.

[6:35] And whereas Girl Scouts works to champion ambitions, cultivate talents, and develop skills to create leaders in the world.

[6:42] And whereas Girl Scouts offer 21st century programming and science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM.

[6:50] The outdoors entrepreneurship and beyond developing and valuable life skills, and whereas introduced nearly a century ago, the girls go cookie program remains of

[7:01] largest and most successful youth-led business in the world, I get test to, where as, the girls go bronze silver and gold awards, the highest on earth girls go to increase

[7:12] or through 12 can earn, acknowledge each recipient's power and dedication to not only

[7:18] bettering themselves, but to making the world a better place for others through

[7:22] the sustainable take action projects. And whereas, girls, girls and northern Illinois

[7:27] serves over 9,000 young members and engages in over 4,000 adult and engages over 4,000 adult

[7:35] members in 16 counties in northern Illinois.

[7:39] Now, therefore, I, Thomas P. Maximer,

[7:41] as a mayor of the city of Rockford,

[7:43] do hereby proclaim the week of March 10th through

[7:45] the week of March 16th, 2024, as Girl Scout Week.

[7:50] So, thank you.

[8:21] Okay, big thank you to Southeast Valley,

[8:24] service unit of Girl Scouts.

[8:26] Thank you for helping us this evening.

[8:33] Next, we're going to go to public hearings.

[8:35] We do have three public hearings scheduled this evening.

[8:40] The first is a public hearing on the request to vacate a portion of right-of-way, an alley

[8:45] between Barry Road and Martin Road.

[8:48] And I'll turn this hearing over to all the woman, Terena, and I'll also say, I don't like

[8:53] you.

[8:53] I love you.

[8:54] Happy birthday.

[8:58] Thank you.

[9:00] Thank you.

[9:00] I'm not the prophet.

[9:01] I can't do it.

[9:02] Thank you.

[9:04] pursuant to 65, ILCS-5-119-1, a public hearing must be conducted by the corporate authorities

[9:12] upon submission of a proposed right-of-way vacation. Notice that this hearing was given

[9:17] by publication in the Rockefeller's Starr on February 16, 2024, that notice informed citizens

[9:23] of Rockford that the Rockford City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 4,

[9:27] 2024 at 530 p.m. in city council chambers on the second floor at Rockford City Hall

[9:33] located at 425 East-State Street, Waffle and Moe for the consideration of proposed right-of-way vacation

[9:38] for the north-south Alley between Berry Road and Martin Road with Kishwaki Street to the east

[9:44] and Foley Street to the west. Are there any questions or comments from the council members

[9:48] on this vacation? Seeing that there are no questions or comments? Are there any questions or comments

[9:55] from the public?

[9:58] No questions or comments from the public? The searing is now closed.

[10:04] I think you can keep going.

[10:06] On move on to the next public hearing, for the right-of-way vacation for the portion

[10:10] of Hill Street, west of North Madison Street, ending at the Rock River.

[10:15] Person 1 to 65, ILCS 511-91-1, the public hearing must be conducted by the corporate authorities

[10:21] upon submission of a proposed right-of-way vacation.

[10:25] Notice that this hearing was given by publication in the Rockford Register star on February 16,

[10:30] at Notice Inform Citizens of Ruffford at the Ruffford City Council of Public Hearing on Monday, March 4,

[10:35] 2024 at 530 p.m. in Council chambers on the second floor at Ruffford City Hall located

[10:41] at 425 East State Street, Ruffford, Illinois for the consideration of proposed right-of-way

[10:45] vacation for the portion of Hill Street, west of North Madison Street, ending at the

[10:49] Ruffford River.

[10:51] There are any questions or comments on the City Council members on this vacation.

[10:56] Seeing that there are no questions or any comments,

[10:59] are there any questions or comments from the public?

[11:03] There are no questions or comments from the public,

[11:06] so this hearing is not closed.

[11:09] And finally, we have a public hearing for the proposed

[11:12] right-of-way vacation for the portion of Mallbury Street.

[11:15] We will come to Bego and Northport Street.

[11:17] Person 1-665-ILCS-511-918-1.

[11:22] A public hearing must be conducted by the court authorities

[11:24] of a proposed right-of-way vacation.

[11:27] Notice that this hearing was given by publication in the

[11:29] Ruff Writers to Star on February 16, 2024, that notice

[11:33] in Forbes citizens of Ruffford City Council will hold

[11:36] a public hearing on Monday, March 4, 2024, and 530 PM in

[11:41] Council Chambers on the second floor at Ruffford City Hall,

[11:44] located at 425 East-State Street,

[11:46] Rufffield, Illinois, for the consideration of proposed

[11:48] right-of-way vacation for the portion of mulberry street

[11:51] between North one of the Bagel Street and North Corps Street.

[11:55] Are there any questions or comments from City Council on this vacation?

[11:59] Let's see that there's no questions from the Council.

[12:01] Are there any questions or comments from the public?

[12:05] There are no questions or comments from the public.

[12:07] We'll close this hearing as well.

[12:10] Thank you, all the warm and trena.

[12:12] Next, we're going to go to petitions and communications.

[12:15] And we're going to go to planning and development committee and Alderman Dirkie.

[12:19] Thank you, Your Honor.

[12:29] Under planning development, new committee reports from Roman numeral for A, number one, oops.

[12:36] I've got to hit it myself.

[12:39] My apologies.

[12:40] But this is in communications.

[12:41] A1, memorandum from the Fani Magaba City Attorney regarding the extension of an agreement

[12:48] between the City of Rockford and Winnevago Home Association.

[12:51] For the continued use of 10707 15th Street for the resident officer program.

[12:57] Also known as Rockhouse, this will be referred to planning and development.

[13:03] At Memorandum from Ifani, Mugadna, City Attorney, regarding the extension of an agreement

[13:09] between the City of Rockford and Winnevago Home Association for the continued use of 1-2-3-3

[13:15] Revel Avenue for the resident officer program.

[13:18] Also known as Rockhouse, this will also be a return referred to planning and development.

[13:22] Holder

[13:28] Minderke, next we're going to go to all the women Treenan Code and Regulation Committee.

[13:34] Thank you, Roder, I have five items.

[13:36] Item number one, a member random from Martin Bloom, Project Manager of Permits and Special Events,

[13:40] regarding Upcoming Special Events, which include the Memorial Day Parade, Pars and Coffee,

[13:45] Spruce Subday at the Veterans Roundabout in South Maine, Mercado, referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

[13:51] Number two, the Fraffer Commission's agenda for the meeting to be held on March 13,

[13:54] and minutes from that meeting for consideration at the Code of Regulation Committee meeting on March 25th,

[14:00] 24, referred to the Code of Regulation Committee.

[14:04] Number three, a member ran from Jacob Ruben, Assistant City Attorney regarding the annexation of 612

[14:09] for his Avenue, referred to the Code of Regulation Committee.

[14:12] Number four, a member ran from Stockhappa Villa planning and zoning manager regarding the request for authorization

[14:16] to allow the zoning officer to file text amendments for multiple sections of the zoning ordinance,

[14:22] referred to Code of Regulation Committee.

[14:24] And lastly, the renewal of SEC-2-407-2E4, the local business adjustments a bit award, please.

[14:40] So this, okay. So the bit award, the City of Rock for Code of Orders is to the Code of Regulation Committee for Discussion at its next meeting.

[14:48] Thanks.

[14:50] Thank you. Next, we're going to go to Finance and Personnel Committee in Alderman Frost.

[14:55] Thank you. I don't know if it was a member of the Timothy Pink and City Engineer regarding it.

[14:58] There we go.

[15:00] We have a member agreement between I.D. for the Burton Street and Canadian Pacific Railroad Crossing.

[15:05] Improvements, we've heard a finance and personnel, as well, all remaining on this member.

[15:10] Number two is a member of the Timothy Higgins City Engineer regarding the intergovernmental payment with four of her sanitations for the witness to a reconstruction project.

[15:18] Number three is a member of the Timothy Higgins regarding a supplemental intergovernmental agreement with I.D. for Alpine voting improvements.

[15:24] Number four is memorandum from Timothy Hinkens.

[15:27] Regarding the end of government movement,

[15:29] with the only state totally authority

[15:30] for the East State Street widening project.

[15:34] And last in the number five is the memorandum

[15:35] of the South Islanders Public Works Director.

[15:37] Regarding the agreement with the City of Rockford

[15:39] and the Rockford Quarter Improvement Inc.

[15:41] for a grant application for school sidewalk improvements.

[15:46] Thank you.

[15:49] Thank you.

[15:50] I do not see a older woman meets here.

[15:52] Olderman Frost, would you mind reading

[15:54] of legislative and lobbying item.

[15:56] Sure. On our legislative and lobbying committee, there's one item.

[15:58] It's a member and a member from Nicholas Meyer.

[16:00] We will track the renewal of a professional services contract with

[16:04] Zaffer government strategies for the city of Rockford's

[16:07] 2024 lobbying services.

[16:09] In this manner, we'll be referred to legislative and lobbying committee.

[16:12] Sure. Next, we're going to go to our public speaker.

[16:15] There's some microphone on the back loft, as well as the back

[16:18] rate of council chambers.

[16:19] I want to remind our speakers that you have three minutes to address city council at the conclusion of your three minutes of rather of not just cell phone, alarm, buzz and ask that you close your comments at that time.

[16:32] Our first public speaker this evening is Margaret Rather of Rockford.

[16:41] Good evening. I'm Margaret Rayther and I am a playwright at Otis on Sombo Theatre here in Rockford.

[16:46] How much do you know about Julia Lathripe?

[16:50] That question was put to me in 2022 by the League of Women Voters and I answered nothing.

[16:58] Wait, isn't there an elementary school called that?

[17:01] Let's fast forward.

[17:02] I now know a lot about Julia Lathripe because I've written a play about her.

[17:07] And this is how that came to pass.

[17:10] In 2022, the League of the Local Chapter of the League was celebrating the 100th anniversary of their founding

[17:15] by Julia Lacerop who was at that time the first president of the Illinois League and a founder

[17:23] of the National League and I was handed a book now out of print called my friend Julia Lacerop

[17:29] and it was written by Jane Adams and her I knew I knew who that was. So the book is the basis

[17:36] from my play, Julie and Jane which opens this Thursday at Artis Sunsemble Theatre born and raised

[17:43] in Rockford, Julia Lacer, first met Jane Adams when they were teenagers at Rockford Females

[17:48] Seminary, which is today, Rockford University. Julia moved to Chicago to join Jane at

[17:54] Hallhouse where she spent 20 years fighting for immigrant rights and workplace rights and

[17:59] women's rights and above all the welfare of children. During this time, she met a seven-year-old

[18:06] boy who was serving time in the penitentiary and she was deeply shocked by this and that

[18:13] led to her lobbying Springfield to create legislation for separate justice system for children

[18:19] under the age of 16 which is how Illinois became the first state in the country to have

[18:25] a juvenile court system. Teddy Roosevelt invited Julia later to the White House, the first

[18:31] ever White House conference because the topic was the welfare of American children. William

[18:37] Our TAF named Julia Laitrip as the first woman ever to head a funeral bureau.

[18:43] The newly created children's bureau.

[18:46] She was reappointed to that post by two subsequent presidents.

[18:50] My play tells the story of two extraordinary women who bickered and laughed and commiserated

[18:56] and stood by one another over the course of a 60-year friendship.

[19:02] A.E.T. partnered with Midway Village Museum and the League of Women Voters and the

[19:05] Rockford Public Library on this project, and I invite everyone on the council to attend

[19:11] opening night as our guests.

[19:13] What better way to celebrate women's history month than with a play written by a Rockford

[19:18] woman, starring two Rockford women as Julie and Jane, two hometown heroines, who marched forth

[19:25] and reshaped their world, I hope you will join us this Thursday evening.

[19:30] Thank you.

[19:33] The next public speaker this evening is Ahmed Al-Katawi of the Cal.

[19:40] That's a call piece for this.

[19:42] If you leave a right there, we'll make sure everyone gets one.

[19:44] Thank you.

[19:48] Good evening everyone.

[19:49] My name is Ahmed and I am a Palestinian from Gaza.

[19:52] I am here on a full bright scholarship.

[19:54] I'm studying my masters in curriculum and can challenge the WS for social justice.

[19:58] I am educated and interhuman rights advocacy.

[20:00] I got Navy A and Navy G and English Language and Literature in Gaza.

[20:04] My professors have been killed, my university is no longer standing.

[20:08] Since I have been in the US I have been trying to save the lives of my family from

[20:11] their Israeli ongoing genocide as a leader and a change maker.

[20:15] For 17 years under suffocating siege, as a survivor of five major Israeli aggregations under

[20:20] bombings I was escaped vulnerable alone and a clinging to hope that at any moment bombings

[20:26] might stop.

[20:27] But it didn't.

[20:28] My family has been surviving their Israeli genocide and relentless bombings at the moment

[20:32] for more than 140 days. For 75 years, we have been subjected to systematic ethnic cleansing,

[20:38] under occupation, sector colonialism, other side, and of vision, since the knock-buff

[20:42] 1948, of in which Israel was created.

[20:46] During the genocide, my family are now to food. My niece got injured. My in-laws were bombed,

[20:51] and my sister couldn't celebrate her wedding as her fiancée got killed by an Israeli bombing.

[20:56] My non-anothered, the medicine needed to maintain her health, with the chronic diabetes. My sister

[21:00] had two releases five years old and seven months are dismissed. The home that my family

[21:05] is filtering in was affected, windows got broken and worlds cracked. Did the intensity

[21:10] of the bombings nearby? I must contact with my family with no internet connection for months.

[21:15] My extended family was displaced, under bombings, through the south. For filtering,

[21:20] claiming it was a safe zone and it was under relentless bombings. Did they know that

[21:24] the U.S. sins were $3 billion for Israel's weapons and military-to-kill

[21:28] more Palestinians that you know that Israel has universal health care that we are paying for.

[21:33] But we people living in Northern Illinois is subject to get adequate health care, a subject

[21:37] to live our lives with our student debt, increasing inflation and cost of living, mean while

[21:42] we are sending 4 billion dollars a year to a country that has a free universal health care.

[21:47] In Rockford alone, our tax dollars of our 2 million of our tax dollars a year go to funding

[21:52] Israel's military, which has killed over 30,000 people in Gaza so far.

[21:56] We are here to date to start a convainter with a brush on a new, to best assemble

[22:00] axis fire resolution, like so many other cities across the United States have done,

[22:05] the work of brush on our visitant and Congress, to show that the people do not want our

[22:09] tax dollars being used in this way to aid a genocide, and we demand a court for a ceasefire

[22:14] and into the seagundrasa and into the deliberate distribution in the north, in the occupation

[22:19] and allow safe humanitarian aid message through the crossing borders on the ground.

[22:24] How many of us are human enough for you to quote for I cease fire?

[22:28] Thank you.

[22:31] Thank you.

[22:31] Our next public speaker this evening is Mr. Kenneth Dickens of Rockford.

[22:42] I'd like to say that gentlemen, that's just folk.

[22:47] We hear you because everybody in America does not agree with what's going on.

[22:53] And it's not just about taxpayer money. It's about humanity.

[22:58] It's about humanity.

[22:59] And when you dehumanize the people, as a black man in America, trust me, I understand what being dehumanized means.

[23:07] But you're treated like an animal.

[23:09] When you were called three-fifths, I human being.

[23:13] I understand.

[23:16] I understand.

[23:19] Now, I mention everybody on the ultimate in the American application.

[23:27] And, like I said, less than I came here for the last two years, I asked the city for an

[23:33] application for the regrow grant, because it was acknowledged fundamentally that the

[23:38] war in drugs was literally a war in black people, namely black men, and the black nuclear

[23:44] family.

[23:45] This is common knowledge today in America.

[23:48] Nixon is caught on record and said, I know that this is a deliberate attempt targeting

[23:54] like America, families.

[23:59] But the complicit, the amount of complicit,

[24:03] if now's went to this, it doesn't hurt me or crush me. I accept you. I acknowledge it.

[24:09] I'm not even shocked by it. No one came forward and said, hey, can I help you? No one.

[24:17] But that's okay because this recording as well as I be other recording at some point will be my

[24:23] proof that I did ask and then no one answered me.

[24:27] That's why I provided you all the applications so that when your constituents do call that you

[24:32] nobody in here can say I never got it, I don't have one, I gave it to you, I printed it out,

[24:38] I had the only copy for the last two years and I asked for one because there was a legal obligation

[24:44] of my city to not ignore me, as one black man in America, I don't stand here by myself.

[24:51] I still only here representing a couple hundred people that were incarcerated and had felonies

[24:57] that were waiting for this. They're just, I'm just the front man, so to speak.

[25:02] But I'm here to speak to that about we are not invisible. The black vote this year,

[25:07] because it is an election year, we're not invisible. I know that there were public and party

[25:10] Democratic Party and many instances are saying, yeah, at some point you said Black Lives Matter, we're saying collectively, no, it doesn't.

[25:18] That's why we're going to extend incarceration and the conviction rate so that it's extended for now violent crimes.

[25:24] That's why we're building more supermax prisons.

[25:28] That's why we're going to make your life a living hell as a people.

[25:32] Because slavery is very lucrative in America under the 13th Amendment, and we'd like more of you in prison.

[25:36] That's what America is saying to Black people.

[25:38] So again, so that we went under the sign of my voice at some point someone can answer me

[25:43] and not ignore me because I'm not invisible.

[25:46] Where's the big real great money?

[25:48] I'm not asking for the application anymore because I gave it to you.

[25:51] Thank you, Mr. Dickens.

[25:52] Time's up.

[25:55] Thank you.

[25:56] The next public speaker this evening, if you can give me one second.

[25:59] This is not working volume-wise for my apologies.

[26:12] Next public speaker this evening is Prof. Euseff of Rockford.

[26:19] Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and the book of Psalms, the hundred twenty first chapter, the first set of second verse.

[26:26] This says, I look to the heels which come from my help.

[26:31] My help comes from the Lord, who may have an inner.

[26:34] What I want to speak about tonight, the power of focus.

[26:39] Isn't that focus, focus?

[26:41] This is all about focus.

[26:42] I loved the story about the day hall of things baseball player and home-run King Hank Aaron came to back in the All-Slaw game.

[26:52] Yogi there, the great Yankees capture, was catching.

[26:55] Yogi loved the talk to hit, to hit us, to distract them.

[26:59] I used to do that myself when I was a catch.

[27:01] You get behind that hitter and say stuff like big man, little stick.

[27:06] You act as a manager, mama.

[27:08] You play with his mind and talk to him.

[27:10] Yogi there was great at that.

[27:11] So when Hank Aaron came to that yogi started in,

[27:15] Hank, you're holding your back the wrong way.

[27:18] You should be able to read the lady.

[27:21] Hank Aaron just kept his focus on the picture.

[27:24] And then say anything, yogi barbers out of the way.

[27:27] Trying to get Hank Aaron to worry about

[27:30] when the lady on his back was instead of concentrating

[27:32] on the picture.

[27:34] Finally, Hank Aaron had heard of,

[27:36] yogi said, I didn't come up here to read.

[27:39] I came up here to hear that's keeping your focus and concentration what it needs to be.

[27:45] Me and my had that kind of focus. He didn't let anything distract him. He was about God's agenda.

[27:51] He knew what he had then called to do. How about you? If something is distracting you from what God

[27:58] wouldn't you to do, put it behind you to the, oh, I'm glad you hear the night, Miss Colore.

[28:05] I didn't want to tell you this for a long time.

[28:07] And I'm going to get it off my chest tonight.

[28:11] I don't like you.

[28:12] I love you and you can't do nothing about it.

[28:15] Happy birthday to you.

[28:17] Happy birthday to you.

[28:19] Happy birthday, Miss Colour.

[28:22] Happy birthday to you.

[28:24] Thank you for allowing me to speak.

[28:30] Thank you.

[28:30] Our next public speaker this evening is Mr.

[28:33] John Tape.

[28:33] Friendly of Rockford.

[28:43] Larry, I'm not going there.

[28:44] I'll be personally.

[28:45] I'll see if this is a rock for the Lord.

[28:46] I'm going to detour for what I normally want to talk about and that was called name.

[28:53] I'm going to speak on what I spoke on for Black History.

[28:57] Jimison Chap, Jimison Chap 28, the son of Abraham.

[29:04] His two sons was Israel and Israel.

[29:09] Israel, both the sons of Isaac, which is the son of Abraham.

[29:16] I asked a big question that no one had yet to ask them.

[29:22] When the most religious Jews are the Israel,

[29:26] why did he promise the Palestinian, the Nukh and Hunan and mainland?

[29:31] The second thing I asked, what was on, what was on the Palestinian line,

[29:38] when they decided to go into Israel, kill 300 people,

[29:43] rate, murder, and be able to take 200 and 50 back to $2,000, not realize in the consequences

[29:52] of the actions that didn't think they should be generated with the most powerful weapon in

[29:57] the world with the most lit and the best.

[30:00] Military, firepower, and the world, we're going to strike back. If you walk into my house and you kill my brother and not sister, I'm coming back. And my family members coming back. There should be another way of dialogue with the power of students, and the Jews, and suddenly they just wish them, instead of what John was doing right here, you taught my genocide. The genocide was committed when you walk into the Israel land. I'm going to go back to where I'm going to talk about.

[30:29] Carly, they see it, they want to share it down.

[30:34] Four years ago, if it wasn't for Carly, given the drugs, I mean, given after scripting

[30:40] for those that are drugs, and if it wasn't for her, not calling her door, two fellas that

[30:47] came to a rockford, would not have been captured with the two million dollars that Rockford

[30:53] that why not help Cardi?

[30:55] Cardi, you don't have the brains to start a little grant

[30:58] and what and show you are a renewed kind of point.

[31:02] We don't have the brains to start a grant,

[31:04] but you read a grassroots organization

[31:05] that's out there on the ground,

[31:07] able to touch other people that the system came to touch.

[31:11] We talk about the patient justice cylinder.

[31:14] Crimes you not happen on the five to nine.

[31:18] Crimes you not happen on the take a heart of jail.

[31:21] Crimes happen.

[31:23] 365 days out of year, prostitution, domestic violence,

[31:28] enshared, criminal crime happen,

[31:31] 365 days out of year, 24 said,

[31:34] colleague place here to be said now,

[31:35] would you show your testimony of money and help,

[31:38] build her place up, so she can reach some of the people

[31:41] that the system can never reach,

[31:43] and that I'm going to earn my speech,

[31:45] because I have some left I want to talk about,

[31:47] we need to learn the work,

[31:48] and I'm getting coming back and talking about DCSL.

[31:50] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[31:56] Thank you, too.

[31:57] All of our public speakers this evening.

[31:59] Next, we're going to go to new committee reports, and we'll go to

[32:02] Planning and Development and all the render.

[32:04] Thank you, Your Honor.

[32:06] There are four items under new committee reports.

[32:10] Roman numeral 6A.

[32:12] Number one, committee recommends approval of the proposed funding agreement

[32:15] with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois,

[32:19] with the establishment of an Excel Center.

[32:21] and the costs related to capital improvements, renovations, and upgrades at 808 West Riverside Boulevard,

[32:28] and the amount of $600,000 utilizing our POP revenue replacement funds.

[32:34] The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[32:37] Number two, the committee recommends approval of the proposed funding agreement

[32:41] with International Women's Baseball Center for the Field and Capital Improvements at 3115th Avenue

[32:48] in the amount of $400,000 utilizing ARPA Revenue Replacement Funds, the Legal Directors

[32:55] shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[32:58] Number three, committee recommends approval of the proposed market service agreement with

[33:03] Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for made for Rockford Campaign Phase 2.

[33:09] In the amount of $200,000 for two years, a hunt which is $100,000 annually, utilizing

[33:18] The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance, number four, community recommends

[33:24] approval of an agreement between the city of Rockford and sci-fi networks, Rockford,

[33:30] LLC, for smart city and managed services, the legal director shall prepare the appropriate

[33:36] ordinances.

[33:38] Thank you, Alderman Durkey.

[33:40] Council, we have four items before us, is there any discussion on those four items?

[33:45] Alderman Durkey?

[33:46] Thank you, Your Honor.

[33:49] It raised this issue in committee meetings, and that was a number one, the Goodwill

[33:56] Industries of Northern Illinois, and Wisconsin State Line.

[34:02] And that was when the proposal, I think it was number three, number three, and some

[34:13] purposes for supporting good will industries.

[34:19] The opera funds were meant to reimburse or replace

[34:25] lost revenue among different organizations.

[34:31] And I had questioned that at the time. I voted

[34:34] in favor of it, because I think goodwill does some good work.

[34:40] But in reviewing some of their tax data, goodwill industries actually through ARPA, the revenue

[34:48] increased, their filings in 2022, the revenue was 41 million, $103.22.

[34:57] sense.

[35:01] Of their expenses, I did note that their executive director makes close to $280,000 a year.

[35:13] 221, 38 million dollars, 276 in revenue, and 20, 20, 20, 31 million dollars in revenue.

[35:25] 20, 19, 27 million dollars in revenue.

[35:28] So in the course, since 2019, the revenue went from $27,000, $51,715 to $41 million.

[35:41] That's hardly, I don't see how they were affected at all by COVID in fact as I suspected

[35:51] and said in committee, I thought they probably did better because of their need, what

[35:57] they supply and their needs and utilization in the community during that time.

[36:03] I know they expense out a lot of things and they give away and they do a lot of programs,

[36:07] But they're net revenues or averaging somewhere in the neighborhood of $2 million.

[36:14] So unfortunately, I can't support the use of taxpayer money to an organization that actually

[36:21] is doing very well.

[36:23] I mean, we had a lot of businesses restaurants among them that suffered through this.

[36:28] And I think the $600,000 would go better to another organization.

[36:35] The other question I had is, if anybody knows, are they vacating Whitman and church?

[36:43] Are they going to vacate something that was built for them some years ago and moving to another space?

[36:51] Because that would almost seem a further, I don't know why they would do that.

[36:56] That would seem to be a kind of a waste of money.

[36:59] If they're vacated in that space, using taxpayer dollars to revenue another space, and my understanding is that may be happening.

[37:11] So is there anybody can explain part two? Part one is evident in their form 990 filings, which I'm looking at.

[37:20] So those numbers are real based on their 990 filings.

[37:25] So what's the question that you'd like to answer?

[37:30] What is the question that you would like to answer?

[37:33] One of the questions that I have is are they vacating Whitman and Church?

[37:37] In other words, are they using taxpayer money to vacate a property that they already own that is sufficient for their needs

[37:43] and moving somewhere else using taxpayer money?

[37:47] And then secondly, they ask the question, why did they need taxpayer money?

[37:52] Why don't we give it to other applicants whose businesses have taken a hit when theirs

[37:59] has not taken an economic hit during COVID?

[38:04] Okay, so first, no, they are not vacating their office location.

[38:10] Currently, a Whitman Street, they rent on that street.

[38:16] that was not built for them. It was office space. It was, I believe, U.S. bank at one point,

[38:22] but that building has been there. Law and before goodwill was there, but they are not going

[38:26] to vacate that. Second is we are putting money towards the capital of law and with the federal

[38:34] government, and I believe potentially even the county, and they are also putting in the majority

[38:42] have the money towards the capital, and then they're also taking on the ongoing expense

[38:47] of the Excel Center, which is roughly approximately $3 million a year. And for those

[38:54] who aren't aware, an Excel Center provides high school diplomas, provides free child care

[39:00] and job placement assistance to individuals who utilize those services.

[39:09] It's just a matter of record, the director of Goodwill is your brother-in-law, correct?

[39:14] Thank you.

[39:18] Alderman Frost?

[39:19] Yeah.

[39:19] With respect to the Excel Center.

[39:20] If I'm not mistaken, that's going into the former North Town Mall.

[39:25] I think location, more gossipsons, furniture used to be.

[39:30] And that space will be used specifically for the Excel Center, is that correct?

[39:36] Okay.

[39:37] Thank you.

[39:39] Other one weeks?

[39:41] So I can't really speak to what the additional programming was, because the conversation that I had was quite a while ago.

[39:50] But I am fully aware of many more additional programs that have been added to Goodwill in the Rockford area.

[39:59] So to only have one side of the story and only talk about the revenue and not talk about the expenses,

[40:04] I think is a little bit, you know, possibly dangerous conversations, but I just want to

[40:11] kind of put that out there because there were things that were added, probably, you

[40:15] know, possibly because of COVID and things of that nature that we are here now at this

[40:21] point.

[40:22] So, I still think it's a good effort that we want to put forth in this community.

[40:26] I think that it's working in many other communities and I think it's a helpful hand that

[40:32] we can offer as a city.

[40:33] So, thank you.

[40:36] Well, they're in Turkey.

[40:37] To respond, I did give you the revenue.

[40:40] I told you the expenses and acknowledged that the expenses were good because they do

[40:46] a good service in the community and I gave you their average net income off of that total revenue.

[40:53] And the question is not any of that.

[40:55] The question is, the utilization of taxpayer dollars to do this when it appears that they have

[41:01] an adequate funding stream.

[41:03] The purpose of ARPA is to replace lost revenue from from businesses that's suffered during

[41:12] COVID.

[41:13] That's the intent of the taxpayer money for clarity.

[41:19] That is one of the intent, Olderman Rose.

[41:22] Yeah, I was just going to make note that it is one of the intent of the ARPA money.

[41:28] It's also to address the conditions that COVID had created, which is young people facing extreme

[41:38] hardship throughout COVID and not being able to essentially get their degrees.

[41:47] A lot of young people had to face hardship by going to work and dropping out of school.

[41:57] And so, that is one of those issues that I believe that goodwill is a dressing in our community.

[42:05] And I think that it was an issue that was created by COVID.

[42:10] And so, it does meet that guideline.

[42:13] If we look at it just from that strict definition that was given,

[42:17] it's not just for businesses either.

[42:20] It's for any organization, non-for-profits,

[42:24] government institutions, the, basically any organization that has had to address the issues from COVID.

[42:34] Other discussion?

[42:36] Holderman Durkey, again.

[42:39] And just a, another question or reminder or concern that I had with the money to RACVB, the $200,000.

[42:51] It did raise this issue of where we're funding this organization to push Rockford and in a

[43:05] lot of stuff we get from our CVB is somewhat boilerplate, meaning they put out statistics

[43:11] and it's hard to grapple with if it's their effort, somebody else's effort or other things,

[43:18] But tangible results and outcomes, you know, one of the things I

[43:23] continue to look at is sports court.

[43:24] I mean, sports factory downtown.

[43:28] So I raised that issue.

[43:30] Mr. Grove did send me a rubric regarding what they

[43:36] intended if their best efforts to measure effectiveness.

[43:40] But I think it's something that we need to pay attention

[43:43] to that. It may come time for us to put this out for bid and get. Give somebody another

[43:53] crack at it if we really don't see some good results. I think RICVV does a pretty good job,

[44:00] but somewhere along the line the good intention money or a good program that's well intended needs

[44:07] to show some kind of results, eventually that's not just basically a boiler plate report that

[44:15] we get.

[44:15] Thank you, Herrera.

[44:17] Absolutely.

[44:18] And just for Council, just actually, this coming weekend, there'll be 400, or I'm sorry,

[44:23] there'll be 275 teams utilizing the 16 courts down at the sports factory as well as 18 courts

[44:30] out at Mercy utilizing 1500 hotel rooms with 4,000 guests with an economic impact of

[44:37] for 134,000 just for the one tournament this weekend.

[44:41] Other discussion?

[44:43] Holder and Tumberg.

[44:44] Thank you, Mayor.

[44:45] I'd just like to make clear if there is no indication whatsoever that goodwill has made

[44:54] any mention or notion that they will be vacating that bill.

[45:03] Okay, and that is a concern of mine, of course, being they are in the third ward and they do take up multiple

[45:12] floors of that space and it would be, it would definitely have an effect on that immediate

[45:20] area with vacating that space and in a building that we don't need sit vacant.

[45:29] Agreed.

[45:31] All the one in the mix.

[45:33] Can I ask what was the original purpose of the RACVB's Maiden Rafford campaign?

[45:41] Yes, Mr. Kajene?

[45:48] I'm good.

[45:49] Good, Mayor.

[45:50] Thank you.

[45:51] So the original made for Rockford Marketing Program began in 2021.

[45:56] And it was to highlight the assets of the city of Rockford not only to our own residents,

[46:04] but also the greater region in Midwest.

[46:08] And that marketing was to highlight those activities to support

[46:15] our businesses and talent attraction to the city of Rockford as well as for businesses and

[46:22] individuals to move to Rockford. Certainly a much more comprehensive discussion than that.

[46:30] And they worked with a number of HR departments as well as private sector businesses and

[46:34] putting together a program and effective strategy to reach out to regional media, which resulted in

[46:44] a number of stories of positive attention.

[46:47] This is something that has been discussed

[46:49] on an office of region for a significant amount of time.

[46:55] At a point in the media,

[46:58] where it's easy to have negative articles,

[47:02] we want to make sure we're highlighting the positive

[47:03] of the rockford,

[47:05] and that those are also getting regional national attention

[47:08] whenever possible.

[47:08] So, do does this campaign help to alleviate some of the negative attention that Rockford is getting out in the world?

[47:22] In the short answer, yes.

[47:24] I think when you're out there marketing your positive attributes of a community, you have the opportunity for individuals to report on that and discuss it.

[47:34] And then just to kind of understand the correlation between kind of like sports teams coming into our community,

[47:46] how does this campaign relate to that kind of activity?

[47:50] That I do believe is that the work of the RACVB or did the RACVB just kind of take this on

[47:57] because nobody else was doing it.

[47:59] So I would say that the made for Rockford campaign complements their other work, but it is

[48:06] different work than what their core activity is related to tourism related marketing and

[48:15] helping bring sports events to the community.

[48:20] Certainly they don't do that alone.

[48:22] They do that with partners throughout the community, including the Rockford Park District,

[48:26] the hotel industry within the city as well and understanding their significant knowledge of our community,

[48:37] our community assets, the thought was that they would be an organization that would be appropriate to take this on.

[48:45] As we looked at best practices and other communities, it's not uncommon that this type of activity would be done by a CVB type organization.

[48:56] Thank you.

[48:58] I can add actually tomorrow, myself,

[49:04] the local president of, I should say, the site present

[49:08] for Woodward, John Grow, and I are meeting with University of Illinois College of Medicine,

[49:15] Rose Grants, the Foundation, Community Foundation, Rapid Public Schools, Mercy Health, OSF,

[49:21] common zero space in UW Health because we don't want to do this just alone or just with

[49:27] what word it should be also led by the business community.

[49:30] One of the pillars of the new Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce is kind of branding

[49:38] and talent attraction.

[49:43] Other than fraud.

[49:44] Thanks.

[49:44] If I can just comment a little bit on this issue, one I am on the board.

[49:48] But to Alderman Treen and I were on the committee when the city rockford redeveloped

[49:56] redesigned our webpage and that process took a significant amount of time in duration

[50:02] of time.

[50:03] And the city itself really doesn't have a department or marketing division or could put

[50:10] it on or IT director because that's far beyond that preview to actually once the webpage is

[50:17] drive people to the web page and then drive people to our community which can take on

[50:23] it frankly is a full-time job. So if I'm not mistaken, I don't believe it says

[50:28] if we're getting a check to the RACVB and it's their money. I believe

[50:32] we're utilizing a lot of their insight and professional services with vendors

[50:38] in a variety way that they have a relationship with, at the same time,

[50:42] they're working with them to promote rockford in the activities such as sports venues and restaurants

[50:49] and restaurant week and things that they do out of no basis, what these funds are used

[50:55] specifically to hopefully market and invest in the city of Rockford's marketing efforts to drive

[51:02] people here for variety of reasons, not just sports things like that.

[51:08] accurate. And as older men know, we have a director of communications with a staff of zero.

[51:16] And I would say I think older men do her keys apt to point out, you know, I think it was during committee.

[51:23] He may have pointed out that certain I should say older men on the first word pointed out that there's a certain percentage went to vendors.

[51:31] And any campaign that you do, as all of you have done, you put more outlay in the beginning

[51:38] on your marketing efforts with creating the brand, the logo and things of that nature,

[51:42] and then you can start actually allocating those dollars further to those areas that you're targeting.

[51:48] But yes, it's also certainly not to just attract me to sports agreements, for sure.

[51:54] Any other comments?

[51:56] I think you're going to, I use this for specs, or you just an example, I know there's

[52:02] other things that go on, but it also, I know that when we gave this money, they partly

[52:09] sub, some of this stuff, how originally, and that sort of peaked my concern is if they're

[52:16] using an outside vendor's wine that's just contract with an outside vendor at some point.

[52:23] So, I get what's going on.

[52:25] I support the utilization of funds, but like I said, sooner or later, something's got a

[52:34] float of us that says that this is going to be effective rather than clicks on a website.

[52:40] So, I was so, well, I hope they do it.

[52:43] You know, I don't want them to fail.

[52:45] That's for sure.

[52:46] I want them to be horribly successful, so I'm in support of the funding.

[52:50] That's good to hear. Other questions.

[52:56] Clerk, can you please call the roll?

[52:58] Dirkie.

[52:59] No, I'm one. I am the rest.

[53:02] Logan.

[53:03] Aye.

[53:05] Tudor.

[53:09] Brost.

[53:11] Torena.

[53:14] Coffman.

[53:15] Rose.

[53:17] Beach.

[53:19] Barrios.

[53:20] Aye.

[53:20] Bailey.

[53:21] I'm sorry, Minks.

[53:24] Bailey.

[53:25] Aye.

[53:26] 1. Item number 1, 11 is, 1, no, items 2, 3, 4, 12 is.

[53:32] Excellent. Thank you. Next, we're going to go to Code and Regulation Committee and

[53:35] Aldervom and Trainer.

[53:38] Thank you, Ronald. I have 11 items.

[53:42] Number 1, the committee recommends sustaining the traffic commissions approval to establish

[53:45] a no-parking any time restriction on a north side of Baric Dryer from where road to

[53:50] Reef Farm Road, equals Director Shopprepare the appropriate ordinance.

[53:53] Number two, the committee recommends sustaining the traffic permissions of approval to establish a no parking any time restriction on both sides of Y-sharp drive from Bear drive to 50 feet north of Bear drive, the legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[54:08] Number three, committee recommends approval of the request to vacate a portion of the right-of-way alley between Berry Road and Martin Road, the legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[54:17] Number four, the committee recommends approval of the request to vacate a portion of

[54:21] Hill Street from Madison Street to the Rock River.

[54:24] The legal director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[54:26] Number five, the committee recommends approval of the request to vacate a portion of

[54:30] Mulberry Street from Court Street to the legal director shall prepare the appropriate

[54:34] ordinance.

[54:36] Number six, the committee recommends approval of the variation to allow parking in front

[54:40] of the building and the variation to reduce the parking lot set back from 10 feet to 5 feet.

[54:45] The designated pedestrian street in the C4 are remixed to zoning district at 99 East State Street.

[54:51] Thus, reversing the zoning ward with appeals recommendations and item,

[54:55] subject to conditions, the legal director of the appropriate ordinance.

[55:00] Number seven, the committee recommends the city in the zoning ward of local approval for a special use permit for

[55:05] outdoor storage for passenger vehicles in conjunction with an auto body shop and an I1 light industrial zoning district

[55:11] at 3238 West State Street, subject to conditions, the legal director's shop or career

[55:16] of the appropriate ordinance.

[55:18] Number eight, the committee recommends sustaining the zoning board of appeals recommendations

[55:21] of approval for the special use permit for outdoor trailer parking and denial, the outdoor

[55:27] storage of recycling overflow materials in an I1, light industrial zoning district,

[55:32] F-1505, F-1507, Kishwaki Street, subject to conditions, legal director's shop or career

[55:38] the appropriate ordinance.

[55:39] Number 9, the committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals approval for the special

[55:45] experiment for the installation of a solar farm, free standing solar panel racks and

[55:49] solar panels, and an I-1 light industrial zoning district, F-5529, Honeyham Road, subject

[55:56] to conditions illegal direction of apparently appropriate ordinance.

[55:59] Number 10, the committee makes no recommendations as to the licoron tobacco advisory

[56:03] was approval for the field tobacco products in conjunction with the gas station in the

[56:07] and a C3 General Commercial Zoning District at 1344 East State Street, subject to conditions,

[56:14] the Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[56:17] Number 11, the committee recommends sustaining the licorice of the Faculty of Advisory

[56:21] Awards approval for the sale of PACS liquor and the sale of tobacco products and

[56:25] conjunction with the gas station and convenience store and a C3 General Commercial Zoning

[56:28] District at 87 East State Street.

[56:31] Subjects and conditions, the Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.

[56:37] Thank you.

[56:38] Does there any discussion on the 11 items before us?

[56:43] Aldermen Bonne?

[56:44] Thank you, Mayor.

[56:46] With respect to number six, we spent a considerable amount of time.

[56:51] Last week, committee talking about this, I don't want to retrid too much of that

[56:55] ground, but I did want to convey that I had asked for an opinion from the chief of police

[57:04] on this issue, and Chief Red contacted me Friday to indicate that she concurred with the staff

[57:13] recommendation to oppose this curb cut for the redevelopment of the news tower, cited

[57:20] concerns with traffic flow, traffic congestion, especially around the 5 o'clock hour Monday

[57:27] through Friday there was, we were told that there had been a survey conducted by the river

[57:34] district and that the downtown businesses supported over, I believe, the exact word, but

[57:43] led to believe overwhelmingly supported this, and I have talked to five downtown business

[57:49] owners who never received the survey from the river district.

[57:55] One of them indicated that the same C4's pedestrian zone that in C4's zoning, that would prevent

[58:13] this curb cotton unless we make an exception, would prevent putting tables out on the same

[58:20] section of East State Street for outdoor dining, and wonders if we're going to make an allowance.

[58:26] In this case, would we reconsider that, and, you know, I feel like again, the difference

[58:34] is, you know, we're, I mean, the argument was made that we're not being business friendly,

[58:39] but sometimes, you know, we're big business friendly, maybe, and not small business friendly.

[58:46] I also spoke with the developer and asked the question if it was simply looking at a situation

[58:57] where if this curb cut is not granted that there would be the loss of a tenant and

[59:07] at least that wasn't going to get executed or rather, if the, if the, if the, if the,

[59:15] um, we're being told that, in fact, the entire, uh, redevelopment of the news tower collapses.

[59:21] And the answer was the entire redevelopment of the news tower collapses.

[59:26] That was also told by the developer that he thinks are staff who put forward the recommendation

[59:33] to deny this should be fired.

[59:37] And again, we have a traffic engineer

[59:40] or building in zoning officer.

[59:42] The chief of police and the ZBA,

[59:45] who have all said that they think this is a bad idea.

[59:50] And I think that we have, again,

[59:53] I think we, you know, perhaps the decision we made

[59:58] with the redevelopment of bark.

[1:00:00] We were threatened that if we were as the council to require a labor agreement that they oppose, that they would walk, is now a template for big business to threaten us, that the deal collapses every time they don't get what they want.

[1:00:18] I don't believe that that's the case here, especially when, by their own admission, the developers

[1:00:25] have acknowledged, acknowledges that we're not saying that we, we're not, are actually,

[1:00:32] if we were to support the staff recommendation, we're not saying that we're not denying

[1:00:38] valley parking, we're just denying valley parking that exits on to state, and by their own admission,

[1:00:44] and they could have LA parking that exists under chestnut instead, and the difference, according

[1:00:52] to Mr. Camp of Villa, is about a 40-foot walk to the main entrance of the current main

[1:01:02] entrance of the old register star building. Again, we're not, and we're also not privy

[1:01:09] to who this tenant perspective of tenant is that requires this curb cut in order to sign

[1:01:21] a lease, but I'm just left to assume that what we're really being asked is to make

[1:01:30] a political accommodation,

[1:01:33] and I'm not necessarily opposed to that, but I'm opposed to

[1:01:36] doing it and we don't know who we're making the political accommodation for.

[1:01:41] So I'm going to be voting against this.

[1:01:44] Thank you.

[1:01:45] Thank you.

[1:01:46] And just for clarification, all businesses downtown were not surveyed.

[1:01:51] Nor was that what was said.

[1:01:53] For clarification, the river district board was surveyed.

[1:01:58] And they came back with the overwhelming support of it.

[1:02:01] We have other hands up here.

[1:02:04] Holder, Martin, did you have your end up?

[1:02:07] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:02:08] Thank you for clarifying that.

[1:02:09] I think I was on the impression too that it was the businesses that were surveyed.

[1:02:14] I thought that's what was conveyed to me.

[1:02:19] Again, as I pointed out, previous meeting that there are much larger urban areas than Rockford,

[1:02:28] believe it or not.

[1:02:29] And they have much more traffic and a particular traffic and much more pedestrian traffic than we do downtown, unfortunately, they do.

[1:02:42] But as we continue to put resources and energy into making downtown the center of our city,

[1:02:53] this is so commonplace in other cities.

[1:02:58] I understand that we have an ordinance right now as it stands and that's why we need a variation.

[1:03:06] I have great respect for our traffic department and those who serve in it, including our zoning department and our chief of police.

[1:03:16] Our zoning and planning department are going by what the ordinances at present.

[1:03:22] And that, of course, it is what it is.

[1:03:27] So they have to, you know, maybe not have to,

[1:03:30] but they're probably going obviously by the present ordinance,

[1:03:35] and that would be a recommendation of denial.

[1:03:38] And that's why we're here debating this,

[1:03:41] because we have to come into situations

[1:03:47] where we're confronted with coming up with

[1:03:50] experiences and such to our existing ordinances to accommodate certain situations.

[1:03:57] And this is case and point.

[1:04:00] Again, having the ability to have this the way it is designed with the exception of I would

[1:04:11] like to see the city approve where I believe it would relieve traffic on East State in

[1:04:20] sense of when it comes to parking the cars, the way the city is recommending right now is to

[1:04:27] come out of the new proposed, proposed new curb cut. That means they would have to come

[1:04:36] out on the state street. After they just got off state street. So during times of congestion,

[1:04:44] And having allowing the cars to go in through the new curb cut and relieving further congestion

[1:04:53] on East State Street when the cars being valid, they then have the ability to just continue

[1:05:02] on like so many other valley parking situations such as embassy suites, such as what is

[1:05:12] so many other cities where they would just continue with that vehicle through the parking

[1:05:19] lot on to Chestnut, on to Madison, and go down to the other parking lot.

[1:05:28] So that would alleviate the way it's currently presently presented by the city as to enter

[1:05:36] through the existing entryway, and then exit at the new curb cut, which you do have a seven-story building or so sitting right there,

[1:05:50] that could then create site line issues for cars coming west on East State, and then that car having to pull out yet again on the East State.

[1:06:03] I don't know if this would quantify his big business.

[1:06:10] I kind of consider big business more like Walmart, Target, Crowder.

[1:06:17] I don't know if I can, as much as maybe the CEO would love to at some day be categorized

[1:06:25] is big business, iconic energy, becoming big business.

[1:06:29] I don't know if it's hit that plateau.

[1:06:31] No offense to the CEO.

[1:06:35] At this time, I don't know if I categorize it as big business.

[1:06:41] What I do see is that we have a building that is existing

[1:06:45] and has been vacant for a long time.

[1:06:49] A majority of it, at least vacant for a long time.

[1:06:54] They are not as I stated previously in last week's meeting, they're not coming into a blank canvas.

[1:07:06] This is an existing building that they have to work with and design it accordingly to function in today's times, not back when it was built in 1920, something.

[1:07:21] And so I look at them putting the capital into this, I can sympathize with the 14th

[1:07:34] word Alderman on the aspects of a project being killed if something doesn't happen.

[1:07:44] But I think in this case, if you've looked at the renderings, I think you can appreciate

[1:07:49] the aspects of it, and how it will benefit downtown, and as far as the business is coming

[1:08:00] in, again certain agreements can be put in place between a tenant and landlord or a future

[1:08:07] tenant and landlord that essentially constricts that landlord, future landlord from telling

[1:08:16] who that tenant is, as Alderman of the Ward, I don't even know, and I was told that

[1:08:22] I just can't say it at this time. Frankly, I don't care who the tenant is. Well, I, yes,

[1:08:30] I should say I could. So, let me, let me rephrase that. I'm hoping that the tenants are

[1:08:40] are upstanding law by citizens and practice

[1:08:44] the such with their business.

[1:08:47] But if it, in fact, is going to bring in tenants,

[1:08:52] and especially if they do not have a presence in rockford

[1:08:55] at this time, that would be welcomed

[1:08:58] into downtown with more individuals,

[1:09:02] foot traffic, and people that can frequent

[1:09:05] the multitudes of shops and restaurants downtown.

[1:09:11] Thank you, thank you. We are much safer since we spent four weeks talking about big

[1:09:15] foot loud. So we're safe to say that that's same where it's at. So you don't have to worry

[1:09:19] about that. Other discussion. Alderman baby. Yeah. This is a tough vote for me, Mayor.

[1:09:31] And I understand what we're trying to do downtown and I can appreciate it. But from my perspective,

[1:09:37] I think it's a matter of aesthetics,

[1:09:41] there's a safety concern that I have, based on the design

[1:09:46] of East State Street, but I just wanted to be on record of saying that this is going

[1:09:51] to be a tough decision for me based upon, you know, my feelings.

[1:09:56] Thank you.

[1:09:57] Thank you.

[1:09:59] Other discussions?

[1:10:01] Clerk, could you please call the roll?

[1:10:03] Turkey.

[1:10:04] No.

[1:10:07] Logan.

[1:10:12] Tiber.

[1:10:16] Frost.

[1:10:21] Turina.

[1:10:25] Hoffman.

[1:10:47] Barrios.

[1:10:50] Meeks.

[1:10:52] Bailey.

[1:10:55] Funny.

[1:11:03] I have a number one through five.

[1:11:07] Alderman.

[1:11:07] I'm sorry.

[1:11:08] I meant to vote.

[1:11:09] No one can.

[1:11:10] I'm sorry.

[1:11:17] I'm one through five.

[1:11:18] Twelve eyes.

[1:11:19] I'm six.

[1:11:20] Eleven eyes.

[1:11:21] One, no.

[1:11:22] Seven and eight.

[1:11:22] Twelve eyes.

[1:11:23] I'm nine.

[1:11:24] 11. Nice one, no. Item number 10, four eyes, eight, nose, item 11, 11. 11, eyes,

[1:11:33] one, no one, a.

[1:11:36] I'm sorry. What was the item 11? Can you repeat that again?

[1:11:39] Was 11, eyes, one, no, on a. Okay. I got that. And then on 10. It was four eyes, eight,

[1:11:54] Thank you.

[1:11:55] Next, we're going to go to finance and personnel committee and all of them in trust.

[1:11:58] Thank you.

[1:12:01] The committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount of $9,580,511,690,

[1:12:09] as approved that finance, the person that can be meeting held on February 26, 2024.

[1:12:17] The committee recommends approval of the proposed purchase of 214 North Church Street from the library,

[1:12:21] or of trustees, in the amount of $795,000, the property is a commercial building, approximately

[1:12:28] 28 square feet in size, the city plans are leaving the building for the new home of the

[1:12:32] family peace center providing much needed expansion from its current facility.

[1:12:36] The estimated closing date is July 31, 2024, the legal director shall prepare the appropriate

[1:12:40] ordinance.

[1:12:41] Number three, the committee repruse, recommend the approval of the intergovernmental

[1:12:45] room between the city and IEPA to establish a long-term household hazardous waste collection

[1:12:50] facility, the legal director shall prepare the appropriate orders. I place these two

[1:12:54] mayors before you. Thank you, Councillor Stroudings, before you is there any discussion

[1:12:59] on those three items?

[1:13:01] Clerk, will you please call the roll?

[1:13:03] Dirkie.

[1:13:05] Volgamon.

[1:13:06] Tumberg.

[1:13:07] Ross.

[1:13:08] Terina.

[1:13:10] Prenty.

[1:13:12] Hoffman.

[1:13:13] Rose.

[1:13:15] Eat.

[1:13:16] Barrios.

[1:13:17] Meeks.

[1:13:18] Bailey.

[1:13:20] Bonnie.

[1:13:21] 13.

[1:13:22] Nice.

[1:13:23] Excellent.

[1:13:23] Next, we'll go to Unfinished Business.

[1:13:25] We have nothing under planion.

[1:13:26] Development.

[1:13:26] So we'll go to Code and Regulation Committee and Older Woman, Terina.

[1:13:31] Thank you, Your Honor.

[1:13:31] Number one, the committee recommends sustaining the licoron tobacco advisory boards approval of a modification of an existing liquor license for a 50% stock purchase and a C-2 limited commercial zoning district and 752 and 908 West River side Boulevard, subject to conditions, the legal director shop prepared the appropriate ordinance.

[1:13:51] Number two, the committee recommends sustaining the licoron tobacco advisory boards approval for a modification of an existing liquor license for 50% stock purchase and the C-4.

[1:14:00] I would make these zoning districts a 205-less state street subject to condition, so legal director

[1:14:06] shop prepared the appropriate ordinance.

[1:14:09] And lastly, number three, the committee recommends sustaining the traffic commission's approval

[1:14:14] to establish a no parking any time restriction on the east side of North Peer Point Avenue

[1:14:19] from 200 feet south of Auburn Street to 1100 feet south of Auburn Street, legal director

[1:14:24] shop prepared the appropriate ordinance.

[1:14:25] Thank you.

[1:14:27] Thank you, all the women.

[1:14:29] Council, there's three items before us.

[1:14:30] I need to discuss on those items.

[1:14:34] Holderman Bailey?

[1:14:35] Item number three.

[1:14:37] You're on her?

[1:14:38] Yes.

[1:14:38] I'd like to motion to lay this over.

[1:14:41] Okay.

[1:14:43] We have a motion.

[1:14:44] We have a second.

[1:14:45] We have a second.

[1:14:46] Lay over item number three.

[1:14:48] So we'll need a vote on this.

[1:14:50] Since it's been laid over in the past.

[1:14:52] Is there any discussion on laying over that item?

[1:14:56] No discussion.

[1:14:57] Clerk, will you please call the room?

[1:14:58] Cherokee.

[1:14:59] Alright.

[1:14:59] Logo.

[1:15:00] 2 birth.

[1:15:02] 1 frost.

[1:15:04] 3na.

[1:15:06] Frankie.

[1:15:07] Wek.

[1:15:07] Huffman.

[1:15:09] Rose.

[1:15:13] Beach.

[1:15:15] Dorrius.

[1:15:16] All right.

[1:15:16] Meeks.

[1:15:18] Bailey.

[1:15:18] I.

[1:15:19] Bany.

[1:15:20] Aye.

[1:15:26] Thank you.

[1:15:27] So there's two items before us.

[1:15:28] Saying discussion on those two items.

[1:15:31] Alderman.

[1:15:33] Thank you Mayor.

[1:15:35] I just wanted to mention on

[1:15:37] And there was talks on the calls for service to the district.

[1:15:46] And apparently, and I'm just going by there are

[1:15:49] 270 incidents.

[1:15:54] So sometimes, when we do talk and calls for service,

[1:15:57] and we look at that, sometimes it doesn't

[1:16:00] need to be looked into a little bit more calls for service.

[1:16:04] sometimes can be just looked at off the cuff

[1:16:07] as every one of those is a incident

[1:16:12] that warrants calling police due to problems

[1:16:16] that are happening because of an established manner such.

[1:16:21] So I just wanted to point out,

[1:16:24] and just for clarification on the calls for service,

[1:16:28] I was, I haven't verified this, it's sent to me, so I haven't verified it this with a chief,

[1:16:36] for cold transparency,

[1:16:40] but out of those 39 are duplicate calls or misdial hangups to 9-1-1,

[1:16:45] 29 calls were related to welfare checks or community resource unit, 16 were for informational calls,

[1:16:54] such as to report a found item. 13 calls were related to traffic stops and other unrelated

[1:17:01] car incidents near the location. 10 were related to suspicious persons that were seen near

[1:17:08] the establishment. 9 were related to warrants that were served at the premises. 8 were related

[1:17:16] of medical incidents,

[1:17:20] one patron was having a seizure, a six-related, and burglary alarms being

[1:17:25] triggered for domestic disputes,

[1:17:33] others that theft at the premises,

[1:17:39] and other ones

[1:17:41] that resulted in no report.

[1:17:42] So, I'm just, it's just a matter of us when someone just throws out their words, this

[1:17:50] many calls for service that we just distinguish a little bit more so than just throwing

[1:17:58] that out and assuming right off the bat that they're calls for problems due to the establishment.

[1:18:08] So, that's, I just wanted to clarify that.

[1:18:11] And there

[1:18:16] are a discussion.

[1:18:17] All them in Bailey.

[1:18:19] Yeah, I move to amend the conditions of approval, as follows, to which item.

[1:18:25] District, bar, well, so item number two.

[1:18:27] Okay, yes, item number two.

[1:18:28] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:18:30] I just want to share your lighting and cameras.

[1:18:32] She'll be installed to cover the parking lot and exterior of the premises.

[1:18:37] The lights and the seats, she'll retain trains, security.

[1:18:41] Item number three, security, she'll regularly monitor the parking lot to prevent.

[1:18:45] and deter illegal conduct, including when not limited to patrons, consuming alcohol in the parking lot.

[1:18:53] Item number 4, the hours of operation are limited to ADM, to 12 AM, midnight, Monday through Sunday, currently there, open until 2 AM, for a period of 180 days.

[1:19:06] The hours of operation are reviewable after 180 days, at that time the licensee may apply for modification to adjust the hours of operation, but should not be required to pay the standard application fee for modification.

[1:19:21] Item number five, the licensee shall post in a conspicuous place, and on the menu regarding the infuse products, information should be sufficient to inform patrons,

[1:19:33] within the product whether it is intoxicated and how it is regulated.

[1:19:40] Okay, so we have a motion on the floor to amend item number two, is there a second to those amendments?

[1:19:51] So we have a motion and we have a second for the amendments outlined by Aldermen.

[1:19:57] Aldermen, the 13th award adding five amendments, is there a discussion? Aldermen Dirk.

[1:20:04] Thank you, Your Honor.

[1:20:04] I may have missed something, like some clarity on condition number five.

[1:20:11] What type of clarity would you like?

[1:20:13] What is the infused products that they're selling?

[1:20:18] We know alcohols and toxicating, what would they be selling?

[1:20:24] That's any much staff is answering that.

[1:20:28] Director Meyer?

[1:20:30] Now, my understanding is they're contemplating in the district telling items that are infused

[1:20:39] with hemp and CBD or T.C. derived from hemp.

[1:20:46] Both as a standalone like baked goods from another business, but also on the menu items

[1:20:52] from cells.

[1:20:54] And that's an area of concern, so we addressed it with all of them, Bailey.

[1:20:56] Well, any of the products have active THC in them?

[1:21:07] It's a good question.

[1:21:10] You older men frosted.

[1:21:14] On this, but I don't see no, neither am I.

[1:21:19] So, but I believe that I believe that the CPD process that I believe that some may have

[1:21:29] a level of T.C.

[1:21:31] So before we get down the rabbit of what we do or don't know, we do have, if it's allowable

[1:21:38] by this council, one of the potential soon to be owners of this establishment present, who

[1:21:46] happens to be an expert, and all the questions that Older Minder could just ask about.

[1:21:53] If you would like, I could have them answer that question now, but I would need your approval

[1:21:58] to do so. I'm making motion to approve that.

[1:22:00] This is here.

[1:22:01] All those in favor say aye.

[1:22:03] Those opposed?

[1:22:05] So we have Mr. Ayer Carlson, who is here with us to see.

[1:22:09] Yeah.

[1:22:10] And I'm one of the owners of our Mrs. Buckley's Waking Bakery.

[1:22:13] We've got the store that's over on East State Street.

[1:22:16] Right by the Ross and Best Buy there,

[1:22:18] where we've been selling for the past two years,

[1:22:21] Hemp and Fuse baked goods and coffee drinks,

[1:22:23] eliminates things like that.

[1:22:24] And one of the things that I want to make sure you understand

[1:22:27] with all the products that we sell is that these products right now, these are all federally

[1:22:31] legal products, these are all made with hemp. There is THC involved, there's a certain

[1:22:36] levels of THC that are allowed under the 2018 Farm Bill. And so this meets all of the

[1:22:40] federal requirements, it also meets all of the state requirements, and we've been working very

[1:22:44] hard, particularly with our local rockford legislators, down in Springfield, to be pushing

[1:22:50] forward new laws that are going to be fully regulating these products going forward.

[1:22:55] Both Representative Maurice West and Dave Velod both were co-sponsors on one of the laws

[1:23:02] that was pushed forward during the last session.

[1:23:04] And this is, I think, something that is really interesting because the hemp industry, just

[1:23:10] this past year, actually surpassed the legalized cannabis industry in U.S. for sale.

[1:23:15] So it was actually $28 billion, as opposed to the cannabis industry at $25 billion.

[1:23:19] So this is an industry that, you know, really kind of crept up on people, frankly, and it's,

[1:23:25] but now that it's here, we've seen already that there's been very, very widespread adoption

[1:23:29] by people.

[1:23:30] This is a popular product.

[1:23:31] This is a product that a lot of people like to have people like to have it for functional pain relief.

[1:23:35] That's really what most of our, you know, customers are coming in for.

[1:23:39] They're looking for something that is less powerful than what they get in the spensories,

[1:23:43] but powerful enough that it knocks out, you know, what the pain that they have.

[1:23:46] and it feels things.

[1:23:48] So, anyway, yeah, to answer your questions more directly,

[1:23:51] yes, there is a THC and some of these products.

[1:23:53] These are all legal products.

[1:23:55] And yeah, I'm happy to answer any direct questions you have.

[1:23:59] Thank you.

[1:24:00] And I would just ask, make sure that you're only answering

[1:24:02] the questions that are asked of you.

[1:24:03] So we have a couple of questions, older men,

[1:24:06] frosts, and then older men, Logan.

[1:24:08] Mr. Krause, with this location,

[1:24:11] I believe I'm the impression that some of the CBD products

[1:24:15] could be infused in both food and drink, correct?

[1:24:20] So the products can be infused in both food.

[1:24:23] And well, the food is limited to the baked goods that are already made

[1:24:27] and packed.

[1:24:28] We put those all in packaging that include specific labels that tell what

[1:24:32] the milligrams are, that are in there.

[1:24:34] They include packaging to link back to the third party testing.

[1:24:37] All the rules that are in the regulations that we're proposing

[1:24:39] down in this week, though, just a couple of, so I'm sorry.

[1:24:43] So with respect to him, it's not as if there's going to be a cook in the back room that's going to be weighing out some CBD product or mixing one better for sleep or pain or anything of that nature.

[1:24:57] They will all be pre-packages.

[1:24:59] Well, they are pre-packages, and they do have ones that are better for sleep and pain, but yes, they're all mitered by the milligram and it's done to a very exacting standard, yes.

[1:25:08] And would it be a burden if either through literature or the menu, or I guess like the way

[1:25:18] can make facility to have a way of informing in some written format, the customer is to what levels

[1:25:26] or what's in each product?

[1:25:28] We already do that, and this is something that we're happy to be doing, and we want our customers

[1:25:33] to be informed.

[1:25:34] Thank you.

[1:25:34] All the more.

[1:25:36] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:25:37] Mr. Carlson, I was just curious about the item number four on the amendments.

[1:25:42] I was of operation limited and constricting that from 2 a.m. to midnight.

[1:25:50] Again, no expert in here like many of us are, but I would expect a lot of borrowers to make a significant portion,

[1:25:57] or a significant portion that revenue from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.

[1:26:01] It would be my preference to give some type of grace period of 180 days in the opposite direction.

[1:26:07] allow you to operate until 2 a.m. for 180 days kind of like a trial period, but I didn't,

[1:26:14] you know, I didn't write this amendment here. So I'm curious how, yeah, limiting the hours

[1:26:21] for your closure at 12 a.m., how would that affect your, like your overall business operations

[1:26:27] from now for these next six months here? That is a real effect on what the bottom dollar is as far

[1:26:34] of profitability of a business because, you know, you have to understand that the way the restaurant

[1:26:39] industry works is a lot of, for the owners, you know, you have the restaurant there that's

[1:26:44] serving food and, you know, you're making enough to obviously cover all your weight creators

[1:26:48] which is to staff the kitchen staff. And that's all being covered, but there's not a really

[1:26:52] whole lot of overhead on there with the food. The overhead comes in, frankly, with the drinks,

[1:26:56] that we all know this, and we all know that we pay too much when we go to the bar to drink,

[1:27:00] And that's how the bars and restaurants make money.

[1:27:04] So it does drastically affect what our plans are

[1:27:09] because this is getting into, is this a business that's

[1:27:13] profitable on day one, or is this a business that we somehow

[1:27:16] have to try and survive for six months.

[1:27:19] And see if we're all still there standing in six months

[1:27:22] that we can become profitable.

[1:27:24] So this is something that is very, very difficult for us

[1:27:27] to be able to weather through really when the highest margin times of our week are kind of a stripped away from us.

[1:27:35] Thank you. Other one weeks?

[1:27:38] Hello. So I understand you own the, I can't remember the name of the business, but it's the bakery.

[1:27:47] Yes.

[1:27:48] Do you own any other businesses that involve alcohol while you're serving those products?

[1:27:53] So the businesses that involve alcohol are just the two that we're trying to get applied on today.

[1:28:01] So this is a new venture for us, getting it really trying to, at all times we've been really kind of on the cutting edge of what's going on with the regulations and the rules and making sure that we're at all times compliant and following the regulations but also trying to set a good example of, hey, this business is going to exist, this business is going to move forward.

[1:28:20] What can we be doing really to be on the forefront of this and making sure that we are doing things the right way so that this is a business to

[1:28:28] Conflurge because it's here and it's just a matter of but you know if this is done correctly this is a business that I think and bring a lot of jobs

[1:28:35] Directly to rockford

[1:28:37] We also have our growing facility and our packaging facility here in rockford that we're undergoing

[1:28:41] significant expansion on right now, more than $10,000,000,000 expansion.

[1:28:46] So we're looking to be moving a lot of jobs here, and this is just part of the overarching

[1:28:52] puzzle is kind of understanding what can happen on the retail side and how to do that

[1:28:58] the absolute best way possible.

[1:29:00] So have you researched any other areas that do run these businesses and bars that serve

[1:29:08] these products, has there been any kind of issues in those businesses?

[1:29:13] I'm just, I guess my concern is mixing the two.

[1:29:16] There's the alcohol, that's one.

[1:29:19] That's all.

[1:29:20] Now we're adding on a whole nother factor, a bar that has had a history of issues and I understand

[1:29:27] reading through, he calls to service and understanding the duplicates and all of the

[1:29:33] that's there, but I think that it cannot be denied that this is a bar that has several

[1:29:39] issues. So I just want to make that kind of clear, but have you done any research outside

[1:29:45] of this area where this has worked?

[1:29:48] Well, we have done quite a bit of research looking into where this is, I mean, this is obviously

[1:29:53] been tried anecdotally by lots and lots of people. There's not a whole lot of published research

[1:29:58] on any of this, but there is...

[1:30:00] A whole lot of there's magazine articles and stories about this, you know, going on all the time right now, because this is actually happening kind of across the country in real time.

[1:30:08] And it is, you know, occurring places like this are popping up throughout Canada and throughout Nevada and Colorado and California and places that have gone legal and really, the front edge of this is kind of the on the hemp side right now, because we're seeing like a lot of the, the retailers, the liquor distributors are now selling these products.

[1:30:28] I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but if you go into Benny's, you can buy THC drinks right

[1:30:33] there.

[1:30:33] They're sold right there with the beer.

[1:30:35] You can buy this stuff in other various different restaurants and bars across Rockford

[1:30:40] because it's being sold now through the distributors, so it's like, this is already like happening

[1:30:47] throughout the town where just the ones that are kind of coming to you asking for, making

[1:30:53] sure you know about it and like, you know what?

[1:30:55] Yeah, it's happening.

[1:30:57] It's happening.

[1:30:57] but like you said, those kinds of instances, people will probably take that home, they'll take it, you know, to

[1:31:04] the setting that I was under the impression that cannabis products were supposed to be

[1:31:09] consumed in your own home. So we have kind of opened this up already in a previous situation,

[1:31:19] but

[1:31:19] you're stepping into a different kind of classification, I think, because the history of this particular

[1:31:28] So, I appreciate your comments, but thank you.

[1:31:31] Thank you.

[1:31:31] Thank you, everyone.

[1:31:32] Other members?

[1:31:33] This one's for staff.

[1:31:35] Are there any other places in Rockford that are currently selling both CBD and alcohol?

[1:31:46] I'm not aware of any restaurants that are.

[1:31:48] I think as Mr. Carlson stated, there are the retailers who are selling, at least

[1:31:54] We'll see if you use beer, but I'm not certain of any other,

[1:31:58] but I have a menu featuring hamburgers,

[1:32:00] if you have any items.

[1:32:02] Okay, thank you.

[1:32:04] Other discussion, Alderman Tumberg.

[1:32:06] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:32:09] In regards to what was just stated by the potential owner on the

[1:32:14] hours and it was a good question by second word, Alderman.

[1:32:22] Apparently, there was 18 calls that were actually

[1:32:27] two of the establishment, or 18 calls that appear to be related to issues

[1:32:37] at the establishment, according to like disorderly conduct

[1:32:41] battery. I fully realize there's been one or two shootings there

[1:32:47] as well in the past.

[1:32:53] So, I am, when we have, like, with another establishment,

[1:32:58] over in the eighth ward, I believe,

[1:33:02] where we do have a situation where if things go,

[1:33:08] if it doesn't pass tonight, the whole thing,

[1:33:12] doesn't pass tonight, we have a situation where

[1:33:16] The current ownership can continue to run at the way it's run.

[1:33:23] I am happy to hear that there will be additional safety measures taken, increased lighting,

[1:33:34] security, and especially towards the parking lot which has been an issue and that's a

[1:33:40] city owned parking lot, by the way.

[1:33:44] It does concern me a little bit on these six months.

[1:33:53] I think that maybe we could consider splitting it down the middle,

[1:34:02] saying three months.

[1:34:03] But I am going to support that for this to go move forward, I will support the amendment,

[1:34:17] but I would also consider that as being six months.

[1:34:23] I would like to see also at the same time the owners to have the ability to prove themselves,

[1:34:29] And if not, then we move it the other way as second ward older men was alluding to.

[1:34:37] But if that's the way it is, then that's the way it is and I'll go ahead and support it so.

[1:34:43] Thank you, older men.

[1:34:44] And I also a staff can make sure that we provide you all updates.

[1:34:49] So if you want to shorten it out of later time, you could certainly direct staff to move in that direction.

[1:34:56] Holder men, Bonnie.

[1:34:58] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:34:59] Just two procedural questions.

[1:35:04] So the suggestion by the Alderman and the Second Ward,

[1:35:07] we are supposed to have amendments

[1:35:11] at council meeting in writing before the meeting starts,

[1:35:14] but what about amendments to amendments?

[1:35:16] Can they be made from the floor?

[1:35:19] I think that's going to be dependent on the complexity of it.

[1:35:23] I think typically we have,

[1:35:25] Please, we have the mentioned writing, so everybody knows they're voting on.

[1:35:30] In this case, if it's going to be a very easily understandable one, amending an amendment,

[1:35:35] it would be okay if nothing we wouldn't need to have it already, so depends on the wording.

[1:35:39] Out of curiosity is that requirement, that requirement in the first place that we have them in writing,

[1:35:45] is that actually in an ordinance or is that a little understanding?

[1:35:50] It is in our reals.

[1:35:52] Okay, for that reason, is to make sure that everybody understands what's being voted on.

[1:35:58] Well, I would then move to amend the number four amendment to reverse the limitation of the hours of operation that the hours of operation would revert to midnight versus the closing would revert to midnight versus 2am.

[1:36:21] after a period of 180 days at the council's discretion based on review of incidents in that

[1:36:32] hundred-day 80-day period.

[1:36:34] Just so I understand, are you saying that you would like item four to say that the

[1:36:40] hours of operation are limited to 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday and that it could

[1:36:48] go backwards after 180 days if there's issues?

[1:36:53] Right, let's say with the

[1:36:58] question of the closing time coming back to Council for review

[1:37:01] in 180 days.

[1:37:07] All right, we have an amendment to the amendment by Alderman Bonny, and that amendment would be that

[1:37:16] the restaurant and bar is allowed to be open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday, and

[1:37:23] at 180 days, city staff would bring it before council to review those hours of operation.

[1:37:34] My humble suggestion would be that it would be at least before the 180 if you actually want

[1:37:39] to make a change at 180 because things are talking if it is bad at 180.

[1:37:45] It's not that this body moves incredibly swiftly.

[1:37:50] So it could be 150, guys.

[1:37:56] So before we have questions, just so I understand it.

[1:37:59] You have to as a second as well.

[1:38:00] Yep, I know we do.

[1:38:02] I need them to understand what the first is about.

[1:38:06] So items 1, 2, 3, and 5 of Alderman Bailey's would stand.

[1:38:13] Item 4 would be amended.

[1:38:17] Alderman Bonnie would amend Alderman Bailey's statement.

[1:38:20] that the restaurant and bar is able to open Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and at

[1:38:27] 150 days, city staff would provide counsel and update, including multiple things like calls for

[1:38:35] service and other issues that may or may not have risen during that time period, and allow

[1:38:41] this body to deliberate at again.

[1:38:46] I'm sorry, Alderman Durke, I was having both things in my last, Alderman Durke.

[1:38:54] Thank you, Your Honor.

[1:38:57] Before I make a comment, do we vote on amended for, before we vote on that?

[1:39:04] We are going to vote on the amended to the amendment for.

[1:39:09] And then we'll go through all five.

[1:39:11] Beautiful, thank you, sir.

[1:39:13] Any other discussion?

[1:39:15] Alderman Tumberg?

[1:39:16] Thank you.

[1:39:17] So, yes, my original convertor, my statements before,

[1:39:28] instead of a six-month time frame, maybe

[1:39:34] cutting it down in half, kind of right down the middle to three months.

[1:39:39] I am, okay, with the Alderman's proposal, essentially, I think what the council is doing is putting

[1:39:49] this establishment on a pseudo-prodationary period of 150 days with the new ownership coming in.

[1:40:00] And then evaluating at that 150 days, whether closing should begin at midnight.

[1:40:08] So that's what I'm understanding from the 14th Ward Alderman.

[1:40:12] Correct.

[1:40:13] All right, thank you.

[1:40:17] Alderman Beach, did you have your hand raised?

[1:40:20] I did.

[1:40:23] And I don't want to muddy the water, sir, but other muddy.

[1:40:26] Come on.

[1:40:27] They are somewhat of that.

[1:40:31] So if, as been discussed,

[1:40:35] that's kind of split it down the middle.

[1:40:38] I'd rather see it stay at six months

[1:40:41] with a review in three, and things are fine,

[1:40:45] release it at three.

[1:40:47] Rather than kind of a negative motivator,

[1:40:51] let's say we didn't like it after three,

[1:40:53] and we have to put more of a test was to it.

[1:40:57] So I just throw that out as another thought

[1:41:00] in how we can deal with the three.

[1:41:03] By starting with the seven, if everything is fine, it's free, then release it to later hours.

[1:41:12] Something this council could consider.

[1:41:15] Is there other discussion?

[1:41:17] All right.

[1:41:18] So, we are voting on.

[1:41:21] Holderman, do you have another statement?

[1:41:27] Point being brought up here that possibly warrant further discussion on that aspect.

[1:41:35] What's the realities of laying over that one item?

[1:41:44] So, this is a liquor license.

[1:41:48] If the approved by an ordinance was certain conditions,

[1:41:51] we would need to have all those conditions wrapped up into one.

[1:41:55] I don't think we could be able to approve an ordinance

[1:41:57] and then come back and it wouldn't be a full approval.

[1:42:00] essentially.

[1:42:01] All right.

[1:42:02] So, what is going to be before you right now for a vote?

[1:42:06] Our sub-operation would be 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday.

[1:42:14] For a period of 150 days, staff or at 150 days, staff would provide you all a report and

[1:42:22] provide you the opportunity to either bring them backwards to midnight or to let them remain

[1:42:29] open till 2am. Do you all understand what's on them? Clerk, could you please call the roll?

[1:42:38] Jacky.

[1:42:39] Logimant.

[1:42:41] Mark.

[1:42:42] Brass.

[1:42:44] Terena.

[1:42:47] Prenty.

[1:42:52] Hoffman.

[1:42:53] Rose.

[1:42:56] Veitch.

[1:43:00] Ar Rose.

[1:43:02] Meach.

[1:43:06] Bailey.

[1:43:13] Eight eyes.

[1:43:16] Oh, that was fun.

[1:43:18] All right.

[1:43:19] So now we are going to go with the five items that are before us.

[1:43:23] I understand one of those five items four has been amended to come back to you for review at 150 days.

[1:43:33] Sir, I need to discuss on those five items.

[1:43:36] All the remainder.

[1:43:37] Thank you, Your Honor.

[1:43:39] The concern I have is condition five.

[1:43:43] And there is no, depending on how they prepare this, there's really no way to gauge the level of active T, H, C, and their product.

[1:43:52] They really can't do that, and they haven't heard anything to say that they can, which basically

[1:43:59] means that the difference between alcohol and THC is this alcohol, it's used is not necessarily

[1:44:07] to be intoxicated. You're not trying to be intoxicated. Active THC has a different purpose

[1:44:16] for many people.

[1:44:18] You're now combining two intoxicants for consumption at a bar.

[1:44:27] The owner even basically said this was for sleep purposes.

[1:44:34] So you're giving a hemp product, which is a euphemism for THC, to induce sleep while drinking

[1:44:41] alcohol.

[1:44:42] Now they may not do that, but they have the opportunity to do that.

[1:44:45] I don't know any physician anywhere that would ever say that this is a good idea to give somebody two intoxicants when you don't know per the individual

[1:44:54] What they're gonna do I

[1:44:57] There's no way I can support

[1:45:00] I support the bar, I support 1,4, the whole thing. There's no way that I can support number 5. That can't happen.

[1:45:08] Thank you. Other discussion? So I make, I'm sorry.

[1:45:12] We'll like to make an amendment to eliminate the condition number 5.

[1:45:17] So if you eliminate the, just so I have my

[1:45:24] understanding, you would like to order men of the first word.

[1:45:28] would like to make an amendment to eliminate

[1:45:32] Ottoman Bailey's number five amendment.

[1:45:35] Is that accurate?

[1:45:36] So just for clarification, if you eliminate that amendment,

[1:45:40] that does not eliminate the fact that they sell this

[1:45:43] at the bulk.

[1:45:44] Amendment number five, the way it is written,

[1:45:47] solely states that they will place the information in an area

[1:45:51] that anyone who walks in will know

[1:45:54] that they are consuming these products.

[1:45:56] They will also place it on their menu.

[1:45:57] So if we eliminate item number five, you're saying they don't have to tell anyone what they're giving them.

[1:46:04] They can just order a cookie and if they could think it's a chocolate chip cookie or really fun chocolate chip cookie.

[1:46:10] So I just want you to understand because I know where you're going with this.

[1:46:14] My understanding is you probably don't support the bar.

[1:46:17] No.

[1:46:17] Based on their business model as I close to that amendment.

[1:46:20] Thank you, sir. I appreciate the clarification. Therefore, I cannot actually support the liquor license.

[1:46:28] Thank you. Okay.

[1:46:30] We're moving along. Is there any discussion on the five items item four being amended?

[1:46:36] Clerk, please call the bill.

[1:46:38] Turkey. No.

[1:46:42] Logimant.

[1:46:42] Hi.

[1:46:43] Tuber?

[1:46:44] Hi.

[1:46:45] Frost.

[1:46:46] Terena.

[1:46:49] Prenty.

[1:46:51] Hoffman.

[1:46:53] Rose.

[1:46:55] Beach.

[1:46:57] Barrios.

[1:47:00] Meek?

[1:47:07] Oh, we're just, I'm sorry.

[1:47:09] All there were one weeks.

[1:47:10] We're just doing the five amendments at Alderman Bailey,

[1:47:13] before.

[1:47:19] Sorry, what was that note?

[1:47:24] Bailey?

[1:47:25] Bani.

[1:47:27] Nine eyes, four nos.

[1:47:29] All right.

[1:47:30] So now, Council, we have two items before us.

[1:47:34] Is there any discussion on the two items?

[1:47:38] Clerk, please call the roll.

[1:47:41] Turkey.

[1:47:41] No one, too.

[1:47:42] I am the rest.

[1:47:44] Logan.

[1:47:45] I am.

[1:47:47] Tuber?

[1:47:48] I am.

[1:47:48] Frost?

[1:47:49] I am.

[1:47:50] Turina?

[1:47:52] Andle?

[1:47:58] Fronty,

[1:48:04] Fauffin,

[1:48:08] Beach,

[1:48:13] Barrios, Weeks,

[1:48:25] and I'm number one, 11 eyes, two nose, item number

[1:48:28] two, eight eyes, five nose.

[1:48:31] Thank you.

[1:48:32] Next up, we are going to motions and resolutions, code and regulation committee, all the woman

[1:48:36] trainer.

[1:48:41] The resolution of proving a training settlement for state farm mutual automobile insurance company in the amount

[1:48:47] It's $29,494 in 206 and we will have to suspend rule nine.

[1:48:54] Thank you.

[1:48:55] Okay, so we have a motion to suspend rule number nine and now we have a second.

[1:49:00] Any discussion on simply suspend rule number nine?

[1:49:04] All those in favor say aye?

[1:49:05] Aye.

[1:49:06] Those opposed?

[1:49:08] Okay.

[1:49:08] Now we have one item before us.

[1:49:10] Any discussion?

[1:49:12] Clerk will you please call the roll?

[1:49:14] Turkey.

[1:49:16] Bogeman, Timberg, Frost, Torena, Prenty, Hoffman, Rose, Beach,

[1:49:28] Barrios, Meeks, Bailey, Bonnie,

[1:49:35] 12 ice.

[1:49:36] Excellent.

[1:49:36] Next, we're going to go to finance and personnel committee, Alderman Frost.

[1:49:41] Number one, the committee recommends approval of an application, acceptance of an award for the

[1:49:45] U.S. EPA, Brownfield, revolving loan fund grant, supplemental funding, and the amount of $5 million.

[1:49:50] Number two, the Community Recommended Approval of the War of Professional Services Contract,

[1:49:54] for the 2024 Brownfield's Agreement, assistance to fair grant, and the amount of $155,500,

[1:50:02] the contract rate increases one year. The funding source is the Community Development

[1:50:05] Planning Division. Number three, the Community Recommended Approval of the War of

[1:50:09] RFP for banking services associated bank, for commercial banking, merchant services,

[1:50:14] lockbox services, automated pay by phone, water bills, purchasing cards, the city's line

[1:50:21] of credit and equipment financing.

[1:50:23] The contract is $843,400 estimated to annual net gain based on the current $1 million

[1:50:31] treasury rate after earnings offset fees paid.

[1:50:34] The contract creation is three years with two year extensions with the ability to terminate

[1:50:40] for any reason with the 60 day notice.

[1:50:41] the funding source of the finance department operating budget waterfall.

[1:50:45] Number four, the committee recommends approval of water joint,

[1:50:48] purchasing contract for police interceptor vehicles to curry motors fleet,

[1:50:51] a crank for Illinois in the amount of 1,681,971 dollars.

[1:50:56] The quantity vehicles purchases may be reduced depending on the cost,

[1:51:00] later equipment, and outfitting.

[1:51:02] The funding source is the capital lease funds,

[1:51:04] please the private capital budget.

[1:51:06] Number five, the committee recommends approval of water

[1:51:07] for water treatment plant 31 and 43 filter meeting replacement to CNC and environmental services

[1:51:13] in the amount of $602,000 the project has estimated be completed by the fall of 2024 the

[1:51:19] funding source is the water placement of the crew of the next one.

[1:51:24] Number six, the conveyor of electromagnetic approval and water bid for demolition of 1210 railroad

[1:51:29] avenue, coal bins to contract group of loss park amount of $41,113, the funding source

[1:51:36] the construction services operating budget.

[1:51:38] Number seven, the community recommends approval of non-capital of contract for the head start

[1:51:42] training with high scope educational research foundation in amount of $32,150 dollars.

[1:51:48] The contract is for training, we'll bring facilitators on site to rock for for a week

[1:51:52] long, training for head start team members.

[1:51:54] That place is seven meters before you.

[1:51:56] Thank you.

[1:51:57] It's our need to discussion on those seven items.

[1:52:01] Clerk, will you please call the roll?

[1:52:02] Dr. Yorkie?

[1:52:03] Hi estimator.

[1:52:04] Logan,

[1:52:05] tears.

[1:52:06] Thuber,

[1:52:08] frost.rina,

[1:52:13] gruchi.

[1:52:16] Eventually, Rose.

[1:52:22] That's

[1:52:22] a question

[1:52:23] real quick on. One of these,

[1:52:26] that, okay, short. Um, for number

[1:52:28] seven, what is the training?

[1:52:31] Um, regarding the head,

[1:52:33] strain for

[1:52:38] the tire time.

[1:52:40] I'm sorry, this is

[1:52:41] stator training that we've used for quite

[1:52:43] some time.

[1:52:43] And what this is, is that we're actually lining, actually that's going to take them back.

[1:52:48] The school district is actually lining in with the Head Start Standards.

[1:52:51] So this is going to be an all-inclusive training for all new staff because of the high turnover that we've had.

[1:52:58] Thanks.

[1:52:58] Thanks, your honor.

[1:52:59] I am all of them.

[1:53:01] We're going to beat.

[1:53:03] Are you?

[1:53:04] Barrios?

[1:53:05] Barrios?

[1:53:06] Meets?

[1:53:07] Barrios?

[1:53:09] Barrios?

[1:53:11] Barrios?

[1:53:11] Next

[1:53:15] up, we're going to go back to Plany and Development for New Business Ordances.

[1:53:20] All of them in Turkey.

[1:53:21] Here we are, under Romino Motene, number one, an ordinance approving funding agreement with

[1:53:27] Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois for the establishment of an Excel Center in

[1:53:31] cost related to capital improvements, renovations, and upgrades at 808 West River site.

[1:53:36] Both are in the amount of $600,000 utilizing ARPA revenue replacement funds.

[1:53:42] Number two, an ordinance approving a funding agreement with the International Women's Baseball Center for Field and Capital Improvements at 31115th Avenue in the amount of $400,000 utilizing ARPA Revenue Replacement Funds.

[1:53:57] Number three, an ordinance approving a marketing service agreement with Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for made for Rockford Campaign phase two in the amount of $200,000 for two years utilizing ARPA Revenue Replacement Funds.

[1:54:12] Number four, it ordinance approving an agreement between the City of Rockford and side by

[1:54:17] Network's Rockford LLC or Smart City managed services.

[1:54:22] These are up for passage.

[1:54:24] Excellent.

[1:54:24] We got four items before us.

[1:54:26] Is there any further discussion on these four items?

[1:54:30] Alderman Tumberg.

[1:54:31] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:54:33] I'd just like to ask our city administrator if he has had any conversation or any.

[1:54:40] any reason to believe that goodwill is going to move their headquarters, their northern Illinois

[1:54:49] headquarters to the Excel Center.

[1:54:54] Mr. Kegnoun, I have not had any conversations with Goodwill.

[1:54:59] That was suggest that they had any plans to do such.

[1:55:06] Okay.

[1:55:07] It is concerning to me that I will vote for this, but that either that I just want to make sure that the taxpayer's funds, the full 600,000, is going to strictly the Excel Center program.

[1:55:28] I know how money can move around and maybe you could say manipulated in such a way that this would then free up.

[1:55:40] So yes, the 600 goes.

[1:55:42] And if the question was, is the 600,000 going strictly to the Excel Center program to help those in need of a high school education and such?

[1:55:53] The answer could be yes, and be honestly answered that way.

[1:55:59] The other side of the equation is $600,000 free up additional money's elsewhere in the

[1:56:07] organization that could be used then to move to the Excel Center.

[1:56:14] Again, it would be a travesty to the third word to weave a seven story, or how many stories,

[1:56:23] seven or eight stories may or I think it's, you would drive by it every day as well, almost,

[1:56:30] but so that it would be a travesty for them to use this as an opportunity to move out of that building

[1:56:41] and we've a building of the lake in the third ward, predominant we've vacant.

[1:56:50] So that is a concern of mine and if, yes, if that happens, it would be a trap.

[1:56:57] Thank you.

[1:56:59] Thank you.

[1:57:00] Alderman Beach.

[1:57:02] Thank you, Your Honor.

[1:57:03] Two questions on number two.

[1:57:05] Another one, do we know what that organization has raised so far towards the total project?

[1:57:11] And the second question is, do we know what that 400,000 is going to be used on?

[1:57:17] It says capital improvement.

[1:57:19] Is there a list of what they're leading right now?

[1:57:22] So we do not have the total amount that the IWVC has raised for their entire campus.

[1:57:29] We do know that the dollars that we would provide will go to the field upgrades that they need

[1:57:36] you get for the United States, the U.S. Women's baseball team was here last year and they

[1:57:45] stated that they will come back potentially even yet this summer if they do a number

[1:57:51] of upgrades that allow more competitive games to be played on that field. Even before the

[1:57:56] full campus model with the activity center and the museum are constructed. And yes, we do have

[1:58:02] list of what those items are, I don't have those ones.

[1:58:06] Thank you very much.

[1:58:07] And I would like to know, sometimes, you know,

[1:58:11] a few weeks down the road here, what the total

[1:58:13] month has been raised since we started this project.

[1:58:18] Thank you.

[1:58:19] Thank you.

[1:58:20] There was another hand over all the one in the mix.

[1:58:24] Mine goes back to

[1:58:32] number one,

[1:58:36] is it will be utilizing the whole space on in the building that they're moving into?

[1:58:47] Into the gustives and furniture building, will they be utilizing the entire space?

[1:58:52] I thought it was only a portion of the space.

[1:58:55] Mr. Cognone, are you aware if they are enough?

[1:58:57] I can't stay, whether they'll be using the whole space or not, you know, they already

[1:59:02] use a portion of that center for, you know, a storage of a lot of their operations, but

[1:59:10] as it relates to the Excel center, I'm not certain if that's taking up the entire space

[1:59:14] or not.

[1:59:15] My understanding, all the women in that exact here is my understanding, it won't be the entire

[1:59:20] space, it'll be a significant portion of that.

[1:59:22] That's what I thought too, but I thought that it was directly related to the Excel Center

[1:59:29] and all of the programs and services that needed to go into the Excel Center.

[1:59:34] I have heard nothing about them moving locations from their headquarters over to that new space.

[1:59:42] So I can just say I've spoke to Google as well as they're coming into my work.

[1:59:45] I've heard nothing about it, so you've had several questions about it.

[1:59:49] I've never heard anything about them leaving that building.

[1:59:51] So I just want to say that.

[1:59:55] Yeah, the current space at the Guserson furniture building night.

[2:00:00] I have heard nothing. I know that they were looking at alternative locations, long time ago. That potentially had other impacts, but I have heard nothing at this location.

[2:00:12] Okay.

[2:00:14] Please call the roll.

[2:00:15] Jerky.

[2:00:16] Logan.

[2:00:20] Aye.

[2:00:21] Tombar.

[2:00:21] Aye.

[2:00:22] Frost.

[2:00:23] Tarina.

[2:00:26] Prenty.

[2:00:27] Hoffman.

[2:00:29] Rose.

[2:00:30] Feach.

[2:00:32] Arios.

[2:00:33] Meek.

[2:00:35] Bailey.

[2:00:38] Item number 1.

[2:00:40] 12 eyes.

[2:00:41] One, no.

[2:00:42] Item 2.

[2:00:42] 3 and 4.

[2:00:44] 13 eyes.

[2:00:44] Are you out of it?

[2:00:46] Excellent.

[2:00:47] Thank you.

[2:00:47] Next, we'll go to code and regulation committee all the one in Trena.

[2:00:52] Thank you, Ron.

[2:00:53] I have 14 items as number 15 was laid over.

[2:00:57] Number one in ordinance establishing a no parking any time restriction on a north side of

[2:01:01] Bear Drive from where road to refarm road.

[2:01:04] Number two in ordinance establishing a no parking any time restriction on both

[2:01:08] sides of why shard drive from Bear Drive to 50 feet north of Bear Drive.

[2:01:13] Number three in ordinance approving the request to vacate a portion of the right of way

[2:01:16] the valley between Berry Road and Martin Road.

[2:01:19] Number four, an ordinance of moving the request of vacate

[2:01:21] a portion of hill street from Madison Street to the Rock River.

[2:01:24] Number five, an ordinance of moving the request of vacate

[2:01:26] a portion of mulberry street from court street

[2:01:28] so in a bagel street.

[2:01:30] Number six, an ordinance of moving a variation

[2:01:32] to a wild parking in front of the building

[2:01:33] and a variation to reduce the parking lot set back

[2:01:36] from 10 feet to 5 feet in a designated pedestrian street

[2:01:39] and a seat for Irwin McSew's Zoning District

[2:01:42] at 99 East State Street.

[2:01:43] Number seven, an ordinance of proving a special use permit for outdoor storage for passenger vehicles and conjunction with an auto body shop and an I1 light industrial zoning district at 3238 West State Street.

[2:01:56] Number eight, an ordinance of proving a special use permit for outdoor trailer parking and an I1 light industrial zoning district at 1505 and 1507 Kishwaki Street.

[2:02:06] Number nine, an ordinance approving a special use permit for the installation of the solar farm,

[2:02:11] free standing solar panel, maximum solar panels, and an I1 light industrial zoning district at

[2:02:16] 5529 PUNNY Hamroad.

[2:02:18] Number 10, an ordinance approving the sealant to baffle products and conjunction with the gas station

[2:02:22] and convenience store, and a C3 general control zoning district at 1344 East State Street.

[2:02:29] Number 11, an ordinance approving the sealant package liquor and conjunction with the gas station,

[2:02:33] and can be in store in a C3 General Commercial Zoning District at 87 East State Street, 12 and ordinance

[2:02:40] approving the sales of back-to-products in conjunction with the gas station and convenience store

[2:02:44] at a C3 General Commercial Zoning District at 87 East State Street, 13 and ordinance approving

[2:02:51] a modification of an existing liquor license, or 50% stock purchase in a C2 Limited Commercial Zoning District

[2:02:58] at 752 at 9.08 West River Side Boulevard and 14 and ordinance approving a modification of an existing liquor license

[2:03:05] for a 50% stock purchase in a C4, or if it makes you zoning district at 205 West State Street. Thank you.

[2:03:14] And TAN was also held out.

[2:03:17] Oh,

[2:03:19] okay.

[2:03:19] So we have 30 items.

[2:03:21] What's it?

[2:03:21] It was held out.

[2:03:22] There's wait over.

[2:03:23] No, it was.

[2:03:24] Sorry, Phil.

[2:03:24] I found this.

[2:03:26] Sorry.

[2:03:27] It's a few more.

[2:03:28] I'll doubt it was laid over, but it would not be voted on one way or the other.

[2:03:32] Not vote on 10.

[2:03:35] I am then your amended conference.

[2:03:39] All right, so we have 13 items because item 10 has been defeated and item 15 was laid over.

[2:03:45] One of remind council that item 14 was amended with five amendments.

[2:03:50] the fourth being switching that from May they end to 2 AM and from an at 150 days we will

[2:03:58] provide this body in update on how that establishment is working with a potential at that point

[2:04:05] to continue on with those same hours and or to revert them to the 12 AM hour. Is there any further

[2:04:15] discussion on the 13 items before you.

[2:04:18] First, will you please call the roll?

[2:04:20] No, no.

[2:04:25] Logan.

[2:04:26] 5.

[2:04:27] 2.

[2:04:31] 3.

[2:04:38] Fronty.

[2:04:46] Bottom.

[2:04:48] Rose.

[2:04:50] Beach.

[2:04:57] Barriers.

[2:05:00] Meets.

[2:05:06] Bailey.

[2:05:15] And I'm 25.

[2:05:16] 13.

[2:05:17] Eyes.

[2:05:18] And I'm number 6.

[2:05:20] 11.

[2:05:20] Eyes.

[2:05:20] Two.

[2:05:21] I'm sorry 12, I'm number 9,

[2:05:29] 11, I'm 11, 11, 11, I'm 11, I'm 12, 12, I'm 13, 11, I's

[2:05:36] 1, 0, and I'm number 14, 9, I'm 5, 0.

[2:05:44] Thank you.

[2:05:45] Next we're going to go to finance and person now, committee, we do a

[2:05:52] good, yes, that sounds

[2:05:55] I don't know, he's here.

[2:05:59] Hold them in for us, we're going to go to finance and personnel.

[2:06:06] There's two items, number one is in order to prove the purchase of two 14 North Church

[2:06:11] Street from the board of library trustees and the Iraq for the amount of $709-$5,000.

[2:06:16] The property is a commercial building, approximately 28,000 square feet.

[2:06:19] The city plans and leasing the building for the new home and the family piece center providing

[2:06:22] much needed expansion from this current facility.

[2:06:25] Number two is the order to prevent the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Rockford and the IEPA to establish the long-term residential hazardous waste collection facility a place these two words to before you.

[2:06:36] Thanks on.

[2:06:37] Thank you.

[2:06:37] There's two items before us.

[2:06:38] I need a discussion.

[2:06:40] Kirk, will you please call the roll.

[2:06:42] Logan.

[2:06:45] Timber.

[2:06:46] Ross.

[2:06:47] Serena.

[2:06:49] Brent.

[2:06:50] Hoffman.

[2:06:52] Rose.

[2:06:54] Beach.

[2:06:55] Barrios.

[2:06:57] Nix.

[2:06:58] Bailey.

[2:06:59] Bonnie.

[2:07:00] Hi.

[2:07:01] 13.

[2:07:02] Nice.

[2:07:02] Excellent.

[2:07:03] We need to go back in.

[2:07:07] Check our vote number 1414.

[2:07:14] What?

[2:07:15] Then the last hundred closure regulations,

[2:07:17] would I make sure our council is correct?

[2:07:22] Yeah.

[2:07:23] I didn't mean so.

[2:07:24] I didn't mean so.

[2:07:25] So if you go back to new business,

[2:07:28] under code and regulation committee,

[2:07:31] item number 14, item number 14 is the district bar in Grille.

[2:07:40] Mr. DeGone.

[2:07:41] All in frost was out of the room,

[2:07:43] so the boat would have been eight to five.

[2:07:52] So you can

[2:08:00] vote on the entire packet if not it's a 75-volt correct number 14.

[2:08:05] I don't believe that's the case.

[2:08:17] So the two ways we can do it, all of them across can go down on the codes and regulations item to go to the mayor if he doesn't want to do that, the mayor can also vote on item 14 to make it eight votes to the seven.

[2:08:39] Thank you.

[2:08:41] So I would remind everyone before we adjourn, we'll do office or a report.

[2:08:45] Just want to remind everyone that the sort of words are taking place at Coronado Theatre and they started at about seven o'clock.

[2:08:51] So, all of them are there?

[2:08:54] Thank you.

[2:08:55] I just had one follow-up question.

[2:08:57] This was involving the clinic on the RAID Drive.

[2:09:02] At some point, I had asked a census,

[2:09:06] performed minor surgery.

[2:09:08] I wanted clarification that the city was

[2:09:12] enforcing sprinklers and other fire suppression

[2:09:15] at a safety because some of the people

[2:09:17] will be incapacitated during the procedures

[2:09:20] and can't safely exit the building expeditiously.

[2:09:25] I'd ask the fire department if that's the case.

[2:09:33] Are they going to be required to have sprinkler systems in that clinic?

[2:09:37] Do you have that answer with you?

[2:09:39] Or is that an answer that we can get to the alderman?

[2:09:42] Oh, sorry.

[2:09:44] I want to hear your voice.

[2:09:46] There you go.

[2:09:46] Do you?

[2:09:47] I don't have that answer this evening,

[2:09:51] But I can certainly get it to you, Alderman Derky.

[2:09:54] I don't have that answer right now,

[2:09:56] but I can certainly get that for you.

[2:09:58] Thank you.

[2:09:59] Well, you mill it out to the full council.

[2:10:01] Thank you.

[2:10:02] Alderman, Bonnie, then Alderman.

[2:10:04] Hoffman.

[2:10:06] Thank you, Mayor.

[2:10:08] With respect to the status of the Oaks Club,

[2:10:12] there was some news this week.

[2:10:15] And I forget whether I believe it's a main church,

[2:10:19] Another property owned by the same developer that's been in the news for a variety of issues.

[2:10:28] And I was wondering if we can't have legal status in the near future on the status of the Elts Club and specifically talk to us about the prospect of receivership versus

[2:10:48] But the potential that there will be a corridor in our demolition.

[2:10:53] Thank you.

[2:10:53] We can certainly have legal provide that update in your accurate.

[2:10:56] It's our Guile property in Mark and Guinness.

[2:10:59] Item in the rose.

[2:11:00] Thank you, Your Honor.

[2:11:01] And light of us approving the legislative and lobbying contract with Zephyr government

[2:11:06] and strategies.

[2:11:08] I did want to just touch base that.

[2:11:10] I was hopeful that at some point legislative and lobbying committee could formulate some language

[2:11:18] around some of the discussion around ceasefire.

[2:11:23] I know that the President of the United States, President Biden has pushed forward with a ceasefire

[2:11:31] I think it's important that over 70 cities around the United States have went forward and pushed for a ceasefire resolution.

[2:11:47] I'm not sure if that is the right response, but I do think that our legislative lobbying committee could produce some language that would at least be in line with what America

[2:12:01] in the majority of people are asking in that, when we send weapons to countries, and I'm

[2:12:12] not just referencing the Middle East, I'm just talking in general, that when we send weapons

[2:12:17] to any country that we have the same expectation for our own troops and our own military

[2:12:26] as we would to those militaries and that we would expect that those weapons be used in accordance

[2:12:32] with international law and so I'm just asking that we kind of take a look at that at some

[2:12:39] point because I think it's important that if we have that expectation of our own troops

[2:12:44] here in the United States that we have the same expectation for any country that we send weapons

[2:12:51] to. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to

[2:12:55] say in February 22nd, my group, AAUW, American Association of University Women, along with

[2:13:03] the League of Women Voters and Alpha Kappa Alpha, went to Ellis School to teach fifth graders

[2:13:09] about democracy. There were two classes and in the first one, Alderman Wilkins joined us

[2:13:17] and her group beat the pants off of mine.

[2:13:21] But one of my kids was sick.

[2:13:23] So at any rate, and she seriously beat us,

[2:13:27] and we thank her for coming.

[2:13:30] The second group, when they found out I was an alderman,

[2:13:33] I had five young boys, fifth graders,

[2:13:36] who wanted to know about becoming policemen

[2:13:39] that was not on the subject, but that's where we went.

[2:13:43] So we have some recruits next time.

[2:13:46] I'm February 24th, a-a-u-w hosted the history of blacks in Rockford, and the speakers

[2:13:54] were skipped Gilbert, and Judge Heropoel, Yarborough, and I want to thank Alderman Bailey for

[2:14:01] coming.

[2:14:02] I'll let it with an interesting event, and then this Saturday, what's up at the border?

[2:14:09] You all got flyers last week, it's nine partisan, we're not going to get into how they

[2:14:13] fix it just what's happening and what actually happened on the 30 first. So we invite you all

[2:14:20] it's free. I'm gonna set second first and it's at 1 o'clock and we hope you all come and learn.

[2:14:28] Thank you. Any other officers, all the women from here?

[2:14:33] Yeah, I want to be fast so that we can get to the slower awards. I just wanted to congratulate

[2:14:39] like the Burkuro United Methodist Church on the opening of their Illinois Welcoming Center.

[2:14:47] They started to have this service and to be able to extend this to folks in the six

[2:14:54] ward and throughout the city, so congratulations to Burkuro United Methodist and this.

[2:15:01] I just wanted to give a shout out to a young man who works with animal services.

[2:15:07] When a bagel county animal services system is Austin culture. And there was, I don't know if you all have seen it on Facebook, here lately, but there have been some loose dogs and they are large size dogs.

[2:15:22] And I also had a chance to come to the sixth ward

[2:15:27] and I watched him capture one of those little stars.

[2:15:31] He was very professional.

[2:15:33] The animal was not hurt.

[2:15:36] And he did that very successful.

[2:15:38] So I just wanted to give him some praise

[2:15:42] for the work that he has done him.

[2:15:44] Thank you for his professionalism.

[2:15:46] Thank you.

[2:15:48] All the role in meats.

[2:15:48] I just wanted to know if someone from staff could tell me when the last day will be for the Public Works Director, Kyle Saunders.

[2:15:59] March 22nd.

[2:16:02] And then...

[2:16:02] I'm pushing for March 22nd, I'm 22nd, but...

[2:16:05] Okay.

[2:16:05] I'm saying it's this.

[2:16:06] It's pretty firm on it.

[2:16:08] So, I'm just curious is there an internal search for replacement

[2:16:13] or are we looking outside of internal staff for that position?

[2:16:20] Yes.

[2:16:23] No, we have had discussions. More than likely you'll see folks rise up internally first.

[2:16:30] Okay. But has there been an external search at all?

[2:16:34] Nothing has been and not external. It's going to be within first.

[2:16:38] Okay. Thank you.

[2:16:41] Other reports?

[2:16:43] All the good news.

[2:16:44] Yeah, I'm working trying to understand and differentiate the different activities that we have

[2:16:52] going on in the community.

[2:16:53] One involving the community healing center that's run out of the mayor's office of domestic violence

[2:17:02] and then the other one, alignment, rocker, which is the healing school framework.

[2:17:07] There are two different programs, so I'm working hard to understand the differences with those programs and working with students in our community, particularly Auburn High School.

[2:17:19] Thank you.

[2:17:20] Just so all of you know, the Community Healing Center, we are part of it.

[2:17:25] We help win the grant for it, but it is at Boys and Girls Club, I'm Kilburn.

[2:17:30] So, thank you.

[2:17:32] Other reports?

[2:17:35] Someone please give me a motion to adjourn.

[2:17:37] Thank you.

[2:17:39] We have a motion, we have a second discussion.

[2:17:42] No discussion, have all those in favor say aye?

[2:17:46] Those opposed, have good night.

City Council Regular Meeting

Transcript