1 00:08:31,820 --> 00:08:47,780 On Monday, February 24, 2025. If everyone could please stand, we'll first start out with our prayer, and I'll have to call Pastor Caleb Hong of Christ United Methodist Church to the microphone. Let us pray. 2 00:08:50,010 --> 00:09:03,310 Good and gracious God. We thank you for the gift of this new day. Thank you for the break in the cold weather. Thank you for the promise that no matter how bitter the winter is, 3 00:09:03,310 --> 00:09:11,890 may be spring is coming and new life is coming. We ask for your blessing on this evening's 4 00:09:11,890 --> 00:09:18,850 a business on our city council members and their families. We ask for your blessing 5 00:09:18,850 --> 00:09:24,030 on the people of Rockford and all who are gathered this evening that we would be united 6 00:09:24,030 --> 00:09:32,990 in our pursuit of making our city a place of hospitality, prosperity, peace, and justice for all. 7 00:09:33,850 --> 00:09:38,610 Lord grant us vision and compassion and unity in all that we say and do this evening. 8 00:09:39,330 --> 00:09:45,030 We pray all this in the name and for the sake of love that binds us all together. Amen. 9 00:09:45,030 --> 00:09:45,830 I move 10 00:10:09,760 --> 00:10:12,140 right into our public speakers tonight. 11 00:10:12,260 --> 00:10:19,500 You do have five, just as a reminder, you'll have three minutes to come up to the microphone and make your comments. 12 00:10:20,420 --> 00:10:26,020 Once you hear an alarm sound, we will ask you to bring your comments to a close at that time. 13 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:37,240 Tonight's first public speaker is Denzel Winter. 14 00:10:37,240 --> 00:10:38,120 good 15 00:10:46,060 --> 00:10:49,460 morning committee people. 16 00:10:51,800 --> 00:10:58,280 My name is Denzel Winter and the weather is 17 00:10:58,280 --> 00:11:05,380 starting to warm up and my children will be out on the on the corners giving 18 00:11:05,380 --> 00:11:10,240 water to the people that have that need the water in in the summer time when 19 00:11:10,240 --> 00:11:10,660 is hot. 20 00:11:13,140 --> 00:11:19,900 These children, they're out doing something that they know that's good. They take 21 00:11:19,900 --> 00:11:26,360 their own money and buy these waters. And I've been hearing on the street because I'm 22 00:11:26,360 --> 00:11:34,480 on the street all the time. And I have people threatening to do bodily harm to these children. 23 00:11:36,290 --> 00:11:38,870 and these children aren't doing anything to nobody. 24 00:11:42,120 --> 00:11:43,820 But I let it be known. 25 00:11:44,840 --> 00:11:49,000 Should it be that I'm there in the harmony of these children? 26 00:11:50,720 --> 00:11:52,660 They can call the police all they want to, 27 00:11:53,020 --> 00:11:54,160 because I'm not going nowhere. 28 00:11:54,400 --> 00:11:57,660 I'll be right there, because these children are doing things. 29 00:11:58,540 --> 00:12:00,680 You know, they could be I'm doing a bad thing, 30 00:12:00,920 --> 00:12:03,980 but they chose to become entrepreneurs, 31 00:12:06,450 --> 00:12:06,710 you know. 32 00:12:06,710 --> 00:12:15,850 And like it says, it takes a village to raise a child, and everybody should be watching out for these children. 33 00:12:17,090 --> 00:12:23,190 But all these people going around trying to harm these kids, still these kids and stuff like that. 34 00:12:25,460 --> 00:12:34,860 And I'm gonna tell you, I'm gonna be the one going around my neighborhood watching out for my children because they are my children. 35 00:12:38,120 --> 00:12:47,060 I appreciate the job that you've been doing, but there's some people out there mumbling 36 00:12:47,060 --> 00:12:52,100 and grumbling and talking about what they would do to you if they saw you in person. 37 00:12:53,460 --> 00:12:58,580 But I let them know, you mess with my sister, you mess with me. 38 00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:03,340 And I don't care how many police officers she has around me. 39 00:13:03,340 --> 00:13:06,660 She got one that she don't even have to pay. 40 00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:11,260 I got her back, you know, and this is ridiculous. 41 00:13:12,540 --> 00:13:16,260 You know, these children ain't doing nothing to nobody, you know. 42 00:13:16,840 --> 00:13:19,380 And I've been around here for a long, long time. 43 00:13:19,840 --> 00:13:21,840 I was under your dad, Mayor. 44 00:13:22,940 --> 00:13:27,980 I was a building inspector for your dad and for Charles Barks. 45 00:13:28,780 --> 00:13:34,320 I love this city and we shouldn't have to go through all this garbage that we're going 46 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:43,900 through now because I tell you we have a president all he's doing is so undiscord and 47 00:13:46,040 --> 00:13:46,980 the 48 00:13:46,980 --> 00:13:52,640 thing over is we had people voting for him or he's going to do this and he's going to 49 00:13:52,640 --> 00:13:53,160 do this. 50 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:58,190 My pal, the stadium, what he's doing with you guys. 51 00:13:58,770 --> 00:13:59,990 You got to go in there. 52 00:14:00,510 --> 00:14:01,290 Thank you. 53 00:14:01,590 --> 00:14:01,970 You're five. 54 00:14:11,090 --> 00:14:13,210 Our next speaker is Prophet Yusuf. 55 00:14:17,590 --> 00:14:18,770 Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 56 00:14:19,550 --> 00:14:23,470 In the book of Psalms, 121st chapter, the first set of second verse, 57 00:14:23,830 --> 00:14:27,770 it says, I look to the hills which comes from my health. 58 00:14:28,410 --> 00:14:31,910 My health comes from the Lord who may heaven and earth. 59 00:14:32,290 --> 00:14:33,570 What I want to speak about tonight, 60 00:14:33,570 --> 00:14:40,970 Forgotten heroes, fighting Germans and General about 2000 Black soldiers stormed 61 00:14:41,670 --> 00:14:47,290 normally while serving in a still segregated military. It was the most massive 62 00:14:47,290 --> 00:14:52,710 amphibious invasion the world has ever seen. With tens of thousands of ally troops 63 00:14:52,710 --> 00:14:58,990 spread out across the air and see aiming to get a toe hole in normally for the final 64 00:14:58,990 --> 00:14:59,350 So 65 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:08,700 And while portrait of day-day, often show an all-white army, in fact, it also included black 66 00:15:08,700 --> 00:15:13,800 soldiers. Roughly 2,000 black soldiers hit the shores of Normandy and bearish 67 00:15:13,800 --> 00:15:20,280 capacity on June the 6th, 1944, serving in the United States military, still segregated 68 00:15:20,280 --> 00:15:25,880 by race. They encounter discrimination both in the service and when they came home, but 69 00:15:25,880 --> 00:15:30,780 Not only did they face the same danger as everyone else. 70 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:36,680 The only African-American comeback unit that day was a 320 barrage balloon battalion 71 00:15:36,680 --> 00:15:38,580 whose job was to set up explode. 72 00:15:38,920 --> 00:15:40,700 Red balloons is her German plane. 73 00:15:41,160 --> 00:15:44,980 Wavily Wilson Jr. was a corporal and a medic with the battalion. 74 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:50,540 Although Wilson did not live to see this 75th anniversary, he died in 2005. 75 00:15:50,840 --> 00:15:55,780 He told the Associated Press in 1944 about how his landing craft hit a 76 00:15:55,780 --> 00:15:59,120 a man on the way to Omaha Beach, the tag brought us in. 77 00:15:59,380 --> 00:16:00,940 And that's when the 88 hit us. 78 00:16:01,100 --> 00:16:03,640 He said of the 88, the germs 88, millimetre gun. 79 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:07,160 They were murdering us of our 26 and 80s person there. 80 00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:08,300 There was only one left. 81 00:16:08,620 --> 00:16:12,360 They wait the whole top of the ship and kill all the crew. 82 00:16:12,820 --> 00:16:14,680 Then they started with the watershed. 83 00:16:15,060 --> 00:16:17,120 Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland 84 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:19,480 is head of an effort to have Woodson 85 00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:23,040 awarded the Medal of Honor for his action on D-Day. 86 00:16:23,260 --> 00:16:24,940 Another number of the unit. 87 00:16:24,940 --> 00:16:27,620 William Datton described what they count on D.D. 88 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:30,220 And in 2009, the Associated Press interview, 89 00:16:30,540 --> 00:16:33,680 during the invasion, the prime was theorist on the D.D. 90 00:16:33,740 --> 00:16:35,480 I was picking up dead bodies. 91 00:16:35,720 --> 00:16:38,940 I was looking at the minds born up the cell as a soldier. 92 00:16:39,140 --> 00:16:41,960 I didn't know if I was going to make it or not. 93 00:16:42,200 --> 00:16:44,400 Said that who passed with Linda Herbist, 94 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:48,740 detailed the export of the 329th and her book for God. 95 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:52,460 The untold story of D.D. Black heroes at home. 96 00:16:52,460 --> 00:16:58,640 And she said the military resisted efforts to desegregate as it went up a world war two and 97 00:16:58,640 --> 00:17:02,580 instead they kept separate units and separate for citizens for blacks and 98 00:17:02,580 --> 00:17:08,400 like African-Americans people don't believe the lies they say about I people I people have 99 00:17:08,400 --> 00:17:13,900 folk and back of the United States of America thank God for all better welcome back home I 100 00:17:13,900 --> 00:17:20,560 did 19 years 11 months 29 days one hour 10 minutes 15 seconds and I did three tours in 101 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:21,840 Thank you. 102 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:22,180 Thank you. 103 00:17:22,360 --> 00:17:22,580 Allow me. 104 00:17:26,430 --> 00:17:27,150 Thank you. 105 00:17:28,650 --> 00:17:31,570 This is a reminder to the public. 106 00:17:31,930 --> 00:17:36,490 We do not allow standing in the room, so if you could please find a seat. 107 00:17:36,950 --> 00:17:43,050 If you cannot find a seat inside of council chambers, there is an opportunity for you to either 108 00:17:43,050 --> 00:17:47,810 watch the television outside of these stores over the balcony, or you can go down to the 109 00:17:47,810 --> 00:17:50,290 first floor and watch council from there. 110 00:17:51,050 --> 00:17:56,810 If there are no chairs to set up down there right now, there will be some on the way in just a few moments. 111 00:18:14,470 --> 00:18:22,510 If any chairs do become available after public speaking, feel free to come back in once others do leave. 112 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:31,180 Our next public speaker is Mary Ann Leonard. 113 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:51,280 I'm here to ask that the welcome to Rockford sign be all inclusive. 114 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:58,420 I've heard that somebody's suggesting making a change that would be a limiting message. 115 00:18:58,900 --> 00:19:04,640 I simply want it to say welcome to all, Rockford. 116 00:19:17,170 --> 00:19:19,890 Our next public speaker is Sully Kandago. 117 00:19:26,560 --> 00:19:28,380 Everyone, thank you for having me. 118 00:19:28,940 --> 00:19:32,900 My name is Sully Kandago, and I've been a proud resident of Rockford for the past 40 years. 119 00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:35,920 I stand here before you today to express my 120 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:37,440 and wavering support for the Rockford, 121 00:19:37,660 --> 00:19:38,820 all people are welcome sign. 122 00:19:39,820 --> 00:19:42,100 It was shortly after founding my business in 2018 123 00:19:42,100 --> 00:19:44,080 that I became aware of larger issues regarding 124 00:19:44,080 --> 00:19:45,120 inclusion in Rockford, 125 00:19:45,120 --> 00:19:46,980 which prompted me to get involved in the community. 126 00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:49,940 I wanted to help ensure that all residents feel at home 127 00:19:49,940 --> 00:19:52,180 and valued something I didn't always experience 128 00:19:52,180 --> 00:19:52,880 growing up here. 129 00:19:53,800 --> 00:19:56,180 So officially, I also aim to contribute my small grain 130 00:19:56,180 --> 00:19:57,940 of sand to create a better city and environment 131 00:19:57,940 --> 00:19:59,080 for the family I'm raising. 132 00:19:59,660 --> 00:20:01,380 In recent years, I have witnessed a remarkable 133 00:20:01,380 --> 00:20:09,100 available transformation in our community, our city has embraced inclusivity, hosting community and family oriented events that celebrate our diverse backgrounds. 134 00:20:09,720 --> 00:20:16,600 At these gatherings, I have seen firsthand how residents from various cultures come to gather, share stories and build relationships. 135 00:20:17,140 --> 00:20:22,640 Most importantly, I have never experienced violence at any of these events, only camaraderie and joy. 136 00:20:23,180 --> 00:20:28,800 Brockford's commitment to inclusivity has not only improved our community spirit, but has also garnered national attention. 137 00:20:29,360 --> 00:20:32,880 recent data highlights that our crime rates have declined and Rockford has increasingly 138 00:20:32,880 --> 00:20:34,680 recognized one of the best places to live. 139 00:20:35,140 --> 00:20:39,080 This is a testament to our collective efforts to create a safe and welcoming environment 140 00:20:39,080 --> 00:20:39,780 for everyone. 141 00:20:40,220 --> 00:20:45,480 I want to address a misconception that welcoming all people somehow invites criminal behavior. 142 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:48,440 This assertion is not only unfounded but also ignorant. 143 00:20:48,900 --> 00:20:52,560 There is no data supporting the idea that cities with welcoming messages experience increased 144 00:20:52,560 --> 00:20:53,120 crime rates. 145 00:20:53,120 --> 00:20:58,120 In fact, many communities that embrace inclusivity see improved safety and cohesion among residents. 146 00:20:58,120 --> 00:21:03,680 I urge you to consider how keeping all people are welcome sign will reflect our city's values. 147 00:21:04,020 --> 00:21:10,040 This message does not diminish rockford, rather it enhances our reputation as a compassionate and inclusive community. 148 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:14,420 We want to track new residents, visitors and businesses who value diversity, and 149 00:21:14,420 --> 00:21:18,080 a welcoming sign sends a clear message that rockford is a place where everyone can thrive. 150 00:21:18,520 --> 00:21:20,720 Let us not be swayed by fear and 151 00:21:20,720 --> 00:21:25,440 dice of rhetoric instead let us stand together and affirm that rockford is a community that 152 00:21:25,440 --> 00:21:28,960 All people will maintain safety and respect for one another. 153 00:21:29,240 --> 00:21:34,100 Keeping them signed as this will only strengthen our community and show the world that we embrace our differences. 154 00:21:34,620 --> 00:21:38,460 Thank you for your time and I hope you support the resolution to keep proper to all people who are welcome signed. 155 00:21:38,960 --> 00:21:42,760 Together, let's continue to build a city that's a beacon of hope and inclusivity. 156 00:21:43,180 --> 00:21:43,440 Thank you. 157 00:21:52,350 --> 00:21:53,130 Thank you. 158 00:21:54,110 --> 00:21:57,230 And Suly, I apologize for mispronounceing your name before. 159 00:21:59,130 --> 00:22:02,130 Our next public speaker is Janie Wilson-Cook. 160 00:22:02,130 --> 00:22:03,070 I 161 00:22:07,420 --> 00:22:12,580 will be reading a letter that I sent to my older person, Ms. Torina, earlier today. 162 00:22:14,060 --> 00:22:21,300 Apparently there is a resolution to be considered at tonight's meeting to affirm the sign at the I-90, 163 00:22:21,540 --> 00:22:27,220 any state street entrance, which says, Rockford, all are welcome. 164 00:22:27,920 --> 00:22:35,260 In response to a complaint from Alderman Tunberg, Ward 3, the Alderman's comments during the February 10, 165 00:22:35,260 --> 00:22:51,100 On 2025 meeting, opposing the message on the sign were reflective of very recent anti-immigrant messaging heard at our federal level, which is not in keeping with the U.S. Constitution concerning the fair treatment of all people under the law. 166 00:22:51,100 --> 00:23:00,500 Alderman-Tunberg's comments also flout the spirit and meaning of the equal protection and equal rights sections of the Illinois Constitution. 167 00:23:01,320 --> 00:23:08,380 Every single citizen of Rockford, now or in their family's past, is an immigrant to the Rock River Valley, 168 00:23:08,820 --> 00:23:17,780 which, before Germanicus Kant thatcher Blake and Lewis Lemmon discovered the Ford over the Rock River, was until 1834, 169 00:23:17,780 --> 00:23:27,280 or populated solely by the indigenous peoples of the Winnebago and Padawanda be tribes, it's way too late to stop welcoming immigrants. 170 00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:37,760 As a born and raised citizen of Rockford, a 34-year resident of the Fifth Ward and the wife of a naturalized American, 171 00:23:38,480 --> 00:23:44,980 I express support for the resolution of firming this inclusive and welcoming message for all of Rockford. 172 00:23:44,980 --> 00:23:51,620 I am acting as an individual and not on the behalf of any organization, civic, or religious. 173 00:23:52,240 --> 00:23:57,440 In a land of immigrants, it's not brave for me to stand up for equality. 174 00:23:58,660 --> 00:24:05,240 It is far more braver to declare one is more entitled just because their ancestors arrived here earlier. 175 00:24:05,700 --> 00:24:06,080 Thank you. 176 00:24:15,900 --> 00:24:17,680 Thank you to our public speakers. 177 00:24:18,380 --> 00:24:20,840 We'll move right into tonight's agenda. 178 00:24:21,460 --> 00:24:22,500 Claire, could you please call the roll? 179 00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:23,560 Here. 180 00:24:24,620 --> 00:24:25,020 Here. 181 00:24:29,690 --> 00:24:30,290 Here? 182 00:24:30,710 --> 00:24:30,890 Yes. 183 00:24:31,270 --> 00:24:31,970 Thank you. 184 00:24:33,150 --> 00:24:44,410 Item 1 under committee reports is an approval of the workforce development agreement between the city of Rockford and LC construction for the not exceed amount of $675,000. 185 00:24:45,050 --> 00:24:50,750 The funding sources revenue replacement through the American Rescue Plan Act are befunds to have a motion to approve. 186 00:24:51,470 --> 00:24:51,730 No move. 187 00:24:52,130 --> 00:24:52,470 Second. 188 00:24:53,210 --> 00:24:54,310 Any discussion or questions? 189 00:24:57,360 --> 00:24:58,440 All the women, Torina. 190 00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:01,940 Thank you for allowing me to speak on your committee. 191 00:25:03,040 --> 00:25:10,540 A couple of questions, can you give me sort of a timeline that I thought originally that we were giving like 250,000? 192 00:25:11,340 --> 00:25:14,480 Maybe I have my numbers wrong, but I do notice an increase in the funding. 193 00:25:15,140 --> 00:25:21,280 And I also noticed that the funding source for this is specifically ARPA, and I thought we were out of ARPA funds. 194 00:25:21,820 --> 00:25:24,160 So can we just kind of explain where the money's coming from? 195 00:25:24,740 --> 00:25:26,600 I thought ARPA funds were used up for one. 196 00:25:27,360 --> 00:25:31,660 Yeah, so ARPA funds were set aside for a certain number of years for this program. 197 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:35,380 So we're kind of reaching towards the tail end of that allocation. 198 00:25:35,740 --> 00:25:36,320 Okay, so. 199 00:25:36,640 --> 00:25:40,620 And then we increased this to $6.75, was it a lower dollar amount before? 200 00:25:41,340 --> 00:25:45,640 It was slightly lower but in the past we've typically had to come back and 201 00:25:45,640 --> 00:25:49,200 ask for more so that they could complete the training. 202 00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:55,860 So they've been getting more work done than originally anticipated, which is driving the cost off a little bit. 203 00:25:56,040 --> 00:25:57,440 Can you tell me what it was last time? 204 00:25:58,020 --> 00:26:06,260 I think we went to council with like 525,000 initially last year, and then we had to come back for like another 100,000. 205 00:26:07,040 --> 00:26:10,960 And then my final question is how are we selecting these sidewalks? 206 00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:25,840 So, we've been with this program, we have been focusing on gaps and sidewalk repairs and replacements near schools and parks, highly traveled areas, things like that. 207 00:26:26,020 --> 00:26:27,460 So, that's what our focus has been. 208 00:26:28,040 --> 00:26:28,420 Okay. 209 00:26:28,720 --> 00:26:29,040 Thank you. 210 00:26:31,040 --> 00:26:32,660 Any other comments or questions? 211 00:26:33,780 --> 00:26:34,960 Clerk, please follow the roll. 212 00:26:37,160 --> 00:26:37,320 Aye. 213 00:26:38,160 --> 00:26:38,760 Aye. 214 00:26:41,350 --> 00:26:41,670 Thank you. 215 00:26:41,950 --> 00:26:44,960 And one under resolutions. 216 00:26:44,960 --> 00:26:45,260 Questions? 217 00:26:46,440 --> 00:26:49,300 Item one is a proposed resolution to recognize 218 00:26:51,080 --> 00:26:54,440 migratory birds and migratory bird day in the city of Rockford. 219 00:26:55,080 --> 00:26:55,840 Do I have a motion to approve? 220 00:26:56,860 --> 00:26:57,240 So moved. 221 00:26:58,320 --> 00:26:58,700 Second. 222 00:26:59,440 --> 00:27:00,580 Any discussion or questions? 223 00:27:03,700 --> 00:27:04,840 Clerk will you please follow the roll? 224 00:27:05,560 --> 00:27:05,700 Aye. 225 00:27:06,440 --> 00:27:07,040 Aye. 226 00:27:08,040 --> 00:27:08,640 Aye. 227 00:27:10,690 --> 00:27:11,190 Thank you. 228 00:27:12,370 --> 00:27:15,390 Item two is an adoption of the housing strategy framework. 229 00:27:15,390 --> 00:27:22,230 The Housing Strategy Framework will serve as the guiding document for city of rockford housing policies, programs, and initiatives. 230 00:27:22,710 --> 00:27:23,750 Do I have a motion to approve? 231 00:27:24,390 --> 00:27:24,730 So moved. 232 00:27:27,750 --> 00:27:28,250 I'll second. 233 00:27:28,870 --> 00:27:30,190 Is there any comments or questions? 234 00:27:30,770 --> 00:27:31,310 All the woman meets? 235 00:27:33,650 --> 00:27:39,370 I spent a lot of time focused on another area. 236 00:27:39,690 --> 00:27:43,930 So I didn't really have an opportunity to really review this in the way that I want to. 237 00:27:44,350 --> 00:27:47,750 And so I feel like I want to lay this item over if possible. 238 00:27:48,430 --> 00:27:50,630 Can I make a motion to lay this item over? 239 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:05,280 Aye. 240 00:28:05,940 --> 00:28:06,420 Aye. 241 00:28:06,900 --> 00:28:07,760 Thank you, Sarah. 242 00:28:13,510 --> 00:28:15,070 Item three is 243 00:28:17,890 --> 00:28:20,230 a proposed resolution to support City of Rockford. 244 00:28:20,390 --> 00:28:22,590 Welcome to mind on East State Street and I-90. 245 00:28:23,050 --> 00:28:23,890 Do I have a motion to approve? 246 00:28:24,370 --> 00:28:24,710 No move. 247 00:28:25,210 --> 00:28:25,470 Second. 248 00:28:26,290 --> 00:28:28,310 Any questions or comments on the item? 249 00:28:29,230 --> 00:28:29,870 I'm sorry. 250 00:28:30,410 --> 00:28:36,070 Before we go into questions or comments from the council, I would like to allow administrative 251 00:28:36,070 --> 00:28:38,630 of Cagnoni, an opportunity to discuss this item. 252 00:28:39,930 --> 00:28:40,910 Thank you, Chairwoman. 253 00:28:42,830 --> 00:28:47,330 Just to give a little bit of background information related to the landscaping and 254 00:28:47,330 --> 00:28:50,270 signage that's up there for consideration. 255 00:28:52,330 --> 00:28:57,210 The signage and landscaping is a result of an intergovernment agreement between the city of 256 00:28:57,210 --> 00:29:01,330 Oxford and the Illinois Toaway, which was first completed in 1991. 257 00:29:01,330 --> 00:29:07,850 at that point in time, the structures that currently exist and landscaping was installed. 258 00:29:08,350 --> 00:29:15,810 Later in 2017 and 2018, Delano told me he had a significant capital improvement out on the property, 259 00:29:16,270 --> 00:29:21,270 which resulted in a revised inter-government agreement coming before City Council, 260 00:29:21,370 --> 00:29:23,430 which was subsequently approved. 261 00:29:23,430 --> 00:29:29,210 That inter-government agreement allowed for a joint investment to revamp the existing 262 00:29:30,250 --> 00:29:34,110 landscaping, lighting, and signage out at the property. 263 00:29:34,830 --> 00:29:41,670 The vast majority of the landscaping improvements were done by the Eleanor Tollway at an amount of approximately 185,000. 264 00:29:42,050 --> 00:29:48,330 Within the IGA, it identified an additional $30,000 investment that would be coming from the City of Rockford. 265 00:29:48,730 --> 00:29:55,730 The City of Rockford partnered with the RACVB and Go Rockford on the project. 266 00:29:55,730 --> 00:29:59,890 It ultimately became also a part of the four city beautification project at 267 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:28,920 That time, predominantly the work done by the City of Rockford included some minor landscaping, up lighting for the sculptures and signage that was out there as well as the revamp of the signage that currently exists today. So an artist by the name of Justice Row was commissioned to do the mural that sits on the sculptures. Ironically, there's an article in the Chicago Sun Times over the weekend. 268 00:30:28,920 --> 00:30:33,800 and talked a lot about the murals that he's done throughout the Chicago area. 269 00:30:34,520 --> 00:30:36,560 And so that portion was completed by him. 270 00:30:37,320 --> 00:30:43,500 The wording was identified by Graham Spencer, Dre Graham, and 271 00:30:43,500 --> 00:30:49,140 it was tied to a larger business attraction strategy that had taken place. 272 00:30:49,420 --> 00:30:55,720 And he identified this language through a series of studies that suggested and 273 00:30:55,720 --> 00:31:01,920 aligned the business attraction to fill high skilled jobs within our community. 274 00:31:02,100 --> 00:31:08,160 Communities that had language similar to this were successful at a greater result 275 00:31:08,160 --> 00:31:14,340 of attracting individuals to the community and an effort to help drive and create 276 00:31:14,340 --> 00:31:16,480 economic wealth for the community. 277 00:31:17,060 --> 00:31:22,120 During that time, that signage was shared with the administration as Mayor McNamara 278 00:31:22,120 --> 00:31:30,440 As stated in the past, he approved the signage that was identified and ultimately that sign was constructed. 279 00:31:31,860 --> 00:31:38,920 You may recall that, and since that time, you know, a few things have taken place related to signage. 280 00:31:39,360 --> 00:31:41,640 That's also been part of our recent conversations. 281 00:31:42,280 --> 00:31:49,760 There was an investment, and I believe it was ARPA dollars, or maybe it was surplus funds. 282 00:31:49,760 --> 00:32:09,180 I forget which one it was to do some court or signage, and there was quite a bit of discussion related to City Council approval approving court or signage that would come forward in the future, and certainly should there be a revamp of this sign, it would fall under that circumstance. 283 00:32:09,180 --> 00:32:21,420 There is a resolution within your packet of firming council support of the existing signage as was referred in by Alderman Bonnie last week. 284 00:32:22,080 --> 00:32:37,540 I know that there was some communication with our legal department Alderman Bonnie that didn't get connected until later today when there was the possibility of an amendment to the resolution that future signage changes come before city council. 285 00:32:37,540 --> 00:32:48,520 So certainly that could be a friendly amendment of the planning and development committee, and we would have no objection on a staff level as we believe that to be the circumstance as it currently exists now. 286 00:32:49,280 --> 00:32:52,940 With that, I would be happy to answer any questions. 287 00:32:52,940 --> 00:32:53,620 I'll 288 00:32:58,680 --> 00:33:00,300 start with you. 289 00:33:01,300 --> 00:33:09,280 Thank you and thank you to all who reached out today, had some great civil conversations 290 00:33:10,100 --> 00:33:17,140 and had some very lively, couple emails to say the least. 291 00:33:17,920 --> 00:33:23,780 So for those of you who have come here tonight, thank you for 292 00:33:23,780 --> 00:33:33,760 showing your your vigor and such within our community. To give a little timeline 293 00:33:33,760 --> 00:33:42,200 going back some people on council were here at that time some people were not. Some 294 00:33:42,200 --> 00:33:50,400 of you may have heard me talk about this previously during this timeline. Going 295 00:33:50,400 --> 00:33:58,100 Looking back a number of years, approximately seven or so years ago, there was talk on 296 00:33:58,100 --> 00:34:01,560 city council on becoming a sanctuary city. 297 00:34:02,380 --> 00:34:04,860 It was termed a welcoming city. 298 00:34:05,960 --> 00:34:09,560 There was vigorous debate. 299 00:34:11,240 --> 00:34:39,040 My self pointed out specifically a part of the ordinance that had stated if there, so my question was according to what this ordinance had stated was, if there was an individual who was pulled over, according to the ordinance, as long as they produced a valid government issued identification card, 300 00:34:39,040 --> 00:34:42,100 that no further questions could be asked. 301 00:34:43,540 --> 00:34:55,360 So my follow up to legal was if an individual produced a ID that was coming from North Korea, 302 00:34:56,460 --> 00:35:05,440 Iran, some country that maybe is on our terrorist list, that law enforcement officer would not be able to answer, 303 00:35:05,440 --> 00:35:14,100 ask any more questions. Our city legal director had given the answer that is correct. 304 00:35:15,680 --> 00:35:23,560 So I had an issue with that. A few other aldermen stated their issues. I think there were maybe 305 00:35:23,560 --> 00:35:29,400 some aldermen that maybe hadn't, due to possibly no fault of their own, read through it as thoroughly 306 00:35:29,400 --> 00:35:42,920 as a few of us did, but it was apparent at that time that Rockford wasn't at that time ready to be a sanctuary city. 307 00:35:45,820 --> 00:35:53,920 It died. In fact, it didn't even come up for vote. It just died on the floor, for the most part, if I remember correctly. 308 00:35:56,840 --> 00:36:05,060 So, again, a week or two later, as I've stated here before, the Rockford paper did an op-ed, 309 00:36:05,620 --> 00:36:14,680 and pretty much reamed on Alderman Durkey and I for speaking up against it, but failed 310 00:36:14,680 --> 00:36:21,320 to even mention Alderwoman Hervey, who was adamantly against it. 311 00:36:23,360 --> 00:36:41,000 So, I think it made for a good story, I guess, to fit the narrative that you went after the white male Republicans, but you failed to mention a black female Democrat. 312 00:36:41,420 --> 00:36:48,360 I can handle it. I can handle it. But I just don't know why I don't know why that was the case. 313 00:36:49,900 --> 00:36:56,680 Because there was someone that spoke up, all the women in Hervee, as much I think as we did. 314 00:36:59,040 --> 00:37:08,740 But going forth, we did not vote on becoming Sanctuary City shortly thereafter, the sign had gone up. 315 00:37:10,480 --> 00:37:15,780 And I started receiving calls, are we a Sanctuary City? 316 00:37:16,780 --> 00:37:28,860 And I didn't know we were a sanctuary city, so I had stated, no, we're not a sanctuary city, and they said, well, it pretty much says that on the side. 317 00:37:30,340 --> 00:37:35,940 And other, other sanctuary cities were using that line at the time. 318 00:37:35,940 --> 00:37:53,360 So, fast forward, if individuals other than the mayor, the police, the county corner, 319 00:37:53,980 --> 00:38:01,760 maybe the state's attorney, many people don't hear about the crime in Rockford as we do, 320 00:38:01,760 --> 00:38:17,260 as Alderman. As time goes on, my thoughts were, I don't care if someone is from out of this 321 00:38:17,260 --> 00:38:25,980 community, out of this country, or has resided in this community for 50 years, grew up in this 322 00:38:25,980 --> 00:38:36,500 community, my constituents number one issue, bar none is crime, speeding maybe a close second. 323 00:38:38,040 --> 00:38:46,480 But bar none taking care of crime in our community is number one with my constituents. 324 00:38:47,300 --> 00:39:08,600 So, as we've had individuals that have come from outside our community, they've come from Elgin, you may remember, again, in the last year or two, which I talked about at another time, we had two young girls kidnapped. 325 00:39:08,600 --> 00:39:37,900 I think ages around 9 and 11 or so, one was murdered, another one escaped, we had a 75-year-old woman on the bike path recently, she was beaten, and then raped, and that was by an individual, apparently here, for a short time from either Venezuela or Honduras. 326 00:39:37,900 --> 00:39:45,120 Honduras. We've had a number, we have a family peace center that we talk about all the 327 00:39:45,120 --> 00:39:52,960 time from a domestic violence that takes place in our community. And I bet a lot of that 328 00:39:53,700 --> 00:39:58,000 is homegrown, people that live within our community. 329 00:40:00,480 --> 00:40:05,360 So I don't care whether someone comes 330 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:13,220 comes from outside our community or lives within our community is homegrown, grew up here 331 00:40:13,220 --> 00:40:18,420 their whole life, they're a citizen or they're a non-citizen. 332 00:40:19,440 --> 00:40:26,180 My constituents care about crime and I don't want criminals in Rockford. 333 00:40:27,320 --> 00:40:28,640 I don't care where they're from. 334 00:40:28,640 --> 00:40:54,640 I don't, it's, most people don't want criminals in their community, so that is where all of a sudden how this turned into, for this to turn into then, everything else, I'm sorry for that, that that happened, that that turned into that. 335 00:40:54,640 --> 00:41:09,120 But this was something on Monday that I had stated my piece on at the end. 336 00:41:09,300 --> 00:41:15,520 I did say that if the sign stays up, that's what it's going to be. 337 00:41:15,520 --> 00:41:40,390 At least we know that going forth, that this sign, or at least we know going forth, that signage within our wards and within the city generally will have to go through the respective aldermen or council's approval. 338 00:41:41,590 --> 00:41:48,850 This was one that did not, and at the beginning, I was getting it from the other side. 339 00:41:49,570 --> 00:41:51,850 How can we be a sanctuary city? 340 00:41:52,070 --> 00:41:56,510 This is crazy, everything else in my, we're not a sanctuary city. 341 00:41:56,850 --> 00:42:01,070 Now I'm getting from this side, the other side. 342 00:42:01,070 --> 00:42:17,190 So, just realize that you get it from both sides and so if you want to then state everything that which I think you should be transparent, 343 00:42:18,570 --> 00:42:27,910 that is what the position is. But at the end when Alderman Bonnie, when I stated that, I was done. That was it. 344 00:42:27,910 --> 00:42:57,590 Signs going to be there, fine, but we know that signage going up is not going to cause this kind of controversy going forth because the aldermen and the city council will have a say in the matter and aldermen body, and I'm not putting anything forth on you because you thought at the best of the time, I'm sorry, 14th of 14th of aldermen, that we put a motion up to vote on it. 345 00:42:57,590 --> 00:43:09,370 So, there was no, as someone told me today, I heard you put a motion up to counsel the vote to take down the sign. 346 00:43:10,450 --> 00:43:15,230 No, that is false and untrue. 347 00:43:16,330 --> 00:43:19,070 So, that's where we stand right now. 348 00:43:19,270 --> 00:43:25,070 Today, I had a call, in fact, a probably about an hour conversation. 349 00:43:25,070 --> 00:43:37,210 I found out today, as I told the mayor earlier in chairman's meeting, that I learned more today about this sign that I did in seven years. 350 00:43:38,230 --> 00:43:45,490 I just found out today who actually came up with the verbiage of the sign. 351 00:43:46,390 --> 00:43:53,250 And in fact this person who did that called me today because they're a personal friend of mine. 352 00:43:54,590 --> 00:44:05,750 And so they felt horrible on some of the things they were reading and so we had a great civil 353 00:44:05,750 --> 00:44:12,490 conversation as I did with some others today, people like Beth who reached out, had a great 354 00:44:12,490 --> 00:44:21,030 conversation with her, but this individual and I who came up had a great conversation. 355 00:44:21,030 --> 00:44:50,180 He understood some of my points with crime in our community, and again, not associating it with that, and so, he understood it, and I understood his point, and what was nice to hear was that point of it was that he did, which administrator Kagnoni talked about. 356 00:44:50,180 --> 00:44:59,340 I think he was sorry to see that this has caused the divide in the community from the onset to now this part. 357 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:29,540 He had said, Jad, this was really to draw, try to draw people here for the needed jobs such as Woodward and UTC. And he explained thoroughly and candidly and very transparently what his intentions were. And I fully understood that. And so I will close now for many people, thank goodness. 358 00:45:32,060 --> 00:45:44,680 So that to those individuals out there who believe that sign means that we are a sanctuary city, it does not. 359 00:45:45,500 --> 00:45:59,160 And for individuals who think anybody who has any thoughts on that, it's completely 360 00:45:59,160 --> 00:46:28,960 two different things, and so for individuals that like the sign, it's going to stay, and I think that individual and those individuals also can realize that it does not mean that all people are welcome meeting criminals, and that means that, so thank you. 361 00:46:30,780 --> 00:46:36,680 Before we go into further comment or questions or allow Mr. Cagnoni to respond to some of 362 00:46:36,680 --> 00:46:43,440 the comments concerning Alderman Thunberg, I'd just like to state that I know that this 363 00:46:43,440 --> 00:46:46,460 is a very sensitive topic for many of us. 364 00:46:47,260 --> 00:46:51,220 However, we will not tolerate any disruption of the City Council meeting. 365 00:46:52,360 --> 00:46:56,780 That being said, if it does continue, you will be asked to leave. 366 00:46:56,780 --> 00:46:57,800 Any 367 00:47:01,000 --> 00:47:06,100 other questions, or I'm sorry, Mr. Cagmoney, did you want to respond, clarify the same thing in the comments? 368 00:47:06,360 --> 00:47:07,540 Thank you, Chairwoman. 369 00:47:08,160 --> 00:47:12,580 Just to elaborate in regards to Oliver and 370 00:47:13,140 --> 00:47:16,240 Tumberg's statements that we are not a sanctuary city. 371 00:47:16,800 --> 00:47:19,160 Sanctuary city was not under consideration. 372 00:47:20,100 --> 00:47:25,240 I believe the references was to the welcoming ordinance and I mean there's a distinction between 373 00:47:25,240 --> 00:47:27,780 a sanctuary city and a welcoming community. 374 00:47:28,300 --> 00:47:32,840 Generally, a sanctuary city limits cooperation with immigration authorities. 375 00:47:33,540 --> 00:47:44,280 And that's not the practice policy or adoption of our city council, where welcoming community focuses on creating a supportive environment for immigrants. 376 00:47:44,940 --> 00:47:47,240 And we certainly do that as a community now. 377 00:47:47,880 --> 00:47:52,500 There's a number of programs from YMCA, YWCA, Catholic Charities, RBC, 378 00:47:52,500 --> 00:48:02,680 We see school district 205, we speak 70 language in school district 205 so that is a robust part of our overall community. 379 00:48:03,300 --> 00:48:13,920 At the same time, reduction in crime and crime prevention, this council has invested extremely heavily in crime reduction. 380 00:48:13,920 --> 00:48:17,620 whether that's traditional policing, through our Rockford Police Department, 381 00:48:18,260 --> 00:48:23,260 or other initiatives such the Family Peace Center, as mentioned by Aldermen Coomber. 382 00:48:23,500 --> 00:48:28,120 We don't want murderers, we don't want rapists, we don't want individuals at home, 383 00:48:28,480 --> 00:48:31,440 drug houses and grow houses within our community. 384 00:48:31,900 --> 00:48:35,960 Those type of activities have the tendency to lead the violent crime within our community. 385 00:48:36,040 --> 00:48:40,640 We want to make sure that we are attacking that information. 386 00:48:40,640 --> 00:48:49,680 I would also say that, even though the welcoming ordinance never brought forward to City Council for consideration, 387 00:48:50,540 --> 00:48:54,980 we did land on language that's relative, right? 388 00:48:55,340 --> 00:49:04,400 City Council, this council in January 2022 did adopt guiding principles, and they were related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 389 00:49:04,560 --> 00:49:10,620 And says Rockford provides a welcoming, nurturing, inclusive community that values our diversity where community members feel safe. 390 00:49:10,620 --> 00:49:16,840 in respect it. Ultimately, the resolution in front of you relays the language that council 391 00:49:16,840 --> 00:49:22,680 already approved as well as affirming the existing sign that's up at I-90 in a totally. 392 00:49:24,160 --> 00:49:27,940 Thank you. Any other comments or questions? All the women's arena. 393 00:49:29,140 --> 00:49:33,680 Thank you for allowing me to speak on your committee. First, I want to just thank the residents. 394 00:49:33,680 --> 00:49:43,380 I personally love it when we see you guys show up, we love it when it's not empty behind us and people stand up for things in our community. 395 00:49:43,760 --> 00:49:50,140 It's very, it's noble and it's appreciated and I want to see more of it. 396 00:49:51,020 --> 00:49:54,080 Thank you specifically to the residents that did reach out to me. 397 00:49:54,400 --> 00:49:56,240 I responded back to everyone. 398 00:49:56,640 --> 00:50:00,760 I will absolutely not be voting to change a sign. 399 00:50:02,520 --> 00:50:10,220 It's ridiculous, but in my own research, there was something that I read, I don't have 400 00:50:10,220 --> 00:50:14,200 the source, but it's quick and sweet and I thought it just kind of sums up how I feel 401 00:50:14,200 --> 00:50:14,860 about this. 402 00:50:15,660 --> 00:50:17,880 Crime is about behavior, not identity. 403 00:50:18,940 --> 00:50:23,780 Criminal activity is not tied to any race, nationality or immigration status. 404 00:50:24,440 --> 00:50:28,180 Studies show that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native born citizens. 405 00:50:28,900 --> 00:50:34,180 conflating the two spreads harmful misinformation and distracts from real solutions to public safety. 406 00:50:34,840 --> 00:50:36,320 So I thought that was a great summary. 407 00:50:43,360 --> 00:50:44,860 My question, though, is this? 408 00:50:45,380 --> 00:50:48,940 We as a city council, I don't know if it was last year or two years ago. 409 00:50:49,620 --> 00:50:52,560 We sat and voted, we sat and wrote it together. 410 00:50:52,680 --> 00:50:55,300 We also voted on a city value statement. 411 00:50:56,160 --> 00:50:59,480 Can you find that and read that, please? 412 00:51:03,330 --> 00:51:09,150 Which, are you referencing the resolution related to the guiding principles? 413 00:51:10,450 --> 00:51:13,030 Something that was, it was like guiding principles or like a value statement. 414 00:51:13,110 --> 00:51:19,950 When this can then go red her, her public comments, it made me think that we sat and 415 00:51:19,950 --> 00:51:25,890 came up with like a value statement for our city, some guiding principles for our city. 416 00:51:26,010 --> 00:51:29,710 And there was like, there had to be some sort of like summary statement that we all agreed upon. 417 00:51:29,810 --> 00:51:31,070 I'd like to know what that was. 418 00:51:31,070 --> 00:51:41,150 So, most certainly, the guiding principles came out of a couple of working sessions that City Council had and ultimately voted on in January 2022. 419 00:51:42,070 --> 00:51:58,750 I don't see that there's a summary statement attached to it, but there is a lot of statements related to leadership and communication, finance and infrastructure, safety, business climate, quality life, neighborhoods, education, health, diversity, equity and inclusion. 420 00:51:58,750 --> 00:52:08,250 In the last statement I read related to Rockford provides a welcoming, nurturing, inclusive community that values diversity where community members feel safe and respected. 421 00:52:08,530 --> 00:52:13,170 That is one of the guiding principles that City Council created and then ultimately approved. 422 00:52:13,650 --> 00:52:14,630 Perfect, thank you. 423 00:52:17,270 --> 00:52:18,070 Alderman Monney? 424 00:52:28,410 --> 00:52:35,790 First, I have first a question, Alderman, the Alderman from the third ward. 425 00:52:35,790 --> 00:53:01,170 and I was off topic had a conversation with someone in the media today, and I think we also ought to consider a changing our rules that we don't have to refer to each other as Alderman from the ward because it's very a news media unfriendly because nobody's going to want to use a comment that says Alderman from the third ward begs the question who are you talking about. 426 00:53:01,170 --> 00:53:02,110 Anyhow, 427 00:53:04,770 --> 00:53:11,330 when Alderman Tuenberg mentioned that we now have an agreement of the Council 428 00:53:11,330 --> 00:53:20,490 to have future signage, quarter signage, welcome signage, require City Council approval, 429 00:53:21,550 --> 00:53:27,550 we've had that discussion on the Council floor, but we haven't actually approved anything 430 00:53:27,550 --> 00:53:29,030 in writing to that effect, have we? 431 00:53:33,790 --> 00:53:58,030 I know that we articulated that, you know, future signage that would come before the committee or was sponsored or approved or funded through City Council for lack of a way of defining the type of signage that we're talking about, we would bring forward to City Council and for the most part that type of signage is typically going to come through Council one way or another. 432 00:53:58,030 --> 00:54:07,190 But we are going to be more specific to the will of council to identify what the signage is, the specifics so that it gets approved as part of any package. 433 00:54:07,830 --> 00:54:23,660 So we're going to receive that in writing at some point, I mean, the email I sent today was really along the lines of, and to be more specific about, I think, what Alderman Meeks was referring to. 434 00:54:25,820 --> 00:54:33,080 This was forwarded to me and I didn't look at it until today because seven of us are up for re-election of our own. 435 00:54:33,480 --> 00:54:34,860 That's what I think you're referring to. 436 00:54:35,340 --> 00:54:38,400 And that's why I didn't look at it until today. 437 00:54:38,660 --> 00:54:42,480 I mean, I knew it was coming. I spoke with the mayor about it, but I didn't actually look at it until today. 438 00:54:42,940 --> 00:54:51,620 So if that's not coming, I would like, I would, and I'm not asking the committee to amend it. 439 00:54:51,620 --> 00:54:59,040 I will amend it when it comes to Council next week, so that it also includes it. 440 00:54:59,260 --> 00:55:01,720 Because I think Alderman Tuneberg has a good point. 441 00:55:02,340 --> 00:55:09,400 We wouldn't be having this conversation, probably, I don't think we'd be having it if it 442 00:55:09,400 --> 00:55:11,420 had received a Council approval in the first place. 443 00:55:12,320 --> 00:55:18,100 And that's why I brought it requested that we vote on it now, so that it does have Council 444 00:55:18,100 --> 00:55:18,560 approval. 445 00:55:18,560 --> 00:55:24,720 and that we don't have to continue having this conversation. 446 00:55:25,460 --> 00:55:32,120 I think all the women Torena talked about the, I'm not sure why, and I heard some of the same thing. 447 00:55:32,360 --> 00:55:42,280 There seems to be some confusion that we're voting tonight to change the sign when the resolution clearly says we're voting tonight to affirm our support for the message. 448 00:55:42,280 --> 00:55:50,240 So that is my intent in making it not to be clear not to change the sign. 449 00:55:51,640 --> 00:56:03,960 And I guess my only other comment really is that it's unfortunate that we now live in times where all are welcome can't be just taken up face value. 450 00:56:03,960 --> 00:56:11,580 And that it has to, you know, that there's subtext and, you know, hidden meaning and 451 00:56:11,580 --> 00:56:14,620 concern that it's a bipartisan message. 452 00:56:15,320 --> 00:56:16,360 And I get that. 453 00:56:16,620 --> 00:56:25,440 I mean, those are the times we're living in, but I think half of us were not on the council 454 00:56:25,440 --> 00:56:33,720 when this was originally, the message was originally put on that sign, and I doubt I don't think 455 00:56:33,720 --> 00:56:54,280 I think the council would have not approved it if it had been put to the council at that time and I don't think the council is going to reject the message now, but it, you know, it's just it's unfortunate that that's where we are as a country and I guess it's a city. 456 00:56:54,800 --> 00:56:55,200 Thank you. 457 00:56:56,780 --> 00:57:01,540 We would support a friendly amendment from any of the planning and development committee members. 458 00:57:02,300 --> 00:57:14,900 Understanding that it doesn't have to be in writing at committee, so if there's an amendment that future corridor planning or similar type signage sponsored by the city requires city council approval, that would be completely acceptable on the staff level. 459 00:57:15,700 --> 00:57:16,540 Thank you. 460 00:57:17,280 --> 00:57:18,300 Alderman Rose. 461 00:57:19,400 --> 00:57:20,540 Yeah, thank you. 462 00:57:20,660 --> 00:57:28,700 I did want to comment on some of the things that are been said tonight and in past conversations about this development. 463 00:57:29,820 --> 00:57:42,540 First, I guess one of my questions, I first want to recognize third world Alderman for reaffirming that idea that it's not a sanctuary city sign. 464 00:57:42,540 --> 00:57:48,200 But I do want to address the idea of sanctuary city because I think it's very important for this discussion. 465 00:57:49,020 --> 00:57:55,880 And this is for staff, are you aware of any federal definitions of what a sanctuary city is? 466 00:57:58,430 --> 00:58:07,070 So I don't know if there's a federal definition, but a common language would be similar to what I stated earlier limits cooperation with immigration authority. 467 00:58:07,070 --> 00:58:36,830 Okay. And the reason I asked that is because there is no federal definition of what a sanctuary city is and I think that's very important for the public to understand because what is happening around that conversation or that narrative around sanctuary city is a political narrative, which is meant to identify cities that are, quote, unquote, friendly to immigrants and I say immigrants. 468 00:58:36,830 --> 00:58:45,930 not illegal immigrants, friendly to immigrants, where then that narrative is used to co-opt our 469 00:58:45,930 --> 00:59:00,050 policing and our law structures to go in and to target those populations. 470 00:59:00,790 --> 00:59:05,390 And I think it's important to understand that this has happened historically. 471 00:59:05,390 --> 00:59:09,330 here in the United States since the founding of our country. 472 00:59:10,110 --> 00:59:21,230 Back in the 1700s and early 1800s, there were efforts during the French Revolution where our federal government limited 473 00:59:21,230 --> 00:59:29,410 French people from accessing our country due to the rabble rousing of the French during their revolution. 474 00:59:29,410 --> 00:59:39,790 Again, we saw in the 1860s, when Irish immigrants were limited due to the fact that they were labeled drunks. 475 00:59:40,030 --> 00:59:44,690 They were labeled, obviously they come from Catholic backgrounds. 476 00:59:44,690 --> 00:59:51,710 And the nativist populations did not want to see that population grow here. 477 00:59:51,710 --> 00:59:58,590 We saw in the late 1890s when Jews and Austrians and Russians were targeted 478 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:18,620 In their case, they were targeted with medical exams when they were trying to come to the United States, and the doctors that did those medical exams would look at their paperwork and see that they were Jewish, Austrian or Russian and deny them on the spot. 479 01:00:19,500 --> 01:00:25,480 We saw it in the 1924 Immigration Act against the Chinese. 480 01:00:26,140 --> 01:00:34,740 We are now seeing it against Hispanic folks and any basically brown folks in this country. 481 01:00:35,020 --> 01:00:40,160 And so, I think it's important to call out both the history of this and 482 01:00:40,160 --> 01:00:45,020 how our immigration laws have often been co-opted to criminalize immigrants. 483 01:00:45,020 --> 01:00:53,960 but also the fact that we have a constitution that protects against this type of discrimination. 484 01:00:55,300 --> 01:01:02,720 First of all, being an immigrant should not make you liable to be asked questions 485 01:01:02,720 --> 01:01:03,760 from law enforcement. 486 01:01:04,520 --> 01:01:08,200 We have this thing called jurisdiction, okay? 487 01:01:08,200 --> 01:01:18,560 A jurisdiction means that certain law enforcement bodies can only operate within those frameworks. 488 01:01:19,080 --> 01:01:22,820 For example, we have cyber crimes. 489 01:01:23,240 --> 01:01:29,420 Who's in charge of cyber crimes in this country, the FBI, because they happen across state lines. 490 01:01:30,920 --> 01:01:36,400 Who's in charge of tax crimes, the IRS is in charge of tax crimes. 491 01:01:36,400 --> 01:01:42,720 No other body, our police department, doesn't go asking people about their taxes or 492 01:01:42,720 --> 01:01:43,720 seeing their taxes. 493 01:01:44,280 --> 01:01:45,380 The IRS does that. 494 01:01:46,080 --> 01:01:51,680 And I think it's very clear to recognize these jurisdictions because it's important 495 01:01:51,680 --> 01:01:56,860 to understand that who implements immigration law in this country? 496 01:01:57,980 --> 01:02:00,560 ICE and our border patrol. 497 01:02:00,560 --> 01:02:11,700 And so what we're seeing here is an uptick in a conversation where individuals want to deputize local police departments, 498 01:02:12,680 --> 01:02:20,660 sheriff's, city departments, state police to be their deputies in enforcing this law. 499 01:02:20,960 --> 01:02:26,760 And again, based on the Constitution, we should be protecting against that. 500 01:02:26,760 --> 01:02:44,540 I think that's very, very important in following our Constitution and I think it's also important to understand the connection between the enforcement piece and the uptick in the use of private prisons in this work. 501 01:02:45,340 --> 01:02:54,120 Is that private prisons have seen major investments since the Trump administration was elected? 502 01:02:54,120 --> 01:03:03,000 And I will share with you that Geo Group, which is one of the major prison companies in the United States, 503 01:03:03,420 --> 01:03:08,100 saw 100% growth in their stock price after he was elected. 504 01:03:08,860 --> 01:03:17,120 And it's no accident that those same companies are housing these immigrants in our country. 505 01:03:17,120 --> 01:03:20,960 So I will say it, I will continue to say it. 506 01:03:21,500 --> 01:03:31,020 This is no accident that these types of conversations and narratives are coming up because people want to make money off of it. 507 01:03:37,760 --> 01:03:44,840 This is a reminder, please try and hold your claps to yourselves so we don't have disruption in the meeting, please. 508 01:03:44,840 --> 01:03:51,800 So, I'll just end with this is, I think it's, I'm glad that the alderman from the Third 509 01:03:51,800 --> 01:03:57,060 Ward made the change in his language, that we're not a sanctuary city, but I think it's 510 01:03:57,060 --> 01:04:01,840 important as Americans to understand that there is no federal definition of sanctuary 511 01:04:01,840 --> 01:04:07,960 cities, it's a made-up narrative, it's used politically to attack immigrants, and 512 01:04:07,960 --> 01:04:13,400 we need to stand up to it because our neighbors are our neighbors. 513 01:04:13,400 --> 01:04:22,580 thank you for your comment. I felt it in y'all but thank you for holding it. Do 514 01:04:22,580 --> 01:04:26,540 we have any other comments or questions? All the women makes and then 515 01:04:27,060 --> 01:04:28,060 Timber. I'm sorry. 516 01:04:33,910 --> 01:04:37,830 We've been talking about this for a while now. So I would much 517 01:04:37,830 --> 01:04:42,810 rather be having a vigorous conversation about the housing framework and really 518 01:04:42,810 --> 01:04:47,630 diving into that because it was so important. But here we are talking about this 519 01:04:47,630 --> 01:04:56,530 And I just want to say that I am very proud when I drive into the city and I see that sign. 520 01:04:57,170 --> 01:05:08,570 It makes me happy, it's bright, and it says words that I love to see because I believe that to my core that we want to welcome everybody. 521 01:05:09,690 --> 01:05:17,090 And I actually, I feel you agreed to Alderman Tumberg, but I just want to point out one thing. 522 01:05:18,470 --> 01:05:25,890 Just recently, the City of Rockford posted information about the year and crime stats. 523 01:05:26,630 --> 01:05:32,110 So I just want to repeat, again, for those that have not been able to read that, 524 01:05:32,230 --> 01:05:37,450 that we have had a significant decrease in property crimes since 2016. 525 01:05:37,450 --> 01:05:41,830 We're down 35% from 2016 to 2024. 526 01:05:41,830 --> 01:05:54,990 And although it's not a continual decline, so I love the transparency, we're down 38% in violent crime from 2016 to 2024. 527 01:05:55,870 --> 01:06:00,530 And our homicide rates have fallen drastically since they peaked in 2020. 528 01:06:01,190 --> 01:06:11,810 And an individual, I don't know how to say this, because it has been charged in 16 of the 18 homicides in 2024. 529 01:06:11,810 --> 01:06:19,470 So of 18, 16 of those individuals that committed those crimes have been caught by our police department. 530 01:06:20,790 --> 01:06:30,790 And we gave out 15,815 citations or warnings in 2024, which is a 48% increase from 2022. 531 01:06:31,210 --> 01:06:36,690 I know some people won't like to hear that, but some people love hearing that, because that's what they've been requesting. 532 01:06:37,530 --> 01:06:54,550 I border the third ward so we have very similar residents and I know what I experience today and I have to know what you experience too and I'm glad that you have civil conversations. 533 01:06:54,950 --> 01:06:59,690 I think that you'll always have civil conversations with these individuals in this work because that's what we are. 534 01:07:00,090 --> 01:07:00,910 We're civil people. 535 01:07:03,110 --> 01:07:03,590 And 536 01:07:09,540 --> 01:07:13,860 I just can't believe that we're having this conversation in the way that we are. 537 01:07:15,480 --> 01:07:19,040 But I don't believe that anybody wants to see this sign go anywhere. 538 01:07:19,340 --> 01:07:21,320 I think they love it just the way that it is. 539 01:07:22,280 --> 01:07:33,800 And coming from a finance department and your goal is to be, you know, watching that money to want to tear down this sign 540 01:07:33,800 --> 01:07:38,020 and bring something else that is not as 541 01:07:38,020 --> 01:07:40,120 and couldn't possibly be as inclusive 542 01:07:40,120 --> 01:07:42,060 as what's on that sign right now. 543 01:07:42,760 --> 01:07:44,360 I just said don't understand it. 544 01:07:45,660 --> 01:07:48,400 But here we are, in my opinion, 545 01:07:48,560 --> 01:07:52,720 wasting a lot of time on City Council, a lot of time. 546 01:07:52,880 --> 01:07:54,540 And I would rather not do that. 547 01:07:54,700 --> 01:07:56,420 So I'm going to stop talking and hopefully 548 01:07:56,420 --> 01:07:59,400 we can all move forward and stop talking about this, 549 01:07:59,440 --> 01:08:01,040 because I don't think the sign's going to go anywhere. 550 01:08:02,200 --> 01:08:02,900 Thank you. 551 01:08:07,920 --> 01:08:08,440 I 552 01:08:11,350 --> 01:08:13,990 have no idea why this is in front of the council. 553 01:08:15,250 --> 01:08:17,710 If we voted no, what happens to the sign? 554 01:08:18,030 --> 01:08:18,390 Nothing. 555 01:08:18,910 --> 01:08:20,850 We don't even really own the sign. 556 01:08:21,750 --> 01:08:25,650 And to tell you the truth, you know, we all get what the sign means. 557 01:08:26,370 --> 01:08:31,950 So, you know, we heard all kinds of history that has nothing to do with the issue on the floor. 558 01:08:32,370 --> 01:08:33,850 We're running down rabbit trails. 559 01:08:33,850 --> 01:08:40,270 The signs going nowhere, it's kind of pretty good message, and I just don't get it. 560 01:08:40,930 --> 01:08:44,950 So, if we vote, no, nothing happens, so this is, I agree with Alderman Meeks. 561 01:08:45,250 --> 01:08:46,290 So, total waste of the time. 562 01:08:48,820 --> 01:08:49,780 Alderman, too, Mert. 563 01:08:50,320 --> 01:08:50,680 Thank you. 564 01:08:51,600 --> 01:08:59,220 Yes, and I would agree we're done with this, and crime stats, yes, they are down. 565 01:08:59,700 --> 01:09:05,540 I appreciate that, we've done a lot of work on council, and that is one of my 566 01:09:05,540 --> 01:09:09,140 Biggest things as Alderman is the crime portion. 567 01:09:09,720 --> 01:09:15,300 So I'm glad you did put those statistics together for your comments. 568 01:09:16,640 --> 01:09:24,340 So thank you and we will move forward and continue to get our streets done as well, come in this year. 569 01:09:24,740 --> 01:09:25,120 Thanks. 570 01:09:27,400 --> 01:09:28,060 Thank you. 571 01:09:28,560 --> 01:09:29,900 Any other comments or questions? 572 01:09:32,240 --> 01:09:33,420 Clerk will you please call the roll. 573 01:09:35,780 --> 01:09:36,380 Thank 574 01:09:39,680 --> 01:09:44,020 you, the item passes, is there a motion to adjourn? 575 01:09:45,900 --> 01:09:47,360 Any questions or discussions? 576 01:09:48,200 --> 01:09:49,420 All those in favor say aye. 577 01:09:50,040 --> 01:09:50,980 Aye, any opposed? 578 01:09:51,200 --> 01:09:53,720 Same sign, this meeting is adjourned.