425 E. State Street

Rockford, IL 61104

www.rockfordil.gov

City Council

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

5:30 PM

The following represents, in general, the chronological order of proceedings at the City

Council/Committee Meetings: Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Public Speaking and

City Council/Committee Agendas.

Meeting will be live streamed on Channel 17 and via this link:

https://rockfordil.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

Items appearing on the City Council Standing Committee Agendas for today's date may receive a vote at

committee and come before the City Council meeting tonight held after the committee meeting. Final

vote may be taken on said items at the City Council meeting.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

The invocation was given by Chaplain Kenneth Hendley and the Pledge of Allegiance

was led by Mayor McNamara.

Roll Call

Tim Durkee

Present:

Chad Tuneberg

Aprel Prunty

Janessa Wilkins

Karen Hoffman

Dawn Granath

Frank Beach

Jaime Salgado

Gina Meeks

Tamir Bell

Mark Bonne

Jonathan Logemann

Kevin Frost

Late:

Gabrielle Torina

Absent:

Alderman Frost arrived at 5:42 p.m. and Alderman Logemann arrived at 5:48 p.m.

II.

PROCLAMATIONS

Poet Laureate Presentation

Mayor McNamara thanked Lydia Kozlowski, the 2025-2026 City of Rockford Poet Laureate, for

her dedication and service the past two years.

Mayor McNamara announced the City of Rockford, in partnership with the Rockford Public

Library and the Rockford Area Arts Council, named Adam al-Sirgany as the Poet Laureate and

Mikiah Gerrity as the Youth Poet Laureate in the City of Rockford. Mr. al-Sirgany and Ms.

Gerrity both greeted the council members and recited one of their poems.

III. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Planning and Development Committee

Code and Regulation Committee

Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning

Manager, regarding the approval of the Final Plat of District 815

Subdivision. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

26-00048

26-00066

26-00056

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

Memorandum from Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning

Manager, regarding the approval of the Final Plat of Dulgar

Subdivision. Referred Code and Regulation Committee.

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

Zoning Board of Appeals’ Agenda for the meeting to be held on

January 21, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting for

consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee meeting on

January 26, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation Committee.

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board’s Agenda for the meeting

to be held on January 21, 2026 and Minutes from that meeting

for consideration at the Code and Regulation Committee

meeting on January 26, 2026. Referred to Code and Regulation

Committee.

26-00057

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

Finance and Personnel Committee

Memorandum from Carrie Hagerty, Finance Director, regarding

the consideration and approval of Finance Policies. Referred to

Finance and Personnel Committee.

26-00047

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

Memorandum from Timothy Hinkens, City Engineer, regarding

an Agreement between the City of Rockford and Four Rivers

Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for Davis Park. Referred to

Finance and Personnel Committee.

26-00084

26-00085

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

Memorandum from Todd Cagnoni, City Administrator,

regarding the proposed Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO) Regional Site Readiness Grant Application

Authorization and Award Acceptance. Referred to Finance and

Personnel Committee.

This Information Only was Read into the Record.

IV. PUBLIC SPEAKERS

Denzil Wynter spoke about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all

African American female unit in the U.S. Army that served overseas during

World War II. He shared the history of the unit and highlighted the significant

role African Americans have played in defending this country.

Prophet Yusef recited a passage of scripture and gave honor to the outstanding

African Americans heroes serving with the Chicago Fire Department, specifically

those on Trucks 19 and 21.

Ken Dickens voiced his concerns regarding the lack of urgency surrounding the

future of Rockford, Illinois. He also shared his ideas of how to address the food

insecurity in the region.

John Tac Brantley shared Renewed Turning Point’s mission statement and vision

for building a positive future for children in the City of Rockford, Illinois.

NEW COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Planning and Development Committee

Committee recommends approval of the 2026 - 2028 Funding

Agreement between the City of Rockford and Keep Northern

Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) in the amount of $60,000 annually.

The funding source is Garbage User Fees.

25-00166

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-65-CR

Committee recommends denial of the proposed Amendment to

the Development Agreement with First Midwest Group

(Machesney Investment LLC) and McDonald's for the

establishment of a McDonald's at 4103 West State Street in the

amount of $200,000. The funding source is 2025 Casino Plan

Funds / Economic Development High Risk Area. (LAID OVER

JANUARY 20, 2026)

25-00172

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

A roll call vote was taken, resulting in a vote of 5 to 8. (Aldermen Wilkins,

Hoffman, Granath, Bell, and Bonne voted "AYE"). Due to confusion among the

aldermen regarding the intent of their vote, Alderman Frost made a motion to

reconsider, seconded by Alderman Wilkins. MOTION PREVAILED with a voice

vote of 12–1 (Alderman Beach voted "No").

Alderman Frost then made a motion to reverse the recommendation of denial to

an approval for clarity of voting purposes, seconded by Alderman Durkee.

MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote.

Alderman Tuneberg then moved to lay the item over, seconded by Alderman

Frost. The item was LAID OVER.

Enactment No: 2026-45-CR

Committee recommends approval of the proposed Supplemental

Marketing Services Agreement between the Rockford Area

Convention and Visitors Bureau (GoRockford) and City of

Rockford for $100,000 annually for two years (2026 and 2027).

The funding source is 2026 and 2027 Casino Foundation Funds.

25-00174

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-66-CR

Code and Regulation Committee

Committee recommends approval of the sale of the vacant

city-owned property located at 5798 Logistics Parkway to 5728

Logistics Parkway LLC, the neighboring property owner, for the

amount of $124,000 plus costs.

26-00004

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-67-CR

Committee recommends approval of the Plat No. 6 of Green

Estates.

26-00005

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-68-CR

Committee recommends approval of Plat No. 2 of Ardmore

Subdivision

26-00007

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-69-CR

Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of

Appeals’ approval for a Special Use Permit for an off-premise

business sign in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at

2102 McFarland Road (First Perryville Development

Corporation/Applicant). Subject to conditions.

26-00008

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-70-CR

Finance and Personnel Committee

Committee recommends approval of the vouchers in the amount

of $8,285,662.57 as approved at the Finance and Personnel

Committee meeting held on January 12, 2026.

26-00012

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the

committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-71-CR

Committee recommends approval of an Agreement between the

City of Rockford and Awaken Foundation L3C to provide

on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities within the City’s

Weatherization Program. There is no fiscal impact to the City.

Participant wages are paid entirely by Awaken Foundation using

Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (ICEJA) Grant funds.

The agreement is from February 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

26-00041

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the

committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-72-CR

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORTS LAID OVER

Planning and Development Committee

Committee recommends approval of the proposed Development

Agreement with Urban Equity Properties (UEP Tower Lofts,

LLC) for the rehabilitation of 99 East State Street as News

Tower Lofts (former Rockford Register Star) for mixed-use

residential / commercial development. The funding source is

Redevelopment Funds and TIF Funds. (LAID OVER

JANUARY 5, 2026)

25-00170

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-73-CR

Committee recommends approval of the proposed Amendment

to the Development Agreement with Oliver Emerson

Development (Oliver Emerson Development, LLC) for the

rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of 325 South Madison Street

(The Watch Factory) as residential. The funding source is

Redevelopment Funds and TIF Funds. (LAID OVER

JANUARY 5, 2026)

25-00171

Alderman Wilkins, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the committee report and placed it up for passage.

The committee report was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty, Wilkins, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Frost

Nay:

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-74-CR

Code and Regulation Committee

Finance and Personnel Committee

VII. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Planning and Development Committee

Code and Regulation Committee

2026 Forward for Fun Initiative

26-00010

The request includes an allocation of $140,000 and an expedited special event

permit process for multiple events throughout the city in partnership with

Aldermen and GoRockford. The program goal is to create/support community

events in all 14 wards of the City as part of our continued pandemic recovery

efforts.

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

resolution and placed it up for passage.

The resolution was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-84-R

Resolution for settlement of Isaac Cornelius Fricks, Sr. vs.

Officer Brian Prine, Case No: 22-CV-50410 in the amount of

$32,000. (SUSPEND RULE 9)

26-00061

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

resolution and moved to suspend Rule 9. Alderman Bell seconded the motion.

MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote.

The resolution was then placed it up for passage and was APPROVED by the

following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-85-R

Finance and Personnel Committee

Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois

Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Homeowner

25-00182

Assistance Fund Home Repair (HAFHR) Grant extension in the

additional amount of $549,000 (the new total is $3,009,000).

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the

resolution and placed it up for passage.

The resolution was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-86-R

Committee recommends approval and acceptance of the Illinois

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant Award in the

amount of $2,000,000. The grant requires a 25% cost match

which will be paid for using the 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.

The grant term is from January 1, 2026 through December 31,

2027. If accepted, the grant funds will be used to reimburse

construction costs of the Madison Street Corridor Improvements

Project (Phase 2).

25-00183

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the

resolution and placed it up for passage.

The resolution was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-87-R

Committee recommends approval of the Award of Professional

Services for Family Peace Center Architectural Services for

Renovation of 214 North Church Street to Larson & Darby

Group, of Rockford, Illinois in the amount of $525,805.36. The

contract duration is through December 31, 2026. The funding

source is the Winnebago County Community Mental Health

Board Accelerator Grant.

26-00021

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the

resolution and placed it up for passage.

The resolution was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Wilkins,

Aye:

Hoffman, Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Torina

Absent:

Enactment No: 2026-88-R

VIII. OFFICERS REPORTS

Mayor McNamara announced the passing of NAACP President George Scott. He spoke

about President Scott's many accomplishments and extended his heartfelt condolences to

his family and the NAACP community.

Mayor McNamara conducted a Moment of Silence for the individuals that have lost

loved ones this past week.

Alderman Salgado announced on February 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. the Mid-Town District

will hold a meeting with Region 1 to discuss details of the Livable Community Initiative.

He indicated the meeting will take place at The Collective located at 309 7th Street and

he encouraged residents to attend.

Alderman Meeks announced that a city-wide Town Hall meeting will be held on

Tuesday, January 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockford Country Club. She shared that

Carla Redd, Chief of the Rockford Police Department, and Jennifer Cacciapaglia,

Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence

Prevention, will be presenting information during the meeting.

Alderman Prunty extended her condolences to the Scott family and the additional

families that have recently lost loved ones.

Alderman Prunty announced the Six Ward meeting will be held on Saturday, January 24,

2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fire Station 7 located at 2323 Sawyer Road. She shared Fire

Chief Rebecca Tyo and Illinois State Representative Maurice West will be presenting

information at the meeting.

Alderman Tuneberg reminded the Churchills Grove residents the neighborhood meeting

will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Alderman Bell mentioned he was hosting a Coffee & Conversations event at Mr. C's

Family Restaurant on West State Street on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Alderman Bonne thanked Calvin Wesley and Youth Build for the opportunity to speak to

the students regarding politics and journalism. He shared that the conversations were

meaningful and the students were highly engaged.

Alderman Hoffman thanked Francisca French and Jeremy Carter for their participation in

the recent Eighth Ward meeting. She mentioned both staff members did an excellent job

of presenting information to the residents.

Alderman Durkee expressed his appreciation to the Public Works staff who worked

through the night in extreme cold conditions to repair a water main break in the First

Ward.

IX. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES

A. Planning and Development Committee

An ordinance approving the 2026 - 2028 Funding Agreement

between the City of Rockford and Keep Northern Illinois

Beautiful (KNIB) in the amount of $60,000 annually. The

funding source is Garbage User Fees.

26-00050

Alderman Durkee, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-54-O

An ordinance approving the Supplemental Marketing Services

Agreement between the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors

Bureau (GoRockford) and City of Rockford for $100,000

annually for two years (2026 and 2027). The funding source is

2026 and 2027 Casino Foundation Funds.

26-00053

Alderman Durkee, behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in

the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-55-O

An ordinance approving the Development Agreement with

Urban Equity Properties (UEP Tower Lofts, LLC) for the

rehabilitation of 99 East State Street as News Tower Lofts

(former Rockford Register Star) for mixed-use residential /

commercial development. The funding source is Redevelopment

Funds and TIF Funds.

26-00060

Alderman Durkee, behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read in

the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-56-O

An ordinance approving the Amendment to the Development

Agreement with Oliver Emerson Development (Oliver Emerson

Development, LLC) for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of

325 South Madison Street (The Watch Factory) as residential.

The funding source is Redevelopment Funds and TIF Funds.

26-00058

Alderman Durkee, on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, read

in the ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Prunty, Hoffman, Granath,

Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Frost

Nay:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-57-O

Code and Regulation Committee

An ordinance approving the sale of the vacant city-owned

property located at 5798 Logistics Parkway to 5728 Logistics

Parkway LLC, the neighboring property owner, for the amount

of $124,000, plus costs.

26-00054

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-58-O

An ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for an off-premise

business sign in a C-3, General Commercial Zoning District at

2102 McFarland Road (First Perryville Development

Corporation/Applicant).

26-00055

Alderman Bonne, on behalf of the Code and Regulation Committee, read in the

ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-59-O

Finance and Personnel Committee

An ordinance approving an Agreement between the City of

Rockford and Awaken Foundation L3C to provide on-the-job

training (OJT) opportunities within the City’s Weatherization

Program. There is no fiscal impact to the City. Participant wages

are paid entirely by Awaken Foundation using Illinois Climate

and Equitable Jobs Act (ICEJA) Grant funds. The agreement is

from February 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

26-00051

Alderman Frost, on behalf of the Finance and Personnel Committee, read in the

ordinance and placed it up for passage.

This ordinance was APPROVED by the following vote:

Durkee, Logemann, Tuneberg, Frost, Prunty, Hoffman,

Granath, Beach, Salgado, Meeks, Bell, and Bonne

Aye:

Torina

Absent:

Away:

Wilkins

Enactment No: 2026-60-O

CLOSED SESSION

1. Motion to Convene into Closed Session in Order to Discuss Pending Litigation

Matters

The Motion to Convene into Closed Session was not made.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Durkee. MOTION PREVAILED

with a unanimous voice vote (Alderman Torina was absent and Alderman Wilkins was away). The

meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND

SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE

INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL

ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT

AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED

TO ASSIST YOU.