8-01-2024 3:16am

Village of Rockton hears reports, approves events

Downtown Rockton, Illinois

The Village of Rockton board approved two popular events at their July 16, 2024 meeting, as well as a zoning change on Wagon Wheel Road and lights for street signs.

Julia Scott-Valdez, Director of Management Services of Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA), told the trustees that they are switching to monthly billing in two Rockton subdivisions. Rates aren't increasing. Valdez was joined by Senior Financial Advisor Alex Mandujano.

Starting on Sept. 6, Rockton residents in Kensington and Wingate subdivisions in Rockton will be paying sanitation bills monthly instead of quarterly.

The next bill that Rockton residents will pay is a two month bill in August before the first monthly bill in September.

“Freshwater use equals sewer water that we treat,” Valdez said. “We simplify the bills in this process, to make it easier for residents to do. We are also changing our bill payment system expected to take effect by this time next year.”

These changes are being made to improve customers' monthly budgeting, to put sewer bills in sync with freshwater bills, and to allow earlier discovery of any service issues or leaks. Residents have been requesting this change.

Bills can be paid in several ways. Customers can call 815-387-7500 for more information. Residents can divide quarterly bills by three to help plan for the change in the next bill.

“We are proud to say that the water we return to the river is as clean if not cleaner than the water that is currently in the river,” Valdez said.

Village President John Peterson said that 646 customers in Rockton are serviced by FRSA.

Valdez told Peterson, “We will be reaching out directly to folks and to water and sewer departments regarding what the consumption data looks like.”

Valdez also said that a Memorandum of Understanding will be drawn up.

Valdez said they were starting with a small group so they can get their work processes down. “You can honestly say that you were the test group for the sanitary district.”

Valdez offered to come to future events to share information. FRSA is also planning to have a focus social media group.

“You'll be glad to know that your plant was up and functioning in a bad storm even with no electricity. Those guys were out there 24/7,” Valdez said.

Village President John Peterson said, “We have an opening on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Anyone who is interested is asked to reach out to Village Planning and Development Administrator Tricia Diduch.”

The ZBA is made up of seven members who meet once a month. They hear all requests and appeals on changes in zoning in the corporate boundaries in the Village of Rockton.

No comments were made during a public zoning hearing for a property on 11818 Wagon Wheel Rd. So the trustees approved the annexation of the property and a map amendment allowing a change to UT-Urban Transitional District.

By changing to Urban Transitional Zoning, undeveloped or underdeveloped properties have the opportunity for future urban use. This zoning also allows for possible future commercial, industrial, or public uses.

Trustee Dave Winters reported that between July 1-15, Rockton Police issued 65 traffic tickets, and 68 warnings. They made 16 criminal arrests. Of three traffic accidents, one resulted in injuries.

Rockton Fire Protection District Chief Kirk Wilson reported that from Jan. 1 - June 30, 2024 they had 709 calls for service, with 431 EMS/ambulance calls. Some were canceled calls or false alarms. The total fire loss was $369,600, for incidents that included structure, vehicle, brush and trash. Other incidents were Haz/Mat/fuel spills, or electrical.

Both fire loss and calls for service comparisons have increased since the previous year.

Trustees approved a request to pay $11,038.80 to Warning Lites of Southern IL for lights to be used with street name signs, as well as posts with hardware.

In the Parks and Recreation report, trustee Arianne Honkamp said that the Warriors Youth Football will be playing at a two week football camp. Girls flag football will be starting after.

Stateline Baseball is finishing their last week of the summer season. Staff has been working on maintenance on the trails at Thunder Rock Prairie, and are running concessions.

Trustees approved the event application for the Rockton Police Association's Blues and BBQ to be held on Wednesday. Sept. 4 from 5-8 in Settler's Park. They also approved the upcoming Rockton Lions Club's Last Roar Car Show on Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Rockton Athletic Fields.

Peterson said, “The car show has outgrown Settler's Park and that is why it is being moved to the Rockton Athletic Fields.”