12-22-2021 6:07am

Village of Rockton and Winnebago County agree on recreational path along Old River Road

Michael McGinnis Editor

The Trustees of the Village of Rockton had their final meeting of the year 2021.

At its final meeting of 2022, the Village of Rockton authorized an Intergovernmental Agreement with Winnebago County for the construction and maintenance of a recreational path along Old River Road. Described by Village trustees as "years in the making," the bike path will begin at Stephen Mack Middle School, run past the Rockton Athletic Fields, and end in downtown Rockton at the Rock River, across from Settlers Park. The county agreed to handle mowing along the path. The Rockton School District and Rockton Township will help pay for the path, assisted by a grant. Construction on the path will begin in April.

The board also approved the Village of Rockton's annual Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) contribution of $25,000 and the appointment of Leanne Wright to the Planning Commission. This leaves a vacancy on the Historical Preservation Commission, where Wright previously served. Rockton residents interested in serving on the commission may contact Tricia Diduch, Planning & Development Administrator, at diduch@rocktonvillage.com or 815-624-0935.

In the first half of December 2021, the Rockton Police Department reported 57 warnings, 45 traffic tickets 4 accidents, 2 with injuries, and 6 criminal arrests.

Trustee Scott Fridley asked the Board for a consensus approving in principle a $200,000 match toward a $1 million grant to redo Hawick and Prairie Streets. The project would include $300,000 underground improvements, such as water and storm sewer, and it would be finished off to match the streetscape plans already in use for Main Street. Fridley said the match wasn't required for the grant, but promising 20% of their own money would make it more likely that they would receive the grant. Other villages hoping to get the money have offered to match up to 25%. Fridley explained that the Village's contribution could come from already existing sources. The Village of Rockton would not have to provide any money until the 2023-2024 budget, except for some engineering costs.