Village of Rockton adds zoning professional to Zoning Board of Appeals

The Village of Rockton Board of Trustees does most of its work in committees, so they ran through their August 17 agenda in less than 15 minutes. Like the Board meetings, the committee meetings are open to the public.

As Major John Peterson presented the "Appointment/Approval of Eric Tison to the Zoning Board of Appeals" for a vote, he said to Tison, "I understand you have amazing credentials."

It turned out that Rockton resident Eric Tison happens to be the Planning & Development Administrator for Jo Daviess County, where his professional expertise is handling building and zoning issues. He told the Board, "I thought I could put that to use here, where my family has now made its home for the last two 12 years. So I'm looking forward to providing some help to the Village whenever it's needed."

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In other zoning news, the Board approved a special use permit for an outdoor seating area for After the Vine, a wine bar at 163 Hawick St. that will offer wine tastings (with chocolate), retail wine sales, craft beers, and gifts.

The Board also approved a design review for Greater Rockton Centre, 302 W. Main Street. The managers of the event venue on the Rock River say they want to work on the exterior first to make sure the integrity of the building stays in good shape. They plan to do interior remodeling later.

The Rockton Police Department reported 105 traffic stops, 71 warnings, and 34 tickets issued. There were eight criminal arrests and two 2 traffic accidents, one with minor injuries.

The Board approved a special event liquor license for the Macktown Living History Golf Play Day. The Scotch Four Ball tournament will be held Friday, September 24 at Macktown Golf Course from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Village Clerk Christina Stewart will attend the Municipal Clerks of Illinois Academy October 13–15th in Bloomington, at a cost not to exceed $1,200.

Ordinance 2021-9 amended the purchasing procedures of the Village of Rockton, Illinois, basically "aligning them with the rest of the state," said Trustee Justin York.

Trustee Scott Danielson presented a resolution authorizing the Village to enter into a redevelopment agreement with the Rockton Garden Works. He clarified that the agreement was for 50% of the total cost, up to $5,000.

Trustee Cory Magnus asked for approval of a special events application for  a “Re-Grand Opening of Positive Changes Chiropractic” at 202 W. Main Street, to be held on Tuesday, August 31, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The other business in the building is okay with having the event but they won't be officially joining it that day.