Village of Rockton criminalizes stone throwing, reappoints commissioners

At the Village of Rockton Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday evening, June 18, 2024, trustees voted to amend the Village's nuisances ordinances. Attorney Aaron Szeto explained the change, “This adds an additional act such as throwing or casting any stone at another property. This can be a golf course situation to anything [to the detriment of that property.... We will be allowed 10 days after the vote is approved to mediate in a situation if we are needed.”

Near the beginning of the meeting, a public hearing was held for the Village of Rockton budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2024 until May 31, 2025. There were no public comments. Later in the meeting the budget was approved in a 6-0 vote.

In a 6-0 vote, trustees approved a Special Use Permit for Sallie's Slots at 124 S. Blackhawk Blvd. allowing them to create an outdoor seating area.

Trustee Dave Winters gave the police department activity summary. Between June 1-15, 2024, Winters said that 87 tickets were issued, 59 warnings were given, and there were seven accidents- two with injuries. The police made 25 criminal arrests.

Chief Kirk Wilson gave an updated activity report for the Rockton Fire Protection District. He reported that from Jan. 1-May 31, 2024 the department had 375 calls for service.

From Jan. 1-May 31 there was $349,000.00 in fire loss in 31 fire incidents: structure, vehicle, brush, and trash. The department responded to 342 EMS/ambulance calls, 18 HazMat/ fuel spill and electrical, 80 public service calls, and 80 that were dispatched and canceled while responding to a call plus 24 false alarms- equaling 575 total incidents.

In 2023 the fire department had 457 calls between Jan. 1-May 31;  in 2024 they had 575. This is an increase of 3.4%. Annual fire loss comparison was $315,000 in 2023, versus 2024's $349,600, an increase of 10.9%.

The board approved trustee Jodi May's requests for $8,786.50 for two user safety management suites for OSHA reporting and documentation from J.J. Keller & Associates, and $8,082.10 for Public Works software from Brightly Software.

Village President John Peterson gave a special word of gratitude to the Rockton Fire Department, Rockton Police and Rockton Public Works for their excellent work on this year's Old Settlers Days festival.

Trustee Arianne Honkamp said that the Walt Williamson Pool has been very busy with the warmer weather. She also said that the River Market cleanup will start in June.

Trustees voted to reappoint several members to Village commissions at its meeting

Brent Murray and Diana Weiser were reappointed to the Planning Commission. Each will serve a five year term.

Murray is currently the chair of the commission. Leta Stewart is the secretary. Jamin Unger serves as vice chair. Members are Stephen Chu, Julia Johnson, Angela Ketelsen, and Weiser. The Planning Commission prepares and recommends a comprehensive plan to the village. They monitor when changes or improvements are needed and promote the plan.

After reappointment, Mark Meichtry and Erica Smith will serve a three year term on the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Also serving are Christopher Anderson, Tricia Davey, Rachel Lynch, Kelly Kulak, and Tierra Polfliet.

The purpose of the HPC is to implement the village's historic preservation ordinance, and to identify and to preserve the historic and architectural characteristics of the village's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history. They also promote civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past as represented in Rockton's historic district and its four local landmarks: 203 W. Franklin St., 109 S. Blackhawk Blvd., 119 W. Chapel St., and 529 Green St., the Rockton Township Historical Society Museum.

Additionally they work to protect and enhance the attractiveness of the village to buyers, visitors, and shoppers by supporting businesses, commerce, industry, while providing economic benefit. The last role of the commission is to foster and encourage preservation, restoration, of structures, areas of neighborhoods, and prevention of future urban blight.

Gary Kovanda, current chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), was reappointed for a five year term.

Joining Kovanda is vice chair Eric Tison, secretary Tom Henschel, and members Tom Polaski, Ted Thayer, and Stacey West. The Zoning Board hears all zoning requests in the corporate boundaries in the Village of Rockton, including special use permits, variances, pre-annexation requests, and map amendments.

The Village also has a police pension board and a police commission.

Village President John Peterson said, “We are lucky to have all of these people serving on these committees.”