Outgoing council members proud of business, job growth

Hollonbeck, Eckhardt honored during Monday open house

By: John Shank
Posted 4/23/17

Kathy Hollonbeck and Dave Eckhardt both came onto the Rochelle City Council in 2005, and over the past 12 years they each point to industrial, retail and job growth as a few of the major accomplishments during their tenure.

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Outgoing council members proud of business, job growth

Hollonbeck, Eckhardt honored during Monday open house

Posted

ROCHELLE — Kathy Hollonbeck and Dave Eckhardt both came onto the Rochelle City Council in 2005, and over the past 12 years they each point to industrial, retail and job growth as a few of the major accomplishments during their tenure.

“The growth we’ve seen with businesses and the increased EAV for the city has been good for Rochelle,” Eckhardt said. “It has made a big positive difference here.”

“Yes, the growth of industry has been strong and I think the council helped set guidelines for that in the past 12 years,” she added.

The comments came on Monday afternoon at Rochelle City Hall during an open house for the pair who are both stepping down from their council positions after three terms.

Hollonbeck said she hopes the new city council can work together and get more done in the future.

“I believe one of the main things during my time that was important was the council often came together and reached a consensus on many issues,” Hollonbeck said. “That doesn’t always happen, but it helps to get things done and I’m proud we were able to do that. I think this new group will be able to do more good things for the community.”

Hollonbeck said the most pressing issue for the new council will be to hire a strong city manager.

“That will be the most important thing they can do right off the bat,” she stated. “We have a good city staff in place and finding a manager who can work well with the council and staff is important in moving forward with projects and with budgeting.

Eckhardt said during his time on the council he is most proud of the council and city in working to bring Big R to town to fill the vacant building on the city’s north side after Walmart moved to the east shopping plaza.

“That was a huge deal,” he said. “We worked to attract Big R here and not only fill a void in that corridor, but also set the stage for other businesses to expand in that area.”

One thing Eckhardt regrets not getting done was the addition of a community recreation center in town.

“When I moved here in 1988 a rec center was the number item on the list for community needs, and here it is almost 30 years later and it is still not done,” he lamented. “We have seen job growth but we haven’t seen the residential growth. I believe providing more quality of life amenities in town would help change that.”

During a short ceremony, Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson presented both outgoing council members with a plaque for their dedicated service, complimenting them on the hard work they put in over the last three terms.

“You both were a pleasure to serve with and I appreciate how much you worked for and care about Rochelle,” he stated. “Thank you for your service and I know you will both continue to be involved in many other important ways in the community.”