ROCHELLE — At its meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle City Council discussed a potential urban park that it may erect in the future at 517 W. 4th Ave., where it recently demolished a building that was the former site of Vinny's Barbershop.

The city acquired the building and demolished it due to structural issues. The council was presented with a concept design put together by Studio GWA for the urban park on Tuesday that was received positively by council members. The concept plan includes a seat wall, native plantings and an asphalt area for a potential food truck or vendor space. A potential mural may also be included in the plan.

"I think now we have an amazing opportunity," City Community Development Director Michelle Pease said. "We can make the space something that makes people say, 'Wow. What happened here?'"

Studio GWA has designed properties in the city in the past, namely Kennay Farms Distilling. The plan is only a concept, as the city must now get a cost estimate for the project.

Council members provided feedback Tuesday including lighting, water and electrical access, maintenance needs, and the area also acting as a venue for performers.

Funding

On a separate note, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing $2.82 million in funding for an upcoming downtown improvement project that will also be funded by a state grant.

In January 2022, the city received confirmation that it was awarded a Rebuild Illinois Downtowns & Main Street Capital Grant from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The grant amount is for $1,151,974 and covers parking lot restoration, the construction of two new lots and public restrooms.

Two new lots will be constructed in the project to increase parking options and create more connectivity and walkability to downtown. One new lot will be located at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Lincoln Avenue, and the other will be at the corner of Washington Street and Second Avenue. Seven existing parking lots will be reconstructed and repaired.

The new public restroom structure is planned to be located in the gazebo/parking lot area downtown off North Main Street and could also include stage and storage amenities. The community gazebo in the area collapsed last winter due to storms and caused the city to look closer at improving the area for a gathering space.

"The city has made investments thus far downtown to do everything we can to fill storefronts," Bearrows said. "This is the next step to try to draw people down there to support all of those small businesses that are the backbone of the community. I think it's a great project."

The overall downtown project also includes major electrical service improvements including placing all electric lines underground. That work will take place in the alley between Lincoln Highway and North Main Street and will run from behind the post office north to Fourth Avenue.

Liquor license

The council unanimously approved an ordinance creating an additional restaurant (R-2) liquor license for Barrio Agave at 1310 N. 7th St.

The council previously approved a liquor license for the business, but the mandatory step of obtaining a state liquor license caused setbacks for the owners as the application was rejected twice by the state for undisclosed reasons. As a result, the owners decided not to pursue renewal of the liquor license by the Jan. 31 deadline, leading to an automatic void. The city then worked with the owners to restart the process this year to address the challenges and help them obtain their state liquor license.

An R-2 liquor license authorizes the retail sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises by restaurants with no bar.

Terms

The council unanimously approved a change to its code that will now see Planning & Zoning Commission members serve three-year terms instead of five-year terms. The move was made to entice more members of the community to want to serve on the commission. Planning & Zoning commission members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.

Retirement

The council recognized Wendy Horn upon her retirement from the city after 40 years. Horn has served under seven city managers. She worked in code enforcement for the city.

"Wendy has navigated her 40 years with the City of Rochelle, with kindness, patience and compassion," Pease said. "It has been an absolute privilege to work with you."