ROCHELLE — The 2021 Sidewalk Capital Improvements Program was one of several agenda items highlighting the Rochelle City Council meeting Monday evening. Council members approved a bid from Bruns Construction amounting $309,620 for the sidewalk improvements.

Council members also approved an amount not exceeding $47,640 for additional sidewalk and pedestrian-related system improvements within the scope of the contract with Bruns Construction. Thirdly, council members approved an amount not exceeding $59,970 for supplies, materials, equipment and additional services for the restoration work.

Good News

City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh presented Mandi Morris and Michelle Knight with Good News Awards for their work on the Shop Local Program through Rochelle Municipal Utilities. Fiegenschuh said over 900 applications have been processed and over $81,000 in credits have been issues through the program, which was designed to provide relief to local residents. Fiegenschuh also said $456,000 has been spent in the community as a result of the credits.

“This program has been so successful because of these two ladies,” Fiegenschuh said. “They always go above and beyond and I wanted to recognize them for all of their efforts.”

Ordinances

Council members approved an ordinance revising Chapter 82 of the Rochelle Municipal Code pertaining to snow removal. Under the revised ordinance, it will be unlawful for any owner or lessee of property abutting a public sidewalk within the area of the city bordered by Sixth Avenue on the north, Main Street on the east, Second Avenue on the south, and Sixth Street on the west to fail to remove accumulations of snow, ice, sleet, or freezing rain that result in an unsafe condition for pedestrians within 24 hours after the accumulation of two or more inches. Accumulated precipitation shall be placed next to the head of the curb for collection by the street department. Accumulated precipitation shall not be placed in the gutter or street.

Council members also approved an ordinance revising Chapter 34 of the Rochelle Municipal Code pertaining to civil emergencies. The amendment adopts the authorities provided to city leaders in the Illinois Municipal Code and the Illinois Emergency Management Act. These two statutes grant the mayor the authority to declare a municipal state of emergency and describe what additional authority or powers are available once the declaration is made.

Zoning

Council members approved the preliminary and final plat of subdivision for the Grove Industrial Park Subdivision located at 920 S. Main St. in Rochelle. The City of Rochelle Planning & Zoning Commission approved the preliminary and final play of subdivision with a 6-0 vote on Monday, March 1. The purpose of subdividing is to re-subdivide the 13.15-acre parcel into a one-lot subdivision, as well as dedicate right of way and easements for use by the City of Rochelle.

Council members approved the continuation of a public hearing for Rochelle Solar (15537 E. Twombly Road) to the April 12 council meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to continue the public hearing to April 5 regarding the proposed preliminary and final plat of subdivision, plat of annexation, zoning map amendment, rezoning to rural development, special use for a solar farm and variance of municipal code sections 82-14 and 110-405 for the property located at the southeast corner of Twombly Road and North Caron Road.

Agenda Items

Council members approved the purchase of 300 Cherry Avenue in Rochelle for $15,000. The city will purchase the property for redevelopment or other public use.

Council members approved an agreement amounting $49,400 with BHMG for a system planning study of the city electric system. The study will assess the existing electric infrastructure in support of current load demand and future development. The study will analyze the electric system, including substations, generation and distribution lines to determine areas of needed improvement and quantify probable future needs of the system.

Council members approved an engineering services agreement amounting $24,750 with Fehr Graham and Associates for modifications to the Caron Road Lift Station. With the anticipated addition of a new industry on that sewer, the lift station will need to be upgraded to handle projected flows from this industry. The city will have about one year to complete the work.