The Rock Falls City Council met in regular session Tuesday night despite the frigid temperatures outside.
Some of the business on the agenda included a resolution transferring jurisdiction and control of real property to the Industrial Development Commission.
Four ordinances were up for adoption and all were approved by the council including, storm water management, special use permits, business license fees, and public camping. City Administrator Robbin Blackert explained the camping ordinance stating that after a Supreme Court decision, cities and municipalities can create ordinances to stop camping by the homeless on public streets.
Blackert went on to say that as a result of the no cash bail in Illinois, more people are camping out on city streets and it’s getting worse.
Blackert also shared some of the Business License Fee increases. A laundry license will increase to $75 yearly. $100 for vending machine operators, and $150 for Business Auctioneer.
In other news, Blackert was happy to announce that 30 acres owned by the city has been sold to Loves for a new travel stop. It will be located northeast of interstate 88 and the route 40 interchange.
The stop will be built on 14 acres, and the 18-million-dollar center will include gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant, and convenience store. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025 and last 9 to 12 months to complete.
