Once again, it is becoming a recurring theme that the Rock Falls City Council members breeze through their meeting which happened Tuesday night.
One ordinance that was up for first reading was to amend the municipal code relating to driveway and curb requirements. As written, no person shall break or cut away any portion of any sidewalk, curb or gutter for purposes of establishing a driveway or other access to any city street, alley, or public right of way without first obtaining a permit as required.
Another ordinance that was adopted by the council was relating to Utility Rate Increases. City Administrator Robbin Blackert explained the process and stated that starting in October residents will get approximately a 3 percent increase or $1.78 monthly for wastewater. Household drinking water will go up to approximately $1.65 starting next May.
Blackert added that there are areas of Rock Falls that have old water infrastructure that the city has been working very hard the last 4 years to get that up to snuff. All increases are related to infrastructure.
In other news, First Ward Alderman Bill Wangelin brought a recommendation from the Public Works Committee to accept the bid of $20,335 dollars from BPI Brands Heating and Cooling to furnish and install 2 Trane furnaces and air conditioners at City Hall.
