The Rock Falls City Council met in session Tuesday night and opened up the proceedings with an audience request by a Rock Falls resident to approach the podium.
Penny Patton who resides at the Riverside Mobile Estates in Whiteside County, asked for assistance with repairs to Regan Road, where the homes are located, which is now being used more often by large vehicles due to Route 30 construction. Patton stated that sections of the road flood after heavy rainfall.
Patton also asked for more Police presence in the park, possibly suggesting surveillance cameras. Her requests were recorded and taken under consideration.
City Administrator Robbin Blackert discussed the consequences of the failed referendum that would have placed a 0.5 percent sales tax on non-exempt sales throughout Whiteside County that would have gone a long way in helping pay the 911 Dispatch services.
Blackert went on to say that the city is now looking for equity, taking much of the cost burden off the eastside residents and having other towns like Fulton and Prophetstown pay their fair share.
In other news, Tourism Director Melinda Jones gave a slide presentation reviewing 2024 events.
A couple of ordinances were adopted including vacating the right of way as part of Avenue E in block 18 of the Chamberlain Brothers subdivision. A Zoning Board recommendation was accepted for the new Love’s gas station in Rock Falls with a subdivision created.
Fire Chief Ken Wolf let the council know that there will be a fireworks display at the McCormick Event Center on November 30. Wolf shared that all of the necessary paperwork had been submitted and the 5-to-6-minute show highlights a wedding reception.
First Ward Alderman Gabriella McKanna, the Finance Committee Chairman brought a recommendation from the ARPA Committee to obligate the remaining funds of $15,517 dollars for improvements at city parks. ARPA funds have to be spent by the end of the year and will be instituted December 26.
